Electric Cars

Buick is charting a bold new course with the unveiling of its Electra Orbit concept, a design marvel that stands in stark contrast to the brand's current range of conventional SUVs. This visionary prototype, revealed by GM China's design team, embodies a captivating blend of historical inspirations and forward-thinking technology. Its dramatic aesthetics and innovative interior solutions suggest a future where Buick vehicles transcend mere utility, offering a glimpse into a more imaginative and emotionally engaging product lineup. The Electra Orbit's debut signals a potential renaissance for the marque, leveraging its heritage to craft vehicles that truly capture public imagination, much like the acclaimed Wildcat concept before it.

The Electra Orbit concept car, a testament to Buick's potential for design innovation, draws its inspiration from a rich tapestry of influences, including vintage space-age spacecraft, cutting-edge jet designs, and the brand's own iconic historical concepts. This meticulous fusion has culminated in a vehicle that is both an homage to the past and a clear vision for the future. The Electra Orbit boasts a 2+2 seating configuration, though its sheer scale, stretching approximately 235 inches in length—comparable to a Cadillac Escalade ESV—suggests an even more expansive interior presence. Despite its substantial footprint, the concept maintains a sleek, low-slung profile reminiscent of a high-performance coupe or luxury sedan, rather than a typical SUV.

Aesthetically, the Electra Orbit commands attention with distinctive features such as a trio of daytime running lights flanking an illuminated Buick badge at the front, with the hood elegantly transitioning into the lower fascia. The extended rear overhang, drawing parallels to the aerodynamic McLaren Speedtail, hints at the vehicle's efficiency and streamlined form. Massive 24-inch wheels almost entirely fill the arches, contributing to its commanding stance. The exterior is finished in a sophisticated metallic shade dubbed “Space,” further emphasizing its futuristic and celestial inspirations. According to Stuart Norris, Vice President of Design for GM China and GM International and Chief of Design at SAIC-GM, the Electra Orbit represents a courageous exploration of Buick's capabilities, merging heritage with groundbreaking innovation. The design team aimed to create a concept that feels inherently Buick, yet simultaneously presents a thrillingly novel experience.

Access to the Electra Orbit's opulent interior is granted through dramatic scissor doors, revealing a cabin designed for ultimate comfort and technological integration. The centerpiece of the cabin is the "Ring," an arch-shaped display that seamlessly extends from one A-pillar to the other, providing a wide array of information and controls. This innovative display reconfigures dynamically based on the selected driving mode, intelligently adapting whether the driver or the vehicle's autonomous system is in control. Further enhancing the futuristic ambiance are a spherical center controller and a 'wormhole-inspired' interface, which is paired with an advanced AI assistant, features typically reserved for concept vehicles.

The interior's design palette is rooted in a 'Ground' theme, utilizing natural earth tones and a striking two-tone scheme with a rich, red-clay inspired hue. The luxurious atmosphere is further enhanced by plush fabrics and subtle crystal accents. In a nod to the romanticism of travel, the Electra Orbit also features a unique dual, center-pivoting frunk, complete with bespoke luggage. While there are no immediate plans for the Electra Orbit to enter production, and given its development by the GM China team, its direct availability in markets like America is uncertain, this concept undeniably showcases the profound talent within Buick's design ranks. It serves as a powerful demonstration of the brand's capacity to re-engage and excite automotive enthusiasts, following in the footsteps of previous groundbreaking concepts like the Wildcat.

The Electra Orbit transcends the conventional automotive landscape, establishing Buick's capacity to innovate and redefine its brand identity. It's a testament to the idea that the future of automotive design can be both deeply rooted in heritage and boldly forward-looking, paving the way for a new era of captivating vehicles from the storied marque.

A Quiet Retreat: Genesis's Electric Sedan Departs the U.S. Market

The Understated Departure of Genesis's Sole Electric Sedan

The Genesis Electrified G80, once the brand's exclusive all-electric sedan in the United States and its second EV offering following the GV60 crossover, has made an unceremonious exit. In stark contrast to its SUV counterparts, the Electrified G80 failed to resonate with American consumers, leading to an extremely limited sales performance during its tenure.

Struggling Sales and an Unannounced Farewell

Despite embodying elegant aesthetics and robust performance capabilities, Genesis recorded a meager 77 units of the Electrified G80 sold in the first six months of 2025, according to data from Cox Auto. This dismal sales record prompted the brand to quietly remove the model from its U.S. website. Later, Genesis confirmed the sedan's official discontinuation to InsideEVs, noting that the final U.S.-bound unit was sold in July, all without a formal public announcement.

Market Realities and Production Challenges Leading to Withdrawal

Genesis cited shifting market conditions and evolving consumer preferences as the primary reasons for the Electrified G80's discontinuation. The demand for electric sedans, especially in the premium segment, remains subdued, with buyers overwhelmingly gravitating towards electric crossovers and SUVs. An additional critical factor was the vehicle's manufacturing location; unlike the Electrified GV70, which is partly assembled in Alabama and thus eligible for federal tax credits, the G80 EV's complete production in Ulsan, South Korea, rendered it ineligible, potentially increasing its market disadvantage and susceptibility to trade policy changes.

Performance Prowess vs. Practical Compromises

Built on a gasoline-powered chassis, the Electrified G80 boasted impressive specifications, including a dual-motor configuration delivering 365 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, alongside an 87.2-kWh battery offering a range of up to 282 miles and fast charging at 191 kW. However, the adaptation from a conventional platform resulted in compromises regarding rear passenger legroom and trunk space, rendering it less practical than its gasoline equivalent.

A Refreshed Model Elsewhere, but Not for American Shores

While the Electrified G80 bids adieu to the U.S. market, Genesis has already unveiled a refreshed iteration in South Korea. This updated model features an extended body and an even more opulent interior, complemented by anticipated technical enhancements. Nevertheless, Genesis has indicated no immediate plans for its introduction to the American market. Consequently, once existing dealership inventories are depleted, U.S. consumers seeking an all-electric Genesis sedan will find themselves without an option.