Reading in the book line. On Wednesday, Buick announced that it would be transformed into a fully electric lineup by 2030 and would release its first electric car in 2024 under the name Electra and show it later this year. To show the design direction for this and other Buicks, the brand has unveiled the Wildcat EV concept.
A smooth 2 + 2 electric coupe, the Wildcat EV is not a prelude to future models. Instead, design elements will appear in future production vehicles, most of which are likely to be EV crossovers, and the first will arrive in 2023.
Elements of this design include a low-mounted trapezoidal grille and a checkmark-shaped headlight with a sloping front edge and a taillight with welcome choreography. Car side scalping and aluminum trim may also show up in future cars, but don’t expect the low, smooth position to produce it. The car also marks the debut of a new tri-shield logo, which has changed significantly for the first time since 1990, appearing on the front and rear of future cars.
Other notable design elements of the concept include T-top-like parts with “semi-swing” doors that are raised to open the door, the position of the charge indicator in the hatchback glass, and the jet edge-inspired 18-spoke turbine. The wheel
Inside, the car has a full-length center console that does not guarantee a small second-row seating position. The cabin has a front seat with headrest that can be seen floating, a flat-bottom steering wheel and metal paddles. A wide touchscreen that starts in front of the driver and extends to the center stack dominates the dash. Another screen sits in front of the center console and is seen handling general vehicle information. Legato is seen throughout the green cabin, with orange accents, indicating that Buick may consider using such vibrant colors in the future.
Buick says the Wildcat EV concept is a platform for potential future features such as artificial intelligence, aromatherapy and biometrics. These systems can detect occupants’ heartbeat spikes and activate a zen mode to dim the light, emit aromatherapy aromas, and turn on massage seats to calm them down.
Buick has confirmed that the Electra EV models will be underpinned by GM’s Ultium battery and motor architecture. Battery size and electric driving range were not discussed. The new Electra Electra X or electric MPV coming to the US will not be what the brand has shown for the Chinese market. Electra will use the name and a part of a number to denote the future EV size.
The brand has announced that its US buyers will receive three-year Onster and Connected Services Premium Plan 1 as part of the purchase price of the car, but did not say when. However, from this month, customers will also receive remote key fob, Wi-Fi data and OnStar security services as part of the purchase price.