Buick Electra L7 EV Is The Kind Of Sedan America No Longer Gets

Weird Affinity

Each automotive market is different, and population preferences vary depending on local road conditions and needs. This breeds different affinities and likes, which to outsiders can be interesting or funny.

In China, a market that thrives on its own, Buick is a strong brand. Despite being American and not as popular on home soil, the Chinese market views Buickas a premium luxury brand, something to aspire to, and that has kept it selling over there. This is why China gets exclusive Buick models that the rest of the world does not, and a new one is about to go on sale.

Buick Electra L7 BEV

A couple of weeks ago, it was leaked that Buick was set to launch an EV version of the Electra L7 in China. Now, the brand has officially confirmed and posted about the L7 BEV. In China, Buick is built in partnership with SAIC, and this joint venture is also responsible for the MG brand, among others. Buick first launched the L7 with an extended-range electric motor that uses an ICE to charge the battery without connecting to the wheels.

Given China's advanced EV infrastructure and high rate of EV adoption, launching the L7 as a BEV makes sense and is inevitable. The official teaser photos show the L7 covered in striking blue-and-green vinyl camouflage. The good news is the camo isn't too excessive, we can still get a general idea of the final design, and to be honest, it looks normal, par for the course when it comes to modern EV sedans in China. The only real distinctive design element is that the L7 is a sportback, featuring a downward-sloping roofline.

Specs and Features

When the L7 leaks were posted in mid-May, one element that had people perplexed was the flush door handles. This is because the Chinese legislature recently banned them for being too dangerous, and some owners have perished during accidents because they were unable to be let out by emergency workers. The new photos show that the door handles now feature a more conventional design, still "baked" into the door, but with a recess that allows easy operation.

During the leak, some of the specs were also disclosed. It will have the Momenta R6 intelligent advanced driving assistance system and a new generation of more efficient high-voltage batteries that comply with China's new regulations.

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