Buick has taken innovative thinking and imagination of future intelligent mobility to the next level with the Electra EV as per claims by Sam Basile, the executive VP of SAIC-GM. It is believed that the aesthetics and innovations packed in the Electra will ultimately help alter consumers’ expectations like most other Buick concepts have done in the past. Further, the Electra represents the brand’s ambition to combine beautiful styling and intelligent connectivity in the age of zero emissions. The Electra is the newest worldwide concept vehicle designed by SAIC-GM’s PATAC engineering and design joint venture in Shanghai.
The GM-backed initiative is named after an iconic Buick flagship model. Switching to the new ‘potential energy’ design language, the Electra focuses on clean and aggressive styling with smoothly integrated technology.
The Formidable And Ingenious Design
Combining the sporty look of a 4-seater crossover with GT aesthetics, the Electra showcases Buick’s next-generation design language for its electric vehicles. Adopting a ‘pure design’ philosophy, this EV has a minimalist style that resembles a space capsule. The glass canopy extends from near the front of the hood to the rear. The Electra’s innovative ‘potential energy’ design language reinforces the sleek look while exaggerating the fluid stance of the car. Likewise, the illuminated Buick badge integrates a flow-through design.
The EV’s ‘breathing’ front and rear Matrix LED lamps are fitted with parametric lighting strings which give a 3D effect. These strings are complemented by a full LED-illuminated grille and rear screen nameplate to provide dramatic digital lighting interaction. Along with the 23-inch wheels with an optimal design, the chassis helps enhance aerodynamics while contributing to Electra’s futuristic look. The evolving sculptural appeal is differentiated by a spacious glass interior cabin situated in an aerodynamic wing-form bodyshell.
The Electra’s four-seater interior takes complete advantage of the new EV’s architecture with an optimized battery layout. Together with the absence of traditional A and B pillars, the result is a maximized elongation of the cabin space with a longer wheelbase. The concept’s color palette, including the copper-gold trim surrounding the cabin and the dark edge on the exterior frame, emulates the general theme of outer space.
A Smarter And More Efficient Power Supply
Apart from its splendid looks, the Electra also features a new and innovative powerhouse structure with which Buick hopes to revolutionize the powertrain design of EVs for good. A new-generation high-performance electric propulsion system powers the Electra. Using the advanced Ultium battery, the Electra has a fantastic range of more than 410 miles on a single charge, making it more than sufficient for daily commutes and family trips. Due to the industry-leading wireless battery management system, the Ultium battery reduces wires within the battery by 90%. This innovation also helps equalize the ion levels within the individual cell groups and conducts real-time battery pack tests to ensure optimum battery health.
The Electra’s Ultium drivetrain has high-performance motors in both the front and the rear wheels to ensure optimized power output. The concept car has a maximum power output of a massive 435 kW or 540 HP, enabling it to do a 0 to 62 MPH sprint in just 4.3 seconds.
Everything that has currently been revealed about the concept’s power specs is enough to excite most about a good-looking and powerful EV. However, Buick has also kept the preference of luxury enthusiasts in mind while designing the interior cabin.
A Lovely and Futuristic Cabin Space
To begin with, Electra’s butterfly wing doors have facial recognition and provide a fool-proof opening for easy access. The Electra’s interior has a futuristic spaceship-like dashboard without the traditional instrument panel. Instead, the large corner-to-corner curved display is the central feature of this EV. An all-new light-weight arm structure supported the retractable steering wheel and suspended seats from inducing a sense of zero gravity while inside the cabin.
The car's interior seamlessly integrates technologies such as a concealed air-conditioning system, ambient lighting, and an electronic rearview mirror. In addition, Buick has equipped the Electra with its new and improved connectivity system. The system is perpetually connected to the Internet, which allows for over-the-air updates. Further, the car presents information to the driver via a large screen or a separate HUD, and the passengers can control this setup through conventional touch controls and with the in-built voice assistant.
A perfect mix of style, performance, and tech makes this car a formidable machine for consumers across categories. Though the production schedule for the Buick Electra EV has still not been announced by the company, the automobile is expected to go on sale in 2022.