Buick Electra E5 Enters Pre-Production In China; North America Bound Soon?

The Buick Electra E5 starts pre-production in China.

And just like that, Buick’s Ultium future starts rolling out on Chinese roads, albeit in pre-production, validation testing form. GM announced that the first units meant for final testing of its first Buick-branded Ultium-platform-based EV have started rolling out of its Wuhan, China plant.

Developed, tailored, and made in China, the Buick Electra E5 is a fully electric crossover SUV. GM has been mum on the specifications, but the crossover is expected to enter full series production in early 2023, with deliveries going to Chinese consumers in the first half of the year. “Leveraging GM’s over 25 years of expertise in EV development and advanced technology, the Electra E5 will take advantage of the full potential of the Ultium platform to provide an appealing EV experience with advanced safety, intelligence and performance,” stated Buick, via press release. The Electra E5 also gets flagship-level features, like Super Cruise.

Most pertinently, this only increases speculation that the Electra E5 may end up on North American lots, very soon. GM has been localizing Chinese products for North American consumption lately; the latest Chevrolet Trax initially debuted in China as the Chevrolet Seeker. Could the Buick Electra E5 follow the same trend, and end up on North American shores? Possibly, Buick has said its first EV will be an Ultium-based crossover due to drop in 2024. The Electra E5 looks to be ready to do battle against cars like the Mercedes-Benz EQB, and Audi Q4 E-tron.

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