Buick Wildcat EV Angled View. Photo: Buick
Buick commits to going all-electric by 2030 and unveils a cutting-edge concept with a storied pedigree.
In a grand unveiling, Buick announced not only a shiny new EV concept, the Wildcat, but also an invigorating brand redesign. This new vision embraces sophistication and modernity, and means Buick is committing to a full battery electric lineup by 2030. This redesign encompasses a new color palette, typography, and an electric-car focused automotive design language. Included in this historic transformation, Buick clarified that the term “Electra” will be the global naming for their electric cars and will be expanded upon with alphanumeric additions to denote vehicle type and size.
Related: Meet the 2021 Buick Encore, Your City-Ready Luxury SUV
Front of the Buick Wildcat EV. Photo: Buick
Where Have All the Sedans Gone?
If you’ve been hoping to see something other than an SUV from Buick in North America, unfortunately you’ll have to keep waiting. Though their dazzling concept is a coupe and they mention their first EV coming in 2024, they seem committed to the SUV body style for the time being. In China, they announced 5 new electric cars by 2025 and a similar all-electric timeline so, hopefully, we will start seeing more options in the US market too.
Related: 2019 Buick Regal TourX: The Luxury Adventure Wagon You Didn’t Know You Needed
Buick Wildcat EV Forward Cabin. Photo: Buick
How Conceptual is the Buick Wildcat Concept?
Even though Wildcat is a model with an iconic past, Buick was clear that their Wildcat EV Concept embodies the aesthetics of their brand redesign going forward. The 1950’s saw a slew of Buick Wildcat concept cars, the 1960s brought full-size Wildcat sedans, and today, the Wildcat Electric Car. However, Buick actually has no plans to bring this exact concept to reality.
Related: 5 Things About the 2021 Buick Enclave Avenir That Will Revolutionize Your View of Buick
New Buick Logo & Through the Ages. Photo: Buick
A New Logo for a New Era
Featuring the brand new Buick logo that will be on all new designs from here on, the Wildcat electric car is an aerodynamic coupe with a sweeping wrap-around windshield, a low-mounted grill contrasted by high-mounted check mark head lights, a wide form that looks like it would grip the ground like, well…a Wildcat, and powerful curves that embody the ferocity of its namesake.
The micro-LED headlights welcome you with a personalized wakeup animation. How exactly you could personalize that, we don’t yet know, but if I could make my car wink at me when I walk over to it, then I’d be pretty happy about that!
Buick Wildcat EV Headlights. Photo: Buick
The sloping arc of the roofline points your eye to the rear of the car. The Buick Wildcat’s tail lights are seamlessly embedded high above an illuminated Wildcat logo. Buick has also stated there will be “an external state of charge indicator visible in the exterior hatchback glass.” which is a similar beloved feature seen in other EV’s like the VW ID.4 and the Rivian R1T, to name a few.
Buick Wildcat EV Rear. Photo: Buick
The Buick Wildcat’s Clean, Simple Interior Screams “Electric Car”
The interior of the vehicle is a clean, modern cabin with open floor space, crisp lighting, and clear balance and harmony, as was Buick’s stated intention. A detached center console and floating headrests create an almost futuristic look with heavy side bolstering hinting at a well-cushioned ride.
Buick Wildcat EV Forward Cabin. Photo: Buick
Of Course, There is Cool Technology in the Buick Wildcat Concept
Appearing to combine instrument cluster and multimedia system, the Wildcat EV concept features biometric technology like breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate and an advanced artificial intelligence. Buick mentions modes like Zen mode which adjusts the lighting, temperature, and audio settings to, what one can assume are, stress reduction and relaxing settings. I imagine that would be a nice feature when stuck in heavy traffic.
Buick Wildcat EV Angled Cabin Left. Photo: Buick
Though Buick was clear that this concept car will not be brought to life, I am excited to see features that will be carried forward in their new Electra electric cars. I personally hope that the open cabin design, expansive screen that encompasses an instrument cluster, and external charging indicator are included in their future plans.
Liv Leigh
Liv! Congratulations on your first published article here – and, it’s a great topic – I really like the looks of the Wildcat. I’m disappointed that they won’t build it as-is… but hey, it’s GM. I have come to expect poor choices from them sometimes. 😀
Thanks so much Larry!! I’m with you there. I think it’s really pretty and I wish this was a concept they’d commit to! At least knowing that they’re going full electric in this decade means they HAVE to give us some good stuff soon!