• Buick shared a teaser of a new model from its upcoming Electra sub-brand.
• The new electric sedan closely resembles an earlier concept model from Buick.
• It will be based on the new Xiao Yao EV platform, developed specifically for China.

While Buick’s presence in the US is now all about crossovers and SUVs, the brand is taking a different route in China, where the traditional sedan still has a place. A new all-electric model from Buick’s recently introduced Electra sub-brand is about to join the lineup, with a teaser image offering us a first look.

Electra is Buick’s sub-brand for new energy vehicles; it was formally announced in April 2025, with three concepts: a sedan, an SUV, and a minivan. The vehicle in this latest teaser is the production version of the sedan, which evolves from the 2024 Electra L concept shown the previous year.

More: Buick’s Electric Crossover Just Got A Lot Better In China

The new model retains much of the design language introduced in the concept, though a few features have been streamlined for production. The lighting signature at both ends has been reworked, with more practical LED graphics. The sleek, flush door handles and traditional side mirrors replace some of the show car’s more experimental elements, bringing it closer to real-world usability.

Inside, a Tech Showcase Awaits

While Buick hasn’t yet shown the cabin, it’s expected to include a total of eight screens, a massive 50-inch augmented reality head-up display, and an array of AI-driven features. All of this will run on Qualcomm’s 8775 chip, which supports high-end infotainment and connectivity. Advanced driver assistance will come from Chinese tech company Momenta, which has developed a suite of sophisticated ADAS capabilities.

Buick / Weibo

This sedan is just one of six new energy models Buick plans to launch in the next year, likely alongside production versions of Electra’s SUV and minivan concepts. All three will be built on Buick’s Xiao Yao architecture, a flexible platform designed specifically for China.

More: Buick’s New Sedan Concept Rivals The S-Class In Size

The platform is compatible with fully electric, plug-in hybrid, and range-extender powertrains, with configurations that drive the front, rear, or all four wheels. Performance can reach up to 443 horsepower (330 kW), and the EV variants will be equipped with CATL-supplied battery packs capable of ultra-fast 640 kW charging.

Buick hasn’t announced a date for the full reveal of the Electra sedan, but it’s expected shortly. As with other Electra-branded models, this one is likely to stay exclusive to China, so a US launch doesn’t seem to be in the cards.

Following a preview earlier this month, Buick has officially launched the facelifted Electra E5 in China. According to the brand, it features 47 “user-driven upgrades” as well as revised styling and an improved powertrain.

The automaker was coy on specifics, but the crossover adopts a streamlined and less fussy design. As part of the makeover, the faux grille has been replaced by a stylish shark nose front end with soft curves and a sportier bumper.

More: Buick Electra E4 Unveiled As The Second Ultium EV For China

Elsewhere, there are hidden door handles, rain-sensing wipers, and subtle matte silver trim. The new E5 also sports “more fashionable and dynamic” taillights as well as 18- or 19-inch wheels, while higher-end variants add rear privacy glass and a panoramic sunroof, among other things.

A Familiar But Upgraded Interior

The interior appears to largely carryover, but Buick made a number of minor improvements. Key among them is the expanded use of soft-touch materials, which now cover 64% of contact surfaces. The rear seats also recline by 27 degrees for a more relaxed posture.

On the technology front, there’s a 30-inch curved display that supports Apple CarPlay as well as iOS 26. Buick also confirmed the E5 comes with SAIC-GM’s first AI voice assistant. It promises to respond in a matter of milliseconds and can execute up to ten sequential voice commands. The assistant also integrates with other AI models such as DeepSeek, Doubao, and ERNIE.

If you’d rather sit in silence, no problem as the crossover has “premium” insulation and double-layer acoustic glass. This results in an interior noise level of 22 dB which, according to its maker, make it one of the quietest EVs on the market.

In terms of equipment, the entry-level model comes with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and an eight-speaker audio system. They’re joined by fabric and leather front seats with eight-way power adjustment on the driver’s side. Higher-end models are more luxurious as they have heated leather seats and a 14-speaker Bose premium audio system.

Customers will find a host of standard driver assistance systems like adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and forward collision warning. Moreover, the safety equipment list includes automatic emergency braking, blind zone alert, and lane departure warning.

Three Batteries And One Electric Motor

Three different powertrains are available. The entry-level model feature a 65 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery that provides a CLTC range of 320 miles (515 km) and is paired to a front-mounted electric motor producing 241 hp (180 kW / 245 PS) and 243 lb-ft (330 Nm) of torque. This enables the E5 to accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 7.7 seconds and hit a top speed of 112 mph (180 km/h).

The next version comes with a 68.4 kWh ternary lithium battery, which increases the range to 339 miles (545 km). Despite having the same motor, it is a tad quicker as 62 mph (100 km/h) from a standstill come in 7.5 seconds.

Drivers who need to travel long distances will likely opt for the range-topping variant of the E5. This comes with a 76.8 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery, which provides 385 miles (620 km) of range. However, it’s the slowest of the lot, sprinting to 62 mph in 7.8 seconds.

Some details were undoubtedly lost in translation, but the press release implied the crossover has a new electric motor that was developed in-house. It’s oil-cooled and promises “industry-leading” high-speed efficiency.

Buick also noted the E5 has battery cells co-developed with CATL. This helped pave the way for a 30% increase in charging speed, meaning a 20 minute stop can deliver up to 217 miles (350 km) of range.

Pricing starts at ¥149,900 ($20,852) for the entry-level version and climbs to ¥169,900 ($23,635) for the range-topping Premium Edition. However, you’d better like black, white or gray ,as those are the only colors available, at least initially.

General Motors offers an assortment of electric vehicles ranging from the Chevrolet Equinox EV to the ultra-luxurious Cadillac Celestiq. However, Buick is the odd man out as they don’t offer a single electric vehicle in the United States.

It wasn’t supposed to be that way as Buick was planning to launch an EV in 2024. The model was delayed last summer and GM CEO Mary Barra implied the move was related to slower than expected electric vehicle adoption. However, it was widely believed the company had planned on importing the Electra E5 from China, before the United States slapped a 100% tariff on Chinese EVs.

More: Buick Delays Plan To Launch First EV In America

Fast forward to today and Buick has unveiled a facelifted version of the Electra E5. It appears to be a major improvement as the crossover benefits from a streamlined and less fussy design. The changes are immediately apparent as the model trades its faux grille for a new shark nose front end. They’re joined by a sportier bumper with soft curves and subtle chrome accents.

The rest of the design largely carries over, but there could be minor changes such as updated wheels. Buick didn’t get into many details, but said the crossover benefits from “47 enhancements across design, performance, intelligent technology, and everyday convenience.”

The E5’s exterior dimensions remain unchanged from the pre-facelift model, measuring 4,892 mm (192.6 in) long, 1,905 mm (75.0 in) wide, 1,684 mm (66.3 in) tall, with a 2,954 mm (116.3 in) wheelbase.

Buick added the crossover will have a range in excess of 373 miles (600 km). Of course, that isn’t too surprising as the current model offers a 79.7 kWh battery pack that provides up to 620 km (385 km) of range. Customers can also get 68.4 and 65 kWh batteries as well as front and all-wheel drive. In its most potent form, the current E5 can accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 6.4 seconds.

While pricing hasn’t been announced yet, it’s expected to be in line with the outgoing model, which starts at 169,900 yuan, or approximately $23,700 at current exchange rates.