Buick fully unveils the Electra-X concept SUV in China

Buick's first SUV based on GM's Ultium platform, teased last month in a few images, is now finally fully unveiled. Ladies and gentlemen, meet the Electra-X concept.

It was outed by Buick China, because it was developed by GM's PATAC engineering and design team based in Shanghai. The Electra-X is meant to preview the production version of Buick's new generation of EVs for the Chinese market, which will be underpinned by GM's Ultium platform. We should quickly note here that Buick is incredibly successful in China, perhaps to a similar, if not higher, level than in the US.

The Electra-X brings with it "the continued evolution of Buick styling, which will be forward-looking and future-inspired", according to the brand. You can expect the "expressive new face, sleek proportions, sophisticated details and purposeful innovation" to appear in future Buick EVs.

The company wants to offer cars that are not only electric but also sporty and attractive to younger customers. "Many of the design elements from the concept will be applied on future production models", according to Matt Noone, executive director at SAIC-GM PATAC Design.

The new Buick badge, which we've already seen in the Wildcat EV concept yesterday, is of course present. The high-mounted horizontal "check mark" lamps and separate "aviation-inspired" lamps at the edge of the grille will become new Buick signatures going forward, the company claims. These support a welcome lighting animation that greets you when you approach the car.

The Electra-X is a four-seater, with an athletic, low-profile silhouette. It has information projection at the side and rear for added pedestrian protection, 21" wheels with improved aerodynamics, and a Satin White Metallic exterior finish.

Inside, there's a "wraparound windshield" and together with the panoramic glass roof it provides "a more open, spacious sensation", while the instrument panel is neatly integrated with hidden slim air vents. The infotainment system is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8155 flagship chip, and over-the-air update capabilities are built-in, as is 5G support.

The main screen is a 30-inch one with 6K resolution which can show a billion colors. The color scheme inside goes from "medium dark gray" on the bottom surfaces to "sky cool gray" on top, while "flashy" copper accents provide "metallic warmth", whatever that means.

The seats are wrapped in fabric made from recycled PET bottles, and the Electra-X has special GS graphic patterns subtly etched into both the interior and exterior. These are apparently meant to preview the future styling of Buick's sporty GS sub-brand.

The Electra-X supports iKey functionality, letting you remotely unlock, control, park, and share it via your smartphone even when you're not inside it. Given how stunning the Electra-X looks, we wouldn't mind at all if most of its design elements do indeed make it to future production models, as Buick promises.