Buick's New Sedan Claims 870-Mile Range—But You Can't Buy It
Buick Electra L7: A New Era of Electrification in China
Buick has introduced the Electra L7 in China under its new Electra sub-brand, marking a significant step in the brand's strategy to embrace electric and hybrid technologies. This model is built on the innovative Xiao Yao architecture, which supports both battery-electric vehicle (BEV) and extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) configurations. The EREV version of the Electra L7 boasts an impressive 502 hp of power and a combined range of 870 miles, making it a strong contender in the Chinese market.
A Shift in Strategy for Buick in China
While Buick’s presence in the United States is primarily focused on crossovers and SUVs, the brand is taking a different approach in China, where traditional sedans still hold a place in the automotive landscape. The all-new Electra L7 joins Buick’s lineup in the world’s largest automotive market, offering sleek styling, a high-tech interior, and electrified powertrains. This move reflects Buick’s commitment to adapting to the unique preferences of Chinese consumers.
Electra Sub-Brand for New Energy Vehicles
Electra is Buick’s sub-brand dedicated to new energy vehicles. It was officially announced in April 2025, with three concepts introduced: a sedan, an SUV, and a minivan. The Electra L7 is the production version of the sedan, evolving from the 2024 Electra L concept showcased the previous year. This model represents Buick’s vision for the future of electric mobility in China.
Design Refinements for Production
The Electra L7 retains much of the design language introduced in the concept, though some features have been streamlined for production. The lighting signature at both ends has been reworked, featuring more practical LED graphics. Additionally, the sleek, flush door handles and traditional side mirrors replace some of the show car’s more experimental elements, enhancing real-world usability.
Key design elements include distinctive wing-shaped “Galaxy” headlights and turbine-inspired alloy wheels. The EV features a fastback silhouette with a focus on aerodynamics, measuring 5,032 mm in length, 1,952 mm in width, and 1,500 mm in height. Its 3,000 mm wheelbase provides a spacious footprint, placing it just ahead of the Tesla Model S and Mercedes-Benz EQE in overall length, while falling slightly short of the BMW i5.
Interior Tech with AI and AR
Although Buick hasn’t yet revealed the cabin, it promises “class-leading intelligent driver-assist capabilities, a smart luxury cockpit, and best-in-class extended-range technology.” The Electra L7 is expected to feature a total of eight screens, a massive 50-inch augmented reality head-up display, and an array of AI-driven features. These will run on Qualcomm’s 8775 chip, supporting high-end infotainment and connectivity. Driver assistance tech will come from Chinese tech company Momenta, which has developed a suite of sophisticated ADAS capabilities.
Flexible Platform and Dual Powertrain Strategy
The sedan is 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 of them will be built on Buick’s Xiao Yao architecture, a flexible platform designed specifically for China. These underpinnings are compatible with fully electric, plug-in hybrid, and range-extender powertrains, in FWD, RWD, and AWD layouts.
At launch, the Electra L7 will feature a range-extender powertrain. It uses a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine sourced from SAIC, producing 154 hp and 230 Nm of torque. This engine functions solely as a generator to recharge the 40.2 kWh lithium-iron phosphate battery pack. Propulsion comes from a dual-motor setup, delivering 164 hp at the front and 338 hp at the rear, resulting in a combined output of 502 hp. The EREV version can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 200 km/h. It offers an impressive combined range of 1,400 km, with up to 302 km of EV-only driving based on CLTC testing standards.
Looking ahead, Buick plans to offer a fully electric version of the Electra L7. This variant will feature a CATL-supplied battery and a 900V electrical architecture, enabling support for ultra-fast charging. According to preliminary estimates, the system will be capable of adding up to 350 km of range in just 10 minutes.
Pricing and Availability
The Electra L7 is described as a “300,000-class vehicle,” meaning it will be priced close to ¥300,000 ($41,800) in China. While Buick hasn’t announced a date for the market launch, it is already accepting applications of interest for test drives. As with other Electra-branded models, the L7 is likely to stay exclusive to China, so a US launch isn’t in the cards. Production will take place at the factory of the SAIC-GM joint venture in Wuhan.
Buick has sold over 10 million vehicles in China since 1998. Its local lineup offers a much wider choice of models compared to that in the US, including four SUVs, four sedans, one hatchback, and a range of minivans.