Not Your Dad’s Buick
When you think about electric vehicles, Buick is not likely a brand that leaps to mind. A popular American brand many years ago, Buick has struggled to find it place in recent years through a number of rebranding efforts.
Now Buick is looking to rebuild its brand once again. This time, by going all-electric. Buick is General Motor’s only brand that doesn’t currently offer an EV. But that’s about to change as Buick introduces its first EV, the Buick Electra E5.
The Electra E5 was launched in China back in 2023, and GM is planning to bring the popular Electra E5 to North America. Although GM has not provided any official details for the U.S. version, here’s what we expect to see when it comes to our market.
A Familiar Name
The “Electra” name is not new. In fact, the name was used on Buick’s large sedan since 1959 and was popular in America for over 30 years. For its new lineup, Buick is reviving the Electra name to be used on all of its EV models, followed by an alphanumeric “E” and number that represents the model. The Buick Electra E5 will be joined by other future Electra models.
Design
You may have done a double take on some of Buick’s current models. They’re definitely not your father’s or grandfather’s Buick. The Electra E5’s design is expected to have minimal changes when it comes to North America. That’s a good thing.
The Electra E5 adopts Buick’s new PURE design language as well as a newly refreshed Buick logo. The design elements are inspired by the Buick Wildcat EV and Electra-X Concept that were unveiled in 2022. Up front you’ll find a new and attractive Buick family faux grille, thin LED daytime running lights, and split headlamps. Along the side is a high and modern window beltline with flush door handles and a distinctive D-pillar treatment. The rear hatch is upright and finished with full-width LED taillamps.
Buick’s first EV is on the larger side of the 5-passenger compact crossover SUV segment. At 192.6 inches in length, the Electra E5 slots in between the Chevrolet Equinox EV and Blazer EV in terms of size. It has the same 116-inch wheelbase as the Equinox EV and is about an inch taller than both the Equinox EV and Blazer EV. The Electra E5 sits on the same wheelbase and is almost 3-inches shorter and about 2-inches taller than its more luxurious cousin, the Cadillac Optiq.
Like Buick’s current models, the interior is rich, luxurious, and spacious. It will likely come standard with a curved 6K 30-inch OLED infotainment display that’s available in the Chinese model. Like GM’s other EVs, it’s not expected to come with Apple CarPlay. Other features such as Super Cruise hands-free driving, 121 color surround ambient lighting, a 12.6-inch color head-up display, and jewel-effect control knobs are expected to carry over to the North American model.
Powertrain
The Electra E5 is built on the GM’s current EV architecture (previously known as Ultium) that underpins the company’s other EVs like the Chevrolet Equinox EV, Cadillac Lyriq, and GMC Denali EV.
Buick has not released powertrain specs for the North American model, but the Chinese model has a standard 68 kWh battery and an optional long-range 79.7 kWh battery. However, we expect the North American model to adopt the larger 85 kWh and 102 kWh batteries from the Chevrolet Equinox EV and Blazer EV with a similar maximum range of over 300 miles. Level 2 AC charging will be similar to GM’s other EVs with a standard 11.5kW (48A) and an optional 19.2kW (80A) onboard charger. Level 3 DC fast charging could also be like that of the Equinox EV, Blazer EV, and Optiq at a peak of 150kW, which according to GM, adds about 70 miles of range in about 10 minutes.
Both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations are likely to be available with the respective battery sizes. The FWD standard range Chinese model is equipped with a single 241 horsepower (180kW) motor. Whereas the long-range version has a slightly less powerful 201 horse (150kW) motor.
As of this writing, Buick has not stated the power output for the AWD model but notes that it will accelerate from zero to 60mph in less than 7-seconds. However, it’s unknown whether the North American model would just use the same motor configuration and output as the Chevy Equinox EV.
Pricing
Although nothing official has been announced by GM, the Electra E5 will likely start at around $50,000. This positions the Electra E5 above the more value-driven Equinox EV and Blazer EV, but below the more luxurious Cadillac Optiq and Lyriq.
Competition
When it arrives stateside, the Electra E5 will play in a competitive segment. As a premium EV, the Electra E5 will likely face off directly with the Tesla Model Y, Genesis GV60 and Electrified GV70, Lexus RZ, and Volvo EX40.
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Launch
If you’re eagerly waiting for the Electra E5 to arrive at your local dealer, you may be waiting a while longer.
Buick was expected to launch the Electra E5 in 2025. However, according to Automotive News, Buick may be delaying the launch of its first EV due to the recent impact of the tariffs. The Buick Electra E5 is currently produced in China for the Chinese domestic market. With 100 percent tariffs on Chinese automobiles, it wouldn’t make the Electra E5 feasible for the North American market.
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GM has not indicated whether it will produce the Electra E5 in the U.S. for the North American market. It could potentially produce the Electra E5 at its Mexican plant, where it assembles the Equinox EV, Blazer EV, and the Cadillac Optiq or at its Tennessee plant that produces the Cadillac Lyriq.
When it finally arrives, it will provide a unique alternative for those looking for an EV that’s not only well equipped, but also stylish, premium and luxurious. Stay tuned.
