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Buick Electra-X concept teased for Chinese audience

Buick is about to show its largest market, China, how the brand does an electric vehicle specifically for that clientele. The Tri-Shield released two images of the shark nose that will grace its Electra-X concept, a follow up to the Electra concept that debuted at the Auto Beijing in 2020. Instead of the 583-horsepower, high-riding, thick-bodied fanciful sedan of yore, the Electra-X should be a much more production-ready version of what Chinese buyers can expect. Buick China said that "The Electra-X concept takes Buick's innovative thinking and imagination of future electric mobility to the next level. It is designed to provide a safer, smarter and more desirable EV experience, building on Buick's deep understanding and insights of local consumers toward electrification and intelligent driving." This will be a different vehicle than the "groovy" EV concept Buick showed its American audience in February of this year, although there are similarities. Buick China also said of the Electra-X that it is "defined by the brand's all-new design language" that embodies "distinct and forward-looking styling, along with an airy interior." Another design trait will be slim, sloping DRLs, seen on the Chinese and U.S. concept teasers, with slight differences. The Asian market can also expect minimal surfacing, an ornate grille treatment, side mirror cameras, and trim A-pillars. Tech-wise, Buick says the Ultium-based product will come with Super Cruise and its Virtual Cockpit System. The China debut happens next month at 2022 Buick Brand Day. Our groovy EV debuts this summer, the automaker planning to have two electric vehicles in U.S. showrooms by the end of 2023. The Electra-X could give big clues about what's headed our way. Related video:

2013 Buick Verano Turbo vs. 2013 Acura ILX 2.4

Answering The $30,000 Entry-Level Luxury Question
Twenty years ago, a comparison between an entry-level Buick and Acura would have matched a Skylark against an Integra.
Twenty years ago, a comparison between an entry-level Buick and its Acura equivalent would have matched a Skylark against an Integra. The unfair battle would have resulted in the compact American's defeat in nearly every measurable category, as the Japanese competitor was arguably at the height of its powers.

MotorWeek remembers the nearly forgotten Buick Reatta

The Reatta was Buick's failed experiment to take on European competitors with its own two-seat luxury coupe and convertible. The model only lasted a few years, and US customers didn't see another droptop from the brand until the Cascada. The latest MotorWeek Retro Review takes a look back at the short-lived roadster and remembers it quite fondly. Host John Davis calls the 1990 Reatta droptop "one of the best looking convertibles ever." His sentiment seems a little hyperbolic, but the roadster is definitely an attractive machine by the standards of the time. The smooth front end and pop-up headlights are reminiscent of Japanese sports cars of era, and the profile with the top down is elegant. There are weaknesses, though. The manual roof mechanism appears cumbersome to operate, and the crude digital instruments, which simulate physical dials, make the cabin look too dated. Other than a complaint about over-boosted power steering, MotorWeek enjoys how the Reatta drives, too. Buick's roadster is largely forgotten today, but such glowing praise suggests it deserves to be better remembered. Check out this Retro Review to look back on this interesting experiment from the early '90s. Related Video: