- Buick has launched the all-new Electra Encasa in China.
- The flagship minivan has all-wheel drive and 620 hp.
- The second-row has massaging seats and a 21-inch display.
Following a preview earlier this year, Buick has launched the new Electra Encasa in China. It’s billed as a “villa-class flagship new energy MPV” and they’re not kidding as it offers features similar to a BMW 7-Series.
Starting outside, there’s a Gulfstream-inspired exterior with a flowing front fascia that incorporates adaptive crystal LED headlights. Moving further back, we can see streamlined bodywork and flush-mounted door handles. They help to give the van an impressively low drag coefficient of 0.258.
More: This Is Buick’s New Flagship Electra Sedan And You Can’t Have It
Aerodynamics aside, the van has gesture-controlled sliding doors and 18- or 19-inch wheels. We can also see a contrasting black roof that gently slopes downward.
The rear end is relatively plain, but features a power liftgate with an available kick sensor. Buick also gave the van “feather flowing flame” taillights that consist of 257 LEDs.
In terms of size, the Electra Encasa measures 207.1 inches (5,260 mm) long and has a wheelbase that spans 124.4 inches (3,160 mm). That means the model is 2.8 inches (71 mm) longer than the Chrysler Pacifica and has an extra 2.8 inches (71 mm) between the wheels.
A Flagship Worthy Interior
While the exterior is stylish for a minivan, the cabin takes things to another level. Drivers sit behind a heated leather steering wheel and find themselves looking at a massive freestanding display. It consists of a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 16.3-inch infotainment system, and a 16.3-inch front passenger display.
Speaking of screens, the model offers a massive 50-inch augmented reality head up display. Customers can also get a 21-inch 4K rear entertainment system as well as dual 5.5-inch controllers for the second-row. The latter are removable and resemble small smartphones.
This recalls the BMW 7-Series, which offers a 31.3-inch 8K rear touchscreen display. The flagship sedan also has 5.5-inch controllers for back seat passengers, although they’re fixed to the doors.
Putting screens aside, the van has heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats wrapped in Nappa leather. There are also first- and second-row wireless smartphone chargers as well as up to two panoramic sunroofs.
The second-row is the place to be as it features Buick’s first multi-posture zero-gravity seats. They “automatically adjust based on first- and third-row positions and can link with the front passenger seat to create a reclining ‘chaise longue’ experience.”
The seats offer power adjustment as well as a power leg rest. They’re joined by heating, ventilation, and a 10-point massage with eight different modes. Second-row passengers will also find folding tray tables and a front passenger seat that can apparently fold down to provide even more legroom.
Rounding out the highlights are an ambient lighting system, a 16-speaker Bose premium audio system, and an AI voice assistant that can recognize four different zones as well as over 700 commands. The model also offers an Australian wool rug as well as a unique mounting system that supports vases, cup holders, and phone mounts – among other things.
Last but not least, the van has a cabin wellness system that keeps the humidity level at a comfortable 40-60%. The system also incorporates active noise cancellation technology as well as high quality air filters and a multi-zone climate control system.
620 HP And 139 Miles Of Electric-Only Range
Motivation is provided by an eco-friendly powertrain that consists of a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine, two electric motors, and a 40.9 kWh battery pack. Buick described the model as a plug-in hybrid, although it sounds like a range-extended EV.
Regardless, the van has all-wheel drive as well as a combined output of 620 hp (462 kW / 628 PS) and 572 lb-ft (775 Nm) of torque.
Thanks to those impressive numbers, the Electra Encasa can accelerate from 0-62 mph (0–100 km/h) in 5.8 seconds and travel 139 miles (224 km) on electricity alone under CLTC regulations. Customers can expect an overall range of 820 miles (1,320 km). When the battery is low, a fast charger can take it from 30% to 80% in 20 minutes.
Buick says the van has their “most advanced intelligent driving system to date” as it has City Navigation Assist and High-Speed Navigation Assist. This sounds like their Xiao Yao Zhi Xing autonomous driving system and it uses 1 Lidar sensor, 3 millimeter-wave radars, 12 ultrasonic sensors, 7 cameras, and four 360 degree cameras.
It essentially provides Super Duper Cruise on highways and city streets. The model also offers a one-touch valet parking function, which can be activated while driving.
Pricing starts at ¥439,900 ($62,220) and climbs to ¥469,900 ($66,462) for the Luxury Edition.
