Buick Electra Preview
What To Expect
Buick has confirmed the return of the Electra nameplate. We’re expecting to see this as the 2024 Buick Electra, but the model could be a 2025. The brand says the vehicle will bear its newest logo and be an integral part of its electrification strategy. Like other major car brands, Buick has committed to an all-electric lineup by 2030. This new generation of vehicles will be heavily influenced by the recently unveiled Buick Wildcat EV concept.
When the Electra concept was introduced in 2020, Buick’s goal was to create a full-sensory, immersive cabin based on futuristic travel expectations, with a spacious, space capsule-like interior, hidden rearview mirror that materializes after the crossover is powered on, a curved high-resolution console screen that spans most of the dash, and butterfly-wing doors with integrated facial recognition to unlock them.
The likelihood of these features reaching production as described is slim. Still, we could see the high-res infotainment screen and supported facial recognition making the cut, as those features are becoming more mainstream in luxury vehicles. In contrast, the Cadillac LYRIQ will sport a 33-inch curved screen and will be digital key compatible.
2024 Buick Electra Engine & Specs
The 2024 Buick Electra will reportedly share the new Ultium electric powertrain with the Cadillac LYRIQ EV. Buick describes the new technology as high-efficiency motors independently arranged on the front and rear axles. For reference, the Cadillac LYRIQ has two powertrain options, with RWD models offering a 340-horsepower single-motor unit that generates 325 lb-ft of torque. The more powerful dual-motor setup generates 500 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque. We expect similar results for the Buick Electra.
In addition to the shared LYRIQ powertrain, we may also see a high-performance model. Details are still hard to come by, but GM filed a patent application for the model name “Electra GS”. GS, or Gran Sport, is a performance nameplate that has been given to muscle car Buicks of yesteryear, namely the Riviera and Skylark. The Electra name itself was once graced by a formidable muscle car of the ’60s, so Buick is not shying away from its performance roots.
2024 Buick Electra Safety
In terms of standard safety, driver assistance, and connectivity, there’s no word yet. However, we do know that the LYRIQ has automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward collision alert, blind zone steering assistance, heated wipers, and rear parking assistance. There are also additional features that can be added as options including adaptive cruise control, enhanced parking assistance, and HD surround vision. We expect that the all-new Buick Electra will employ similar technology at the time of production.
2024 Buick Electra Price
There’s no word on the official pricing for the upcoming Buick Electra model, though we expect it to run between $50,000 and $70,000, which is about on par for newer EVs on the market. For reference, according to Car and Driver, this is the price range for the Buick Electra E5 SUV, which is sold in China, and is the first vehicle to wear the Electra nameplate.
2024 Buick Electra Release Date
We don’t have an official release date yet for the all-new 2024 Buick Electra, but we expect it to drop in the later part of the year. Stay tuned for updates as they become available.
The 2024 Buick Electra will compete with the Cadillac LYRIQ, Jaguar I-PACE, Tesla Model X, and the Audi Q8 e-tron.
Pictured: Buick Electra Concept
Source: Car and Driver
