Buick Electra E5 is the first Ultium based electric SUV for China

The Chinese arm of Buick is preparing to launch its first electric car based on the GM’s Ultium platform. The MIIT regulatory body already released details of the car providing some insight and giving a final clue that the car is nearing its release.

Now, Buick took to Weibo to announce the Electra E5 and together with the first pictures, the company posted some basic specifications. The large 5-seat electric SUV measures nearly 4.9 meters in length, it is 1.9 meters wide and 1.65 meters tall.

The car comes equipped with Buick’s next-generation Virtual Cockpit System coupled with the latest iteration of Super Cruise. Buick also claimed that the Electra E5 will become a benchmark in value thanks to its high quality and long list of standard equipment.

Buick Electra E5 was originally scheduled to launch at the Guangzhou Auto Show, but that was canceled due to COVID outbreaks in China. With the Chinese government now pulling back on many restrictions due to public backlash, the show is back on the agenda now and should happen between December 30 and January 8.

Buick did not confirm when the Electra E5 will be officially launched and whether it will happen at the Guangzhou Auto Show, but if the recent posts are anything to go by, we’d suggest the unveiling is back on the menu. Even if the company decided against displaying the car at the show, the launch will take place around that date anyway.

According to the MIIT filing, Electra E5 is powered by a single electric motor with 180kW of peak power (241hp), the top speed of the car is given as 180km/h. The battery pack comes from CATL and SIAC joint venture, but its capacity has not been revealed yet.

It’s worth noting that Buick will not offer LiDAR supported ADAS in the Electra E5. Unlike the majority of the Chinese electric car manufacturers, Buick decided against using the technology for its Super Cruise.

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