A big EV sedan with serious ambitions: Buick gets ready to play in the major league

© A. Krivonosov

Buick is preparing a pure-electric version of the Zhijing L7 — a large sedan from SAIC-GM’s new premium sub-brand. The model has already appeared in China’s Ministry of Industry filings, and an official launch is expected in July.

Visually, the L7 EV is almost identical to the previously shown range-extender version. The sedan follows the brand’s «water aesthetic» design language: a sealed front fascia, expressive Galaxy Star Wing headlights, flush door handles and a coupe-like silhouette. At the rear there’s a full-width light bar with matrix graphics and blue indicators that signal the driver-assistance systems at work.

The electric version’s dimensions match those of the EREV: 5032 mm long, 1952 mm wide and 1500 mm tall. The wheelbase measures 3000 mm. This is no longer just «another sedan» — it’s a sizeable car aimed at offering a spacious cabin and a higher perceived class. In the Chinese market, where large electric sedans are aggressively pushing aside traditional executive cars, dimensions like these matter almost as much as range.

On the technical side, only one key figure has been confirmed: the electric motor puts out 282 kW, or 384 hp. Battery and range data have yet to be disclosed. According to preliminary information, however, the Zhijing L7 EV should receive an 800-volt architecture, 6C ultra-fast charging and CATL batteries. If that turns out to be true, Buick will be competing not only on design, but on how quickly the car can refill its energy.

At the Beijing Auto Show, the L7 was shown alongside the Zhijing E7 and Zhijing Shijia, and the L7 itself is meant to be one of the first serious products in the new line-up. Buick has been trying to refresh its image in China for a long time, and the move into high-tech EVs is a way to shake off its old reputation as a maker of family and business sedans.

The Zhijing L7 EV arrives at a moment when a large body alone is no longer enough. Buyers want fast charging, capable electronics and a transparent price — and they will be the ones to decide whether Buick can get back into the game against the local EV brands.