- The Buick Electra E7 is the third model to be launched on Buick’s new Xiao Yao platform.
- Xiao in China’s advanced signs.
- The Electra E7 is about the same size as the Chevrolet Blazer EV.
Last year, it seemed like the sky was falling for most automakers with a presence in China. The market is huge, but there is clearly not enough space for all players. This overcrowding appears to be hitting Western automakers hard. Global plans to produce electricity, using technology made outside China, cannot keep up with the dizzying speed and technically impressive models coming from the country’s local brands. This has led to shrinking sales and significant losses, prompting some brands to do so Rethinking their strategy in China as a whole.
But not all of them are down for the count. GM has remained relatively nimble in the face of adversity. As for Buick, one of its most important brands in China, it has eliminated or improved slow-selling electric vehicles based on the Ultium platform and It is centered around a new platform called Xiaoyao. Its next model on this chassis has been leaked by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), and it looks set to do battle in the heart of China’s premium midsize crossover market.
MIIT is one of the last steps a brand must take to match a car for sale in China. This process gives us patent-style images of the vehicle, as well as some details about the power, physical dimensions and power output. There’s no information on price, range or battery size yet.
Photo by: MIIT
However, from what we can see, the Electra E7 is a production version of the Electra SUV concept that was unveiled last year in China. The design is smooth and pleasant, reminiscent of the gas-powered Buicks we get here in the States, although the full-width, waterfall-style taillight cluster may look a little different compared to the rear ends we’ve seen on an Envista, Envision, or Enclave.
Its physical dimensions straddle the line between small and medium-sized. At 190.2 inches long and 75.2 inches wide, the E7 is about two inches narrower and shorter than similar cars Chevrolet Blazer EV. However, at 65.9 inches long, the Buick is a bit longer.
The E7 crossover will initially be launched as a plug-in hybrid, though its L7 sedan sibling is available in full-range EV form, with the engine acting as a generator. The ministry says the car will get power from a 1.5-liter engine, either naturally aspirated or turbocharged, working in conjunction with a 221-horsepower electric motor. Maximum combined output between all power sources is expected to reach 375 hp when equipped with the turbocharged engine. It’s not clear what size battery the E7 will use.
Photo by: Buick
As we’ve covered before, the Xiao Yao platform is designed to accommodate plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV), EREVs, and full electric vehicles — and from what I’ve seen, it appears to be a better fit for China than GM’s previous efforts. I’ve had time to sit with a static example of the Electra L7 sedan, and it’s gorgeous inside and out. It’s soft and supple and looks expensive, which are qualities I wouldn’t use for older people; Ultium-based Electra E4 and E5.
More importantly, at least for GM, the Electra E7 appears to be the next stage in overcoming the brand’s troubles in China. 2025 has already been a turning point for the company’s business in China. GM’s electric sales in China rose in the fourth quarterwith a massive 22% growth in sales of electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (EREV). Part of that comes from the Electra L7 sedan and Incasa MPVtwo electric models built on the China-focused Xiao Yao platform. If the Electra E7 crossover maintains the same level of execution as its other cousins, I expect GM’s struggles in the Chinese market could be a thing of the past.
Full official photos and details of the Buick Electra E7 are expected before the Beijing Auto Show this year.
Contact the author: kevin.williams@insideevs.com
