Buick launches VELITE 7 EV and VELITE 6 PHEV in China
25 July 2020
Buick has strengthened its commitment to electrification in China with the launch of the VELITE 7 electric vehicle and VELITE 6 plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).
The VELITE 7 is the first all-electric SUV in Buick’s new energy vehicle portfolio, offering 500 kilometers (311 miles) of range on a single charge.
The VELITE 6 PHEV adopts Buick’s latest eMotion electric propulsion technology. It has a driving range of up to 780 kilometers (485 miles), including an electric-only range of 60 kilometers (37 miles).
The VELITE 7 is available in two variants with a price of RMB 179,800 (US$25,600) and RMB 199,800 (US$28,500) including government subsidies. The three trims of the VELITE 6 PHEV have a price range of RMB 159,800 (US$22,800) to RMB 179,800 (US$25,600) including government subsidies.
In response to customers’ growing demand for online shopping, Buick is launching direct sales for the VELITE 7 to provide the seamless integration of online and offline sales channels. Under the new sales model, customers can check vehicle information, engage in purchase consultation and place an order directly with Buick through the iBuick app. Dealers will maintain their service contacts with vehicle handover and other personalized customer service.
To maximize the EV ownership experience, Buick is also offering a whole package of customer-centric services for buyers of both the VELITE 7 and the VELITE 6 PHEV. These servicescinclude a free home charging pole to facilitate daily usage and updated digital service via the iBuick app that will enable owners to remotely control their vehicle, check the battery capacity and range, manage charging settings, plan routes and locate nearby charging stations.
Both models come with an eight-year or 160,000-kilometer warranty for the electric propulsion system and key components. Customers will have access to 100G of free OnStar 4G LTE data service every year.
Buick VELITE 7. The VELITE 7 has adopted Buick’s latest styling. Its streamlined proportions offer a distinct look with a hint of functional crossover elements. Fractal 3D geometric patterns have replaced the traditional front grille. Inspired by jet wings, the front and rear corners enhance aerodynamic performance. The sporty exterior also features sleek body lines, and a clean and powerful hood with a center crease.
VELITE 7
The VELITE 7 has a segment-leading wheelbase of 2,675 millimeters, as well as a flat floor in back courtesy of its dedicated electric vehicle platform. This gives it a spacious interior with class-leading legroom in both front and back. It also ensures easier access for passengers sitting in the middle. The high stance provides the driver greater visibility.
The VELITE 7 is powered by the Buick eMotion electric propulsion system that meets GM’s global standard for safety and reliability. It comes with a new modular high-performance 55.6-kWh lithium-ion battery from LG.
Through improved cell chemistry and an optimized lightweight design, the battery pack has industry-leading energy density and performance. Its cell-level intelligent thermal management system with liquid cooling ensures the best working temperature for stable battery performance. Extra protection of the pack in the event of a collision, dust or water is guaranteed through an advanced structural design.
The permanent magnet drive motor produces up to 360 N·m of torque and 130 kW of motoring power, enabling the VELITE 7 to go from 0-100 kilometers per hour in 8.6 seconds. Electric power consumption is an estimated 13.1 kWh/100 kilometers.
Highlights of the VELITE 7 also include the distinct Regen on Demand and One Pedal Driving, which maximize energy recovery to support longer range without compromising the driving experience. Pulling and holding the Regen on Demand paddle on the steering wheel decelerates the vehicle and stores energy for future use. One Pedal Driving captures energy from the moving vehicle and turns it back into electrical energy. The driver can speed up and slow down using only the accelerator pedal, and press the brake pedal to stop immediately.
The VELITE 7 has AC and DC fast-charging capability, enabling the battery to be charged to more than 210 kilometers of range (130 miles) in 30 minutes. Three charging configurations match users’ preferences: immediate charging upon plug in, delayed charging during a specific time of day and delayed charging during optimal utility rates.
An 8-inch LED cluster and an advanced 10-inch high-resolution touchscreen are integrated with the VELITE 7’s latest-generation Buick eConnect connectivity system. It includes wireless integration with Apple CarPlay and Baidu CarLife, wireless charging, OnStar 4G connectivity and Baidu advanced AI voice assistance. It also supports over-the-air (OTA) remote updates.
The VELITE 7’s advanced navigation system has 10 million kilometers of map data and keeps drivers updated on real-time road conditions and accident alerts. When the electric range is less than 100 kilometers, the system provides a driving range estimate and can help locate a nearby charging spot.
A variety of active safety features and 13 intelligent driver-assist technologies are tailored for road conditions and driving habits in China. They include a digital rearview camera, a 360-degree surround camera, full speed range automatic cruise control, autonomous emergency braking and eight air bags.
Buick VELITE 6 PHEV. The VELITE 6 PHEV has a dynamic posture coupled with a wide stance. Its modern streamlined shape and overall innovative exterior styling match the nameplate’s exciting technological character. Its interior includes a large panoramic sunroof, an expansive 1,075 liters of cargo space and an ion air purifying system.
VELITE 6 PHEV
Leveraging GM’s global electrification expertise, the high-performance hybrid system is composed of a dedicated 1.5L engine with dual variable valve timing (DVVT) technology, an electronically controlled variable transmission (E-CVT) and high-performance dual motors complemented by a high-performance lithium-ion battery.
