Buick Electra Encasa: The Flagship Luxury Minivan with a Combustion Engine and 620 hp

Buick has launched the new Electra Encasa in China, billed as a “villa-class flagship new energy MPV” that offers luxury features comparable to a BMW 7-Series. It combines an aerodynamic design with an impressively powerful plug-in hybrid powertrain.

The Electra Encasa’s design is inspired by a Gulfstream. Its flowing front fascia incorporates adaptive crystal LED headlights. The streamlined bodywork and flush-mounted door handles help give it an impressively low drag coefficient of 0.258.

The vehicle features gesture-controlled sliding doors. It uses 18- or 19-inch wheels. The rear features a power liftgate with an available kick sensor. The taillights are called “feather flowing flame” and consist of 257 LEDs.

Luxury Dimensions

In terms of size, the Electra Encasa is a large van. It measures 5,260 mm (207.1 inches) long. Its wheelbase spans 3,160 mm (124.4 inches). This means that the model is 71 mm (2.8 inches) longer than the Chrysler Pacifica and has an extra 71 mm (2.8 inches) between the wheels.

A Flagship-Worthy Interior

The cabin takes luxury to another level. The driver sits behind a heated leather steering wheel. In front is a massive freestanding display. This consists of a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and two displays, one for infotainment and one for the passenger, both 16.3 inches.

Screen Technology:

• 50-inch augmented reality Head-up Display.
• 21-inch 4K rear entertainment system.
• Removable dual 5.5-inch controllers for the second row, similar to those offered in the BMW 7-Series.

“Villa-Class” Comfort

The front seats are wrapped in Nappa leather. They are heated, ventilated, and offer a massage function. The minivan provides wireless smartphone chargers in the first and second rows, and up to two panoramic sunroofs.

The second row is the highlight. It features Buick’s first “multi-posture zero-gravity seats.” These automatically adjust and can create a reclining “chaise longue” experience. The second-row seats offer power adjustment, a power leg rest, heating, ventilation, and a 10-point massage with eight different modes.

High-Performance Hybrid Powertrain

Motivation is provided by an eco-friendly powertrain. This consists of a 1.5-liter turbo engine, two electric motors, and a 40.9 kWh battery pack. Buick describes it as a plug-in hybrid, although it sounds more like a range-extended EV.

Performance and Range:

• All-wheel drive and a combined output of 620 hp (462 kW).
• Accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 5.8 seconds.
• Electric-only range of 224 km (139 miles) (CLTC).
• Overall range of 1,320 km (820 miles).
• Fast charging from 30% to 80% in 20 minutes.

Driving and Pricing

Buick says the van has its “most advanced intelligent driving system to date.” It uses sensors and cameras, including 1 Lidar sensor, to offer navigation assistance in the city and on the highway. It also offers a one-touch valet parking function.

Pricing starts at ¥439,900 (approximately $62,220 USD) and climbs to ¥469,900 (approximately $66,462 USD) for the Luxury Edition.