In the stride towards an all-electric future in the United States and Canada by 2030, Buick, the renowned automaker, appears to be progressing at a deliberate pace. While the brand currently boasts four Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) in the Chinese market, including the Velite 6 compact wagon, Velite 7 subcompact crossover, and the Ultium-based Electra E4 and Electra E5 SUVs, it has yet to introduce an all-electric model within its domestic market.
Assurances are now in place that Buick’s electric vehicles will soon grace the roads of the US, with the inaugural model anticipated to debut in late 2024. This vehicle will utilize the advanced underpinnings of the Ultium architecture. Echoing its nomenclature strategy in the Chinese market, Buick intends to christen its US-based EV lineup under the “Electra” moniker, followed by a distinct alphanumeric code assigned to each model.
See also: Buick announces to going fully electric by 2030
Anticipation mounts as the first American Buick EV is speculated to be the mid-size Electra E5 SUV. However, the enigma persists regarding the subsequent offerings in the lineup. Recent developments from GM Design, showcased on its Instagram platform, hint at the possibility of Buick being the chosen brand for General Motors’ upcoming robust flagship electric SUV.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CwiRDl5OFVX/
Conceptualized by designer Geoffrey Richmond, the artistic depiction reveals a commanding SUV design, characterized by substantial ground clearance, prominent wheels, and a body shaped in accordance with Buick’s contemporary design language, as introduced by the Wildcat EV Concept last year.
The frontal aesthetic commands attention, courtesy of divided headlights with horizontal Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) adorning the upper section, while recessed vertical lamps are positioned beneath, flanking the trapezoidal grille. Notable features of the Buick SUV encompass two striking creases along the hood’s sides, juxtaposing the sleek contours evident across the remainder of the bodywork.
See also: Buick unveils Wildcat EV concept, indicating brand’s electrification transformation
Interior insights gleaned from the illustration appear to encompass three rows of seats, discernible from the visible headrests. If realized, this Buick offering could rival established models such as the Kia EV9, Rivian R1S, Volvo EX90, and Tesla Model X. Regrettably, GM Design has refrained from disclosing any specific details concerning this Buick design proposal, rendering the present speculation.
Evidently, the design painting fails to definitively confirm its status as an all-electric model. Nevertheless, given Buick’s strategic commitment to a fully electric portfolio within seven years, it would be counterintuitive for the brand to channel resources towards developing yet another Internal Combustion Engine (ICE)-powered SUV.
A noteworthy aspect is Buick’s application for nine trademarks encompassing the Electra models, ranging from E1 through E9, with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). This initiative alludes to the possibility of more expansive models beyond the scope of the Electra E5.