In the “Why don’t they sell that over here?” and “Why can’t we have nice things?” columns this morning, GM has announced range and pricing for its gorgeous new Electra L7 sedan in China, and it is a screaming deal.
GM has been flogging its iconic Electra nameplate in China for a while now, double-sided taping it to the back of a series of EREVs and pure BEVs since at least 2024 – but the new Electra L7 feels different.
Let’s start with the powertrain. With a 282 kW (~376 hp) electric motor sending power exclusively to the car’s rear wheels, this new Electra sedan is sending precisely 100 more horsepower than Buick’s legendary Grand National GNX of 1987, and to the correct set of wheels, as well. Those facts alone should be enough on its own to get all the old guys excited (I’m excited).
Ticking all the entry-luxe boxes
Inside, lucky Buick buyers will be able to wrap their fingers around a thick, heated steering wheel while enjoying starlight wood grain trim, and the now de rigueur LED mood lights, which are accompanied by a “tri-zone” climate control system to keep everyone comfortable in their plush reclining seats as they listen to the Electra’s high-end sound system and juice up their phones a wireless smartphone charger – which they’ll be able to do without much worry about actually driving the thing.
That’s because mid- to high-end Electra L7 EVs feature a Xiao Yao Zhi Xing semi-autonomous driving system that’s powered by Lidar, millimeter-wave radars, 360-degree cameras, and not less than 12 ultra sonic sensors – all of which combine to give GM’s latest sedan a more complete picture of what’s happening around it than what’s possible with visual cameras alone.
Drivers supervising the car as it makes its way down the highway will have plenty of time to get comfortable, thanks to the new Buick’s CATL-supplied 80.6 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, reportedly good for up to 702 km (~436 miles) of range on the Chinese cycle.
CarNewsChina reports that pricing starts at 169,900 yuan, or about $25,170 (US). And, while there’s no reason to believe the car will make it to US as-is, it could very well make it to Canada and Mexico under those nations’ “cars for canola” deals. The joint SAIC-GM developed Buicks will definitely get sent somewhere, and markets where the brand already has a strong presence make a ton of sense.
Top comment by Connor Paull
A car like this could revitalize the Buick brand in the US, which is supposed to be a US company, so of course we won't get it here, they'll continue to sell 4 identical looking crossovers.
And, of course, I had an AI throw together a few images of what a Grand National version of the new Electra could look like. I know you hate it, I know it’s wrong, but like a bucket of deep fried crispy chicken, I just couldn’t resist. Enjoy!
Buick Electra L7 Grand National
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