Buick’s New Sedan Promises 870 Miles Of Range But You Can’t Have It
- Buick has launched the Electra L7 in China under its new Electra sub-brand.
- It rides on the new Xiao Yao architecture, offering BEV and EREV options.
- The EREV version has 502 hp of power and 870 miles of combined range.
Update: GM has released new details on the China-exclusive Electra L7 sedan, including full powertrain specifications. This story has been updated to reflect the latest information.
var adpushup = window.adpushup = window.adpushup || {que:[]};
adpushup.que.push(function() {
if (adpushup.config.platform !== “DESKTOP”){
adpushup.triggerAd(“0f7e3106-c4d6-4db4-8135-c508879a76f8”);
} else {
adpushup.triggerAd(“82503191-e1d1-435a-874f-9c78a2a54a2f”);
}
});
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. The all-new Electra L7 joins Buick’s lineup in the world’s biggest automotive market, bringing sleek styling, a high-tech interior, and electrified powertrains.
More: Buick’s Electric Crossover Just Got A Lot Better In China
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 Electra L7 is the production version of the sedan, which evolves from the 2024 Electra L concept shown the previous year.
Design Toned for Reality
The 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. Furthermore, 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.
Buick is showcasing a few standout design elements on the Electra L7, including its 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 (198.1 inches) in length, 1,952 mm (76.9 inches) in width, and 1,500 mm (59.1 inches) in height.
Its 3,000 mm (118.1 inches) wheelbase gives it a spacious footprint that places it just ahead of theT esla Model S and Mercedes-Benz EQE in overall length, while falling slightly short of the BMW i5.
var adpushup = window.adpushup = window.adpushup || {que:[]};
adpushup.que.push(function() {
if (adpushup.config.platform !== “DESKTOP”){
adpushup.triggerAd(“bb7964e9-07de-4b06-a83e-ead35079d53c”);
} else {
adpushup.triggerAd(“9b1169d9-7a89-4971-a77f-1397f7588751”);
}
});
Buick
Interior Tech with AI and AR
While Buick hasn’t yet shown the cabin, it promised “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. All of this will run on Qualcomm’s 8775 chip, which supports 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, Dual Powertrain Strategy
var adpushup = window.adpushup = window.adpushup || {que:[]};
adpushup.que.push(function() {
if (adpushup.config.platform !== “DESKTOP”){
adpushup.triggerAd(“b25ecba7-3bbb-4ea7-a3a8-dbea91695c07”);
} else {
adpushup.triggerAd(“e46c436a-adeb-4b5e-a2c7-56bc36561c10”);
}
});
The 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 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.
More: Buick’s New Sedan Concept Rivals The S-Class In Size
At launch, the Electra L7 will feature a range-extender powertrain. It uses a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine sourced from SAIC, which produces 154 hp (115 kW / 156 PS) and 230 Nm of torque. This engine doesn’t drive the wheels directly, instead, it 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 (122 kW / 166 PS) at the front and 338 hp (252 kW / 343 PS) at the rear. Together, they produce a combined output of 502 hp (374 kW / 509 PS), providing all-wheel drive and plenty of performance on tap.
Buick claims the EREV version of the Electra L7 can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 5.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 200 km/h (124 mph). More notably, it offers an impressive combined range of 1,400 km (870 miles), with up to 302 km (188 miles) of EV-only driving based on the generous CLTC testing standards. Despite its strong performance, the car remains efficient, with average fuel consumption rated at just 0.5 liters per 100 kilometers (470 MPG).
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 (218 miles) of range in just 10 minutes, significantly reducing downtime during long trips.
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. Buick hasn’t announced a date for the market launch, but 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.
Leave a Reply