As long as range anxiety is still a thing, you could make the case that manufacturers posting huge range numbers between stops is only making it worse, convincing hesitant, late-adopters that range is the only stat that matters. That said, with 1600 km (~995 miles) of combined range, the new Buick Electra E7 is an impressive, bladder-busting ride.
Built around the SAIC-GM True Dragon Plug-in Hybrid Pro powertrain that pairs a high-efficiency 1.5L internal combustion generator with a powerful 165 kW (~210 hp) electric motor and LFP battery, the new Buick Electra E7 crossover promises up to 210 km (~130 miles) of pure electric driving before the ICE kick in to go even further.
In practice, that means a driver who plugs in at night would be able to drive on battery power almost everywhere, almost every day, and never have to worry about pre-planning their stops before they hit the road for a long trip. In America, at least, it sure feels like that freedom to suffer consequences from a lack of forethought is what’s fueling the last of the EV holdouts.
Which is to say: this thing would be perfect for the US market.
Thoroughly modern
In addition to showing off the new Buick’s styling with te release of thesefirst official images, SAIC-GM confirmed that new Electra E7 PHEV would feature the company’s most advanced semi-autonomous ADAS based on the Momenta R6 learning model.
This ADAS strategy made its debuted in the Electra L7 sedan that debuted late last year. That car, which sparked speculation of a US return of the storied Buick nameplate, incorporates radar and LiDAR sensors integrated into the now familiar spot on the roof just above the windshield, good for giving the sensor a commanding view of the road ahead.
The Electra E7 also features a return to GM’s old active suspension concept, with CarNewsChina reporting that the new vehicle incorporates, “pre-emptive RTD continuously variable damping suspension system. This system scans the road surface 500 times per second and adjusts damping in milliseconds … (and) can proactively identify road imperfections such as speed bumps and manholes up to 20 meters in advance, allowing for pre-adjustment of damping force to enhance passenger comfort.”
I don’t know about you guys, but 850 miles into the E7’s one-stop range and my kidneys would probably be grateful for anything that would take the edge off Chicago’s potholes – but that’s just me. Take a look at the pics, above, then let us know what you think of Buick’s latest hybrid crossover in the comments.
SOURCES: SAIC-GM; via CarNewsChina, GM Authority.
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