Buick is still hot in China, making it the perfect place to showcase swoopy concept car eye candy.
China might not be the first place you think of if you’re an old-school Buick fan. Despite the Electra nameplate showing up on a variety of American cars from the latter half of the 20th century, Buick has decided that the badge will live on elsewhere. Specifically, on the back of a series of new electric and hybrid models that are only destined for the Chinese market. A bit sad, but that’s how things go. Perhaps the most illuminating vehicle sporting the Electra name is the Electra GS Concept, which debuted at Auto Shanghai 2025.
Buick Electra GS Concept Buick
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The Buick Electra GS Concept is “more than a concept,” according to Buick
Stuart Norris, Chief Design Officer at SAIC-GM and Vice President of GM China Design, says the Electra GS Concept is “a design manifesto.” It certainly looks the part: it stretches over 208 inches long, just a few inches short of the contemporary BMW 7 Series, and touts a glass roof similar to the iconic Sky Lounge roof found on late-model 7 Series. Chunky 23-inch wheels help lean into the “bigger is better” design, while a sloping c-pillar hints at sportiness that may or may not lurk under the attractive sheet metal. Don’t get it twisted: the Buick Electra GS Concept still appears to be a three-box sedan with a real trunk, despite its (to borrow again from BMW) Gran Coupe appearance. The Buick Electra GS Concept also touts typical concept inclusions like wisps for door handles and side mirrors. Futuristic L-shaped LED lighting in the front and back tie the car together.
Inside, the Buick Electra GS Concept features an unfinished steering wheel, so drivers will have a harder time parallel parking. Though said in jest, the inclusion of a yoke-style steering wheel seems comically off-brand for us American Buick drivers. Moving past the wheel, we see screens for the driver and passenger, the latter of which measures 16.3 inches across. Rich materials are everywhere in the cabin, apparently comprising brown and black leather, metal, and woven fabrics. It’s definitely a step above what you’ll see in production Buick vehicles — although, maybe not future Electra vehicles.
Buick Electra GS Concept Buick
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The Buick Electra GS Concept previews what’s next for the brand in China
GM China Advanced Design Center is responsible for the Concept’s curvaceous looks. It’s one of four studios in the world that GM relies on for design work, and the Buick Electra GS Concept was penned with the Chinese market in mind. Buick says the cool concept “draws inspiration from the mythical centaur, embodying both raw power and intelligence.” Frankly, it’s a bit much, but hey, can’t argue with results. The Electra GS Concept is one pretty machine.
As mentioned, Buick also broke news that their new EV and hybrid sub-brand will don the Electra name. Currently, plans call for six new electric and PHEV models to come to market, and three debuted at Shanghai. Ranging from vans to luxury sedans, they all more or less echo the styling seen here in the Electra GS Concept.
Final thoughts
“The Electra GS is just the beginning,” claims Stuart Norris. While we wish that applied to Buick’s presence in the US as well as China, it’s probably a bit optimistic to think we’ll see any version of the Electra GS Concept on US shores. Or any Electra at all, for that matter. Maybe Buick’s next SUV Stateside will borrow some of the aesthetic appeal — we’ll have to wait and see.
