Buick has officially rolled out its top-tier MPV, the Electra Encasa. This isn’t just any minivan, it is the first MPV to emerge from SAIC-GM Buick’s high-end new energy sub-brand, Electra, effectively taking up the mantle as the sixth-generation GL8. This luxury cruiser comes in two flavors: the Premium Edition, priced at 439,900 yuan (61,800 USD), and the even more lavish Luxury Edition at 469,900 yuan (66,000 USD).
Built on a Smart Foundation
The Electra Encasa positions itself as a new energy mid-to-large MPV, all thanks to Buick’s “Xiaoyao” super fusion architecture. What really sets it apart is the “Xiaoyao Intelligent Drive,” an advanced driving assistance system. This system, powered by Momenta’s R6 flywheel large model algorithm, offers urban NOA (Navigation on Autopilot) assistance. At its core, you will find Qualcomm’s latest SA8775P chip, pumping out a hefty 72 TOPS of computing power. This kind of tech means your daily commute could become a lot smoother, navigating cityscapes with enhanced autonomy.
Sleek Design Meets Big Dimensions
Buick gave the Electra Encasa a fresh look with a new design language. The front grille is closed, a modern touch for an electrified vehicle, and it is flanked by crystal wing headlight clusters. These aren’t just for show, they offer seven adaptive lighting modes, providing wide-area illumination and a long-range beam distance, perfect for those dark country roads or poorly lit city streets.
From the side, the MPV sports clean, straight lines, with a waistline that flows seamlessly from the front headlights all the way to the rear. This isn’t a small vehicle either, measuring a substantial 5,260mm in length, 2,000mm (or 2,023mm) in width, and 1,835mm (or 1,820mm) in height. Its generous 3,160mm wheelbase promises a spacious and stable ride. The rear caps it off with a light, feather-flow-through taillight assembly, featuring 257 ultra-red LED lights that give it a distinctive signature.
A Cabin Full of Tech and Comfort
Step inside and the Electra Encasa’s cabin feels like a digital wonderland. You are greeted by a 10.25-inch instrument screen, a 16.3-inch central control screen, and a 16.3-inch front passenger screen. For those in the back, there is an impressive 21-inch 4K rear cabin multimedia smart screen, ensuring everyone stays entertained on long journeys.
But the tech does not stop there. The second row features two 5.5-inch smart control screens. These put control at your fingertips for seat adjustments, climate control, and even a refrigerator, allowing passengers to truly relax in “rest modes.” When it comes to entertainment, the system is ready for anything, supporting Bluetooth microphones and wired/Bluetooth connections for gaming consoles. All this is topped off with a premium Bose sound system, turning every drive into a concert on wheels.
Advanced Safety and Powertrain Options
The “Xiaoyao Intelligent Drive” system relies on a comprehensive sensor suite to keep you safe. This includes one LiDAR, three millimetre-wave radars, twelve ultrasonic radars, and eleven high-definition cameras. This array of sensors is designed to provide robust advanced driving assistance, giving you peace of mind on the road.
The Electra Encasa gives buyers choices when it comes to power. The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version marries a 132kW 1.5T engine with electric motors in what Buick calls the “True Dragon” hybrid system. This setup uses reliable lithium iron phosphate batteries for energy storage, a common choice in Chinese EVs, ensuring a good balance of performance and efficiency.
For those ready to go all-in on electric, a pure electric (EV) version is also in the pipeline. It will feature a 200 kW (268 hp) front drive motor paired with a 130 kW (174 hp) rear drive motor, delivering serious electric punch. Equipped with CATL lithium iron phosphate batteries, the EV version promises impressive range options of 601km and 632km.
This move by Buick with the Electra Encasa shows how competitive the Chinese EV market has become, with traditional carmakers like SAIC-GM pushing boundaries with high-tech, luxurious, and practical new energy vehicles. For more on the Chinese EV landscape stay current with the latest news on China’s NEV market.