The engine, optimized with a lightweight design to match the electric propulsion system, has maximum power of 72 kW and maximum torque of 143 N·m. Together with the dual electric motor, it produces up to 380 Nm of torque and 135 kW of motoring power, along with 0-100 kilometer per hour acceleration of 9 seconds.
The VELITE 6 PHEV’s high-performance lithium-ion battery pack from LG is composed of 104 groups of cell units. It has 9.5 kWh of electric capacity and maximum power of 80 kW.
Supported by Power Split technology and the E-CVT, the motors and engine efficiently and seamlessly optimize power, achieving fuel consumption as low as 1.4 liters/100 kilometers (168 mpg US) under New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) conditions.
The electronically controlled variable transmission (E-CVT) on the VELITE 6 PHEV features Power Split technology.
The VELITE 6 PHEV has three driving modes—Normal, Sport and Lock—to provide power and handling to match users’ needs. The Lock mode allows the driver to manually shift to the hybrid system for sustained battery capacity. The VELITE 6 PHEV is also available with two energy regeneration options and three charging modes. A portable charging cable comes standard.
Driver assist technologies in the VELITE 6 PHEV include Forward Collision Alert, Collision Mitigation Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Side Blind Zone Alert and the second-generation Automatic Parking Assist.
Buick has sold more than 10 million vehicles in China since its introduction by SAIC-GM in 1998.
Are Chinese cars really any cheaper than fully robotized American manufacturing, or is it unionized workers that make Chinese cars cheaper/easier? It seems like transportation cost for distribution across the ocean would cancel some of the cost benefit, if any.
Posted by: WillyG | 26 July 2020 at 04:16 AM
This is not coming to the U.S.
If they can send Japanese/Korean cars to the U.S. China can too.
Posted by: SJC_1 | 26 July 2020 at 09:20 AM
My fully loaded Bolt cost about $30,000 after the federal tax rebate and the dealer/GM discounts so that is not that much more than the $28,500 including government subsidies for the more expensive VELITE 7.
Posted by: sd | 26 July 2020 at 11:37 AM
These and similar low cost Chinese e-vehicles could signal the end of US General Motors....
Posted by: HarveyD | 26 July 2020 at 11:37 AM
Why? Buick sells more in China than the U.S.
Posted by: SJC_1 | 27 July 2020 at 04:25 AM
USA GM could go under.......but not GM China...
Posted by: HarveyD | 27 July 2020 at 08:56 AM
@sd, Your Bolt doesn't have the additional advantage of using gasoline for long-distance driving, with super-quick energy fill-up, and the doubling in range between energy fill-up in a PHEV. As such, the Bolt is inferior to the Velite 6 PHEV. Also, the Bolt is much uglier.
The Velite 6 is a very beautiful design, but too bad, it is limited in power, with only 135 kW of power, thus not competitive with the Model 3.
Plus, the power-split device is bulky and complicated, and is NOT needed in a PHEV.
A PHEV simply needs to drive the front wheel as directly-coupled to the front axle with only a clutch, similar to those of Honda 2-motor hybrids, because the rear axle can be driven by the e-motor to drive the vehicle at low speeds.
To boost low-speed torque, the engine can be coupled to a hydraulic torque converter to boost engine torque 2 folds to provide additional torque to combine with the rear e-motor when launching the vehicle at rest, for maximum 0-60 time. With this setup, we can add the 80-kW power of the front engine to the 120 kW power of the rear e-motor to come up with 200 kW of total power, which should greatly improve acceleration performance.
Posted by: Roger Pham | 27 July 2020 at 11:56 AM
GM is an American company, they will survive even if they ONLY
sell in China, just down size.
Posted by: SJC_1 | 28 July 2020 at 12:31 PM
Roger
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I like the Bolt and drive it about 60 miles on a typical day using nothing but electric power and top up every 3rd day or so using a 240 volt charger that I installed. It is a very responsive car and I often drive about 70 to 80 mph on the freeway but still get better than the EPA mileage rating. If I am going to go somewhere that requires long distance driving, I have 2 other vehicles including a full size crew cab HD pickup that I use to take a camper off road. The cost to operate the Bolt is about 1/10th that of the pickup and the Bolt has no maintenance.
If I was asked about ugly, the Nissan Leaf or Rouge or the Honda Element would be my picks but others may find them beautiful so that is OK.
Posted by: sd | 28 July 2020 at 07:17 PM
@sd,
I really respect that you use the Bolt for daily driving and not the 2 other HD pickup trucks. We really would like to see other owners of big SUV's and PU trucks drive Plug-in Vehicles daily, and leave their gas-guzzling monster at home and only drive 'em on special occasions when they are really needed. There are far too many full-size SUV's and PU trucks on the roads.
Yes, the Bolt is far more beautiful than the Leaf, Rouge, BMW i3, and the Element..etc...but I wish that GM would send a version of the Velite 6 here to the USA. It sure would beat the Prius Prime in the beauty department and in performance as well. 135 kW power of the Velite 6 is weak in comparison to the Tesla M3 LR, but 135 kW is much more powerful than the Prius Prime at only 90 kW of total power and the Hyundai Ioniq PHEV at 104 kW. Everything is relative!
Posted by: Roger Pham | 29 July 2020 at 12:55 PM