Avenir" grade added to Buick Electra E5, now on sale in China.
Buick this week revealed the full specifications of its new Electra E5 electric compact crossover, marking the start of sales in China.
The Electra name has been a fixture in the Buick lineup for decades, first appearing in the 1959 model year and continuing through 1990. Now it is being revived for a family of electric vehicles based on General Motors' Ultium platform and battery technology set, the first of which is the Electra E5. Buick was also recently spotted testing a second EV, a compact crossover that is more like a coupe and will likely appear as the Electra E4.
While the Electra family is probably only for the Chinese market, Buick has confirmed that two Ultium-based EVs will be available at U.S. dealers by the end of 2024, one with conventional proportions and the other with more coupe-like proportions. The other will have more coupe-like proportions. The U.S. EVs are rumored to be called the Electra and Electra GS, respectively.
Prices for the Electra E5 in China will start at 208,900 yuan (about $30,500). With an overall length of 192.6 inches and a wheelbase of 116.3 inches, it is roughly the same size as the Chevrolet Equinox EV, which will be launched in the U.S. in 2024. With up to 58.5 cubic feet of storage, it is one of the most spacious vehicles in its class, according to Buick.
Buick offers five grades, with Buick's Avenir grade available as the range-topper. The Avenir adds unique touches to the exterior, such as the geometric pattern on the front mask. The interior features more comfortable seats featuring a suede headliner, softer material on the door panels, blue accents, and an exclusive design on the seat backs and embroidered patterns on the headrests.
The Avenir also gets the most powerful powertrain in the Electra E5, a 283-hp dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup, or enough rated power to accelerate from 0-62 mph in 6.7 seconds. The standard powertrain features a single motor on the front axle, which delivers 241 hp. A long-range option is also available, with peak output dropping to 201 hp for greater efficiency. The standard battery is 68 kwh, while the long-range option comes with a 79.7 kwh battery.
The cabin design of the Electra E5 is not groundbreaking, but it looks comfortable. The centerpiece is a 30-inch curved screen named Imax, which incorporates a digital instrument cluster and infotainment screen. Other technologies include wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless charging for smartphones, 5G connectivity, support for wireless updates, and Bose audio. A heads-up display and GM's Super Cruise automatic driver assistance feature are also available.
