Even though you don’t hear much about Buick these days, this General Motors brand sold more cars in the U.S. in 2023 than Chrysler, Genesis, or Acura, even without a single plug-in or even a hybrid in its lineup. Now it’s reiterating its commitment to a future where its products will be design-driven vehicles with flowing lines inspired by the 2022 Buick Wildcat concept and the eventual transition to EVs.
The automaker announced its new tagline today—“exceptional by design,” which it says is meant to evoke “the sculptural form and aesthetic philosophy of the Buick brand and product.”
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The future of Buick
For years, Buick has quietly done well in America, but for a long time the bulk of its sales were in China. But its EV pipeline seems uncertain, and many U.S. car dealers folded rather than sign up for an electric future.
The first Wildcat-inspired models to be introduced in the US were the latest Encore GX, followed by the Envista, which are certainly watered-down versions of what was a striking and quite beautiful two-door coupe concept. They aren’t meant to be halo vehicles, though, and neither will the Envision and Enclave, which are the next models to be launched with Wildcat-infused design.
We’ve seen an official design sketch of what could become the brand’s first EV, the Ultium-based Electra, and it previews what is certainly a bolder-looking vehicle, which it needs to be to rise to the new brand ethos and also stand out in the highly competitive segment it will enter. (And yes, this seems to be different from the Ultium Buick Electra E5 sold in China; really, Buick would be nuts not to use that historic name for future EVs.)
The sketch has not been confirmed to preview the Electra, though, and it wasn’t unanimously liked, so the production model could end up looking completely different.
As well as it’s doing here, Buick’s biggest market isn’t the U.S, but China. Even as the Western automakers lose market share to homegrown brands there, the nation accounts for about 80 percent of its global sales, and it’s where its lineup is already mostly electrified. Its stateside lineup currently lacks an all-electric model or a plug-in of any kind, but the Electra EV SUV should be shown toward the end of the year and go on sale in 2025.
In any case, this feels like the first real signs of a future from Buick we’ve seen in a while, at least where the U.S. is concerned. And the Wildcat concept was certainly a memorable one. But last year, GM bought out around half of the U.S. Buick dealers who declined to invest in selling and repairing EVs.
Can Buick help lead the way as GM sorts out its EV issues? Here’s hoping it can, and that the cars look like this.
Buick Wildcat Concept Could Inspire ‘Exceptional By Design’ EVs
In the realm of electric vehicles (EVs), efficiency and sustainability are often at the forefront of automotive design. However, Buick’s latest concept car, the Wildcat, aims to shake up the industry by emphasizing design and luxury in the EV market. The Wildcat concept, unveiled at the recent Shanghai Auto Show, is a stunning example of Buick’s commitment to creating vehicles that are not only environmentally friendly but also exude style and elegance.
The Wildcat concept features a sleek and aerodynamic design that is sure to turn heads on the road. With its futuristic styling and innovative features, the Wildcat is a bold statement about the future of EVs. The concept car boasts a long wheelbase, low profile, and sculpted lines that give it a sporty and dynamic appearance. The front grille is adorned with the Buick emblem and creates a sense of elegance and sophistication.
One of the most striking features of the Wildcat concept is its all-electric powertrain. Buick has not released specific details about the Wildcat’s performance capabilities, but it is expected to offer impressive acceleration, range, and charging capabilities. The use of an electric powertrain in the Wildcat demonstrates Buick’s commitment to sustainability and innovation in the automotive industry.
In addition to its cutting-edge technology and performance, the Wildcat concept also showcases Buick’s dedication to luxury and comfort. The interior of the concept car is designed to provide a premium driving experience, with high-quality materials, advanced technology, and spacious seating for passengers. The Wildcat concept is a testament to Buick’s reputation for creating vehicles that offer a perfect blend of style, performance, and comfort.
Buick’s Wildcat concept has the potential to inspire a new generation of EVs that prioritize design and luxury. With its striking appearance, advanced technology, and commitment to sustainability, the Wildcat concept represents a bold vision for the future of electric vehicles. Buick’s focus on creating vehicles that are “Exceptional By Design” sets it apart from other automakers in the EV market and positions them as a leader in automotive innovation.
As the automotive industry continues to shift towards electric and sustainable vehicles, the Buick Wildcat concept serves as a shining example of what is possible when design, technology, and luxury are combined. With its sleek styling, advanced features, and commitment to sustainability, the Wildcat concept is sure to leave a lasting impression on the EV market and inspire future generations of exceptional electric vehicles.