The Buick Electra E5 Could Be A Preview Of A Future North American Buick EV Crossover

Kevin Williams
by Kevin Williams

For now, this EV Buick Crossover appears to just be limited to China, but it could make the jump to North America, very soon.

Buick is very popular in China, and so are EVs. Naturally, it would only be a matter of time before GM ported its new Ultium platform for use on a Chinese-market Buick. The Buick Electra E5 is a crossover EV meant for China, but its size, shape, and pricing could see the model on North American shores sooner than later.

The Electra E5 is the first production Buick to use the Ultium platform, but not quite the first electric Buick. In China, Buick sells two models (Velite 6, and Velite 7), but this new Electra E5 will slot above them, squarely in the luxury-crossover space.

Dimensionally, the Electra E5 is smaller than its platform mate, the Cadillac Lyriq. It’s narrower about 2 inches narrower, 4 inches smaller, but about an inch taller than the Lyriq. Interior and powertrain specifications haven’t been released either.

Outside, the Electra E5 has a smooth, clean appearance, with styling language that we’ve seen on multiple Buick concepts of late, most notably the Buick Electra-X concept. Front and center sit the ringless new Buick tri-shield emblem. Retractable door handles make their appearance, although it seems like there’s less chrome brightwork here than in Buicks of the past.

There’s no official word if the Electra E5 will make its way to North America, but Buick did say that it planned to introduce an Ultium-based EV for our markets in 2024. The Buick Electra E5 could very well be that model.

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Kevin Williams
Kevin Williams

Kevin has been obsessed with cars ever since he could talk. He even learned to read partially by learning and reading the makes and models on the back of cars, only fueling his obsession. Today, he is an automotive journalist and member of the Automotive Press Association. He is well-versed in electrification, hybrid cars, and vehicle maintenance.

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