Buick, the luxury brand of General Motors, has officially entered the Ultium era with the launch of its electric crossover, the Electra E5, in China. Originally introduced last year, the model boasts a sleek and “pure” design inspired by the Electra-X concept. Buyers will appreciate the flush-mounted door handles, Buick’s controversial new face, and the new tri-shield emblem along with 18- or 20-inch wheels.
The Electra E5 falls between the Envision and Enclave models in terms of size, measuring 192.6 inches (4,892 mm) long, 75 inches (1,905 mm) wide, and 65.2 inches (1,655 mm) tall with a wheelbase of 116.3 inches (2,954 mm). For those seeking more exclusivity, the Electra E5 Avenir, the first upscale trim to be offered on an electric vehicle, comes with Gavanolo chrome trim, crystal diamond digital headlights, and contrasting blue accents inside.
The Avenir’s cabin is equipped with a 30-inch curved display combining a digital instrument cluster with an infotainment system. Voice and gesture recognition technology, upgraded navigation, and access to audio and video content enhance the driving experience. The floating center console, hidden air vents, and 121-color ambient lighting system give the interior a luxurious feel, while wood and metallic trim add a touch of elegance. The Electra E5 also features a frunk and up to 58.6 cubic feet (1,658 liters) of cargo space.
Performance-wise, the Electra E5 offers standard and long-range battery packs, with the latter providing up to 385 miles (620 km) of range in the CLTC cycle. Fast charging can take the battery from 30-80% in 28 minutes. The standard range model has a front-mounted electric motor delivering 241 hp (180 kW / 245 PS) and 243 lb-ft (330 Nm) of torque, allowing it to accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 7.6 seconds. Meanwhile, the long-range model has a weaker 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS) electric motor and a larger battery, resulting in a 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) time of 8.6 seconds.
The Electra E5 Avenir offers a dual-motor all-wheel drive system with a combined output of 283 hp (211 kW / 287 PS) and 343 lb-ft (465 Nm) of torque, allowing it to reach 62 mph (100 km/h) in 6.7 seconds and travel 375 miles (603 km) on a single charge.
The Electra E5 features one-pedal driving mode and a Regen-on-Demand paddle similar to the Cadillac Lyriq. It will also be the first Buick in China to offer enhanced Super Cruise. Pricing starts at ¥208,900 ($30,412) and goes up to ¥278,900 ($40,603) for the Avenir.
Buick has also confirmed the launch of another Ultium-based EV, presumably the Electra E4, in the middle of this year. By the end of 2025, Buick plans to have five Ultium products in its lineup, including sedans, MPVs, and crossovers. The Electra E5 is a promising start to Buick’s electrification journey and signals the brand’s commitment to sustainable transportation.
