Buick Envista May Preview Buick’s First Electric Crossover

Several automakers have now introduced electric crossovers and others will do the same in the near future. At GM, Chevrolet recently unveiled the first-ever Blazer EV, which will be followed by the Equinox EV. The latter, unsurprisingly, will have a Buick equivalent.

What will that one look like? The Wildcat EV concept shown on June 1 is arguably too futuristic to get a good idea, but the all-new Buick Envista that’s just been revealed for the Chinese market is probably a better preview.

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With similar dimensions as the compact Envision, this vehicle is aimed at “the progressive young generation and modern families in China,” Buick says. As an interpretation of the brand’s new global design language, it features a coupe-like silhouette and much sportier lines than any model currently in the lineup.

As you can see, a traditional grille is affixed to the nose. That’s because the Envista houses a turbocharged 1.5-litre gasoline engine. However, it’s easy to imagine the rest of the exterior being applied to an EV, from the sharply styled headlights to the aerodynamic, fastback-type roofline.  

It’s the same thing inside where the tech-focused cabin definitely would not look out of place in an EV. More specifically, a digital instrument cluster and centre touchscreen—both of which are 10.25 inches in size—combine to form a single interface that appears to be floating above the dashboard. The infotainment system offers wireless Apple CarPlay compatibility and over-the-air updates.

We’ll skip details about equipment and trims. Naturally, Buick’s new logo is found on the steering wheel and at both ends of the vehicle. In North America, we’ll start to see it next year.

Then, in 2024, Buick’s first electric vehicle for the Canadian market will arrive—six years before the brand ditches internal combustion engines completely. We know it will ride on GM’s Ultium platform and battery and revive the Electra moniker.

A reveal is likely to take place before the end of the year, so keep following The Car Guide for more information and pictures.