The Buick Minivan Flagship You Didn't Realize You Needed | Carscoops

      The new Electra Encasa boasts 620 hp and features akin to those found in the BMW 7-Series.

      Buick has officially unveiled the all-new Electra Encasa in China.

      This flagship minivan comes equipped with all-wheel drive and delivers 620 hp.

      In the second-row, passengers enjoy massaging seats and a 21-inch display.

      After an initial preview earlier this year, Buick has introduced the Electra Encasa in China. Marketed as a “villa-class flagship new energy MPV”, it truly offers amenities reminiscent of the BMW 7-Series.

      On the exterior, the design draws inspiration from Gulfstream, featuring a sleek front end with adaptive crystal LED headlights. As one moves towards the back, the streamlined body and flush-mounted door handles contribute to a remarkably low drag coefficient of 0.258.

      Beyond its aerodynamic profile, the minivan includes gesture-controlled sliding doors and options for 18- or 19-inch wheels. It also sports a contrasting black roof that slopes gently downwards.

      The rear design is somewhat understated, yet it includes a power liftgate with an available kick sensor. Buick has outfitted the van with “feather flowing flame” taillights, which comprise 257 LEDs.

      In terms of dimensions, the Electra Encasa measures 207.1 inches (5,260 mm) in length and has a wheelbase of 124.4 inches (3,160 mm). This makes it 2.8 inches (71 mm) longer than the Chrysler Pacifica, with an additional 2.8 inches (71 mm) of wheelbase length.

      An Interior Fit for a Flagship

      While the exterior is stylish for a minivan, the interior elevates the experience further. Drivers are met with a heated leather steering wheel and a substantial freestanding display which features a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 16.3-inch infotainment screen, and a 16.3-inch display for the front passenger.

      Additionally, the model features an impressive 50-inch augmented reality head-up display. Buyers can opt for a 21-inch 4K rear entertainment system and dual 5.5-inch removable controllers for the second row, styled like small smartphones.

      This setup is reminiscent of the BMW 7-Series, which includes a 31.3-inch 8K rear touchscreen display, as well as fixed 5.5-inch controllers for rear-seat passengers.

      Beyond the screens, the minivan comes with heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats crafted from Nappa leather. It also has wireless smartphone chargers in both the first and second rows, along with up to two panoramic sunroofs.

      The second row offers a luxurious experience with Buick’s first multi-posture zero-gravity seats, which adjust automatically based on the front and third-row positions and can link with the front passenger seat to create a reclining ‘chaise longue’ effect.

      These seats feature power adjustments, a leg rest, heating, ventilation, and a 10-point massage with eight different settings. Second-row occupants will also find folding tray tables, alongside a front passenger seat that can fold down for additional legroom.

      Highlights include an ambient lighting system, a 16-speaker Bose premium audio setup, and an AI voice assistant capable of recognizing four different zones and over 700 commands. The model also incorporates an Australian wool rug along with a unique mounting system for items such as vases, cup holders, and phone mounts.

      Additionally, the van is equipped with a cabin wellness system that maintains humidity between 40-60% and includes active noise cancellation technology, high-quality air filters, and a multi-zone climate control system.

      620 HP and 139 Miles of Electric-Only Range

      The vehicle is powered by an eco-friendly powertrain featuring a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine, two electric motors, and a 40.9 kWh battery pack. Although described as a plug-in hybrid, it resembles a range-extended EV.

      Nevertheless, the minivan boasts all-wheel drive and a combined output of 620 hp (462 kW / 628 PS) with 572 lb-ft (775 Nm) of torque.

      Thanks to these impressive figures, the Electra Encasa can accelerate from 0-62 mph (0–100 km/h) in just 5.8 seconds and offers a range of 139 miles (224 km) on electric power alone under CLTC standards. Overall, customers can expect a total range of 820 miles (1,320 km), and a fast charger can replenish the battery from 30% to 80% in just 20 minutes.

      Buick claims this minivan features their “most advanced intelligent driving system to date,” incorporating City Navigation Assist and High-Speed Navigation Assist. This system, likely akin to their Xiao Yao Zhi Xing autonomous driving technology, utilizes one Lidar sensor, three millimeter-wave radars, twelve ultrasonic sensors, seven cameras,