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- Buick reveals details of the Ultium-based Electra E4 coupe-style electric crossover before its official debut.
- Styled after the Electra-X concept, the production Electra E4 will be the coupe version of the Electra E5 that is arriving on sale in China.
- The Electra E4 is expected to offer two battery choices, as well as single- and dual-motor layouts.
With a number of Ultium-platform vehicles looming, we knew it wouldn't be long before we saw a coupe-like crossover with a Buick badge emerge from the automaker's design studio. And we knew there was a good chance that such a model would be aimed, first and foremost, at China. That's because for much of the past two decades Buick has really been a Chinese brand that just happened to sell cars in the US, given its sprawling lineup in the Middle Kingdom.
Dubbed the Electra E4, the coupe-style crossover will actually be the brand's second Ultium-based EV in China after the E5 SUV that's already on sale.
Styled after the Electra-X concept, the Electra E4 features a long 116.2-inch wheelbase as well as a rakish profile with a double spoiler out back. Meanwhile, the rear glass hatch transitions into a full glass roof, providing an airy cabin with plenty of headroom.
"The exterior of the Electra E4 is inspired by the new Buick PURE Design philosophy that first appeared on the Electra-X concept unveiled last year," the automaker notes.
On the inside, the Electra E4 will feature nothing short of a 30-inch integrated curved screen, offering 6K resolution, in addition to over 28 storage areas, including one in the frunk. Ambient lighting with 121 available colors and voice commands should give the E4 a high-tech feel inside.
When it comes to the drivetrain, we expect a complete carryover from its E5 sibling, which is powered by a 241-hp electric motor up front drawing juice from a 68.4-kWh battery, giving it a range of 339 miles in the CLTC cycle. A 79.7-kWh battery will also be on the menu paired with a 201-hp motor, which should cover 385 miles between recharges.
A dual-motor system in the E5 sibling, meanwhile, dials up the output to 283 hp and 343 lb-ft of torque for those in more of a hurry, giving that crossover a range of 379 miles thanks to the larger battery.
"The Electra E4 has a stylish and dynamic design, advanced cockpit system, and comprehensive safety features. As a premium electric coupe SUV, it also offers the ideal combination of space, innovation, superior driving, and handling to fulfill the diverse needs of EV buyers in the mainstream segment," the automaker promises.
Perhaps most surprising of all is that the larger E5 SUV isn't all that expensive, starting at the equivalent of about $30,500 in China.
Pricing information for the E4 hasn't been published yet, but it should land pretty close to the starting price of its larger sibling. Both will be produced in China, as is the Buick Envision that's already on sale stateside.
Should the Electra E4 be offered stateside, or is demand for electric coupe-shaped Buick crossovers too uncertain at the moment? Let us know what you think.
Jay Ramey grew up around very strange European cars, and instead of seeking out something reliable and comfortable for his own personal use he has been drawn to the more adventurous side of the dependability spectrum. Despite being followed around by French cars for the past decade, he has somehow been able to avoid Citroën ownership, judging them too commonplace, and is currently looking at cars from the former Czechoslovakia. Jay has been with Autoweek since 2013.
