Buick launches electric version of the Velite 6 in China

The General Motors subsidiary Buick is launching a new edition of its Velite 6 model in China. The predecessor, which is also offered with a battery-electric drive and as a plug-in hybrid, will remain in the line-up.

The new Buick Velite 6 has a 130-kW front engine and a 50.3-kWh battery. According to Chinese standards, that allows for a range of up to 430 kilometres. The new EV starts at 112,800 yuan (approx. 14,300 euros). As is usual in this price segment, the battery is a cheaper LFP battery. There are currently no further details about the motor or other drive components.

The low price is also made possible by a simplified offer structure. In addition to the aforementioned basic model, the Velite 6 is also available in a higher-quality version, distinguished by a glass sunroof and a reversing camera. That version costs 115,800 yuan, the equivalent of about 14,680 euros. Moreover, the 4.67-metre-long EV is only available in three colours (silver, blue and white), simplifying production. The interior looks rather conventional, but there is a digital cockpit. Only the central touchscreen is significantly smaller than in more expensive models.

The predecessor of the new Velite 6, offered as a PHEV and BEV, remains in the range. In addition to the Velite 6, Buick offers three other electric models in China: The Velite 7, the Electra E4 and the Electra E5. However, according to Car News China, the Velite 6 is Buick’s best-selling electric model in China. With 16,705 units in the first seven months of the year, its predecessor accounted for 61 per cent of electric cars sold. The main competition is considered to be the Qin Plus EV from market leader BYD, of which over 66,000 units were sold in the same period.

carnewschina.com, buick.com.cn (in Chinese)