Buick has revealed an all-electric SUV concept in China called the Enspire that the near-luxury brand will show to the public at the 2018 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition (Auto China 2018). The show car aimed at the Chinese market highlights Buick’s exploration of new designs and technologies in the drive to future mobility.
The sculpted crossover with advanced aerodynamic features wears a wide-looking sporty front end with narrow headlights. Its elongated headlights appear to stretch into the crossbar of the grille, which takes cues from the recently redesigned Buick grille, and the faces of the Buick Avista and Velite concepts, both introduced in 2016. The Enspire name also is spelled out in the lower part of the front and rear fascias.
Riding on beefy tires, the sides of Enspire show no visible door handles. The athletic rear appearance of the SUV features more of the crossbar, but a thinner version that hugs the back sides of the SUV. Inside the concept, Buick has created what it describes as a “surround skyline” theme with “suspended theater-type seating.”
The interior also features ambient lighting, while the center console and armrests are made with natural wood grain and microfiber suede. The windshield display also features an augmented reality head-up display and it offers 5G connectivity.
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Up to 370 miles of range
Buick did not release details on the battery or battery pack size, but said Enspire’s modular battery design gives the SUV a range of up to 370 miles on a single charge. It also features the brand’s eMotion electric propulsion tech—an advanced electric drive system with four electric drive wheels “efficiently arranged in front and back.” Buick says the system “optimizes output” for quick and smooth performance in changing operating conditions. Enspire also is very quick. It produces maximum power of 410 kW, or 550 horsepower, allowing the concept to hit 0-60 mph time in just 4 seconds.
The electric crossover also is capable of fast and wireless charging. Its battery can charge to 80 percent in 40 minutes. While its dimensions weren’t released, the Enspire looks bigger than General Motors Co.’s all-electric Chevrolet Bolt EV. The subcompact Bolt EV offers a range of 238 miles on a single charge.
It’s not known if Buick will release an electric SUV like Enspire or perhaps use some of the concept’s design cues and electric powertrain elsewhere. But Buick is GM’s top performing brand in China. Last year, GM sold more than 1 million Buicks there. And GM late last year also pledged to bring to market 20 new electrics by 2023.
