Buick has refreshed its Electra E7 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) SUV in China, introducing a more powerful 1.5T Pro variant and making health-focused cabin features standard across the lineup. The updated model, announced on September 23, carries a guide price range of 159,900 to 199,900 yuan (about $22,500 to $28,200), but limited-time trade-in offers bring the effective starting price down to 147,900 yuan (about $20,800).
The Electra E7 has delivered 30,000 units over the past five months, ranking among the top sellers in the 150,000-yuan-plus joint-venture new-energy and plug-in hybrid mid-size SUV segments for four consecutive months, according to Chinese outlet 电动邦 (EV Kingdom). Notably, 80% of buyers are married couples with children, and 80% are trade-in customers, with 60% upgrading from joint-venture gasoline vehicles.
Health cabin becomes standard
The refresh centers on health, powertrain, and color options. The 'Five Constant' health space (maintaining constant temperature, humidity, oxygen, cleanliness, and quiet) and OEKO-TEX母婴级 (maternal-infant grade) certified seat materials, previously exclusive to the top trim, are now standard across all models. The cabin has achieved zero-formaldehyde certification, EMTA electromagnetic protection certification, and NESTA six-dimensional electrical safety certification. The triple screens are TÜV Rheinland low-blue-light certified, and the overhead light is TÜV SÜD eye-protection certified.
Other standard comfort features include a zero-gravity passenger seat, a silver-ion fresh-keeping cooler, double-glazed glass, and active noise cancellation. The Electra E7 has also been named a '2026 low wind noise model' for its acoustic package.
New 1.5T Pro variant
Addressing feedback that the previous 1.5L hybrid engine lacked power when fully loaded on highways, Buick added the 1600 Super Full Pro version with a 1.5T hybrid-specific engine. This engine, which won the 2025 'China Heart' Top Ten Hybrid Engine award, combines with a 165 kW drive motor to deliver a total system output of 280 kW and 560 Nm of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 7 seconds. The Pro version offers a CLTC pure-electric range of 230 km and a combined range of 1,600 km (WLTP est. 195 km and 1,360 km respectively), with fast charging from 30% to 80% in 15 minutes and a depleted-battery fuel consumption of 5.52 L/100 km.
The entry 'Full' version retains the 1.5L engine, producing 237 kW total, with a CLTC pure-electric range of 235 km and a combined range of 1,630 km (WLTP est. 200 km and 1,385 km), and 5.32 L/100 km fuel consumption. The top Turbo version adds a pre-emptive RTD continuously variable damping suspension and Michelin tires.
In the cabin, the Full version uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip with an 8.8-inch instrument cluster and 15.6-inch central screen, while Pro and Turbo versions upgrade to the Snapdragon 8775 chip and add a 15.6-inch rear entertainment screen, a 50-inch AR HUD, and 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos audio. The new-generation Doubao large model is standard, enabling complex voice commands and AI features like storytelling for children.
Driver assistance is tiered: Pro and Turbo versions feature the 'Xiaoyao Zhixing' (Carefree Travel) system with a lidar, 3 millimeter-wave radars, 12 ultrasonic sensors, and 7 cameras, enabling urban NOA (city advanced driver assistance) and highway NOA, with lifetime usage rights. The Full version retains basic LCC, ACC, and AEB functions.
Two new exterior colors, 'Zhijing Green' and 'Light Pink', bring the total to seven, while a 'Rosy Red' interior is exclusive to the Turbo version. These additions reflect a growing demand for personalization among family buyers.
The refresh also includes a 1,000-yuan deposit expanding to 6,000 yuan, a 10,000-yuan trade-in subsidy for SAIC-GM brands (7,000 yuan for other brands), and free compulsory traffic insurance, up to 5 million yuan in ADAS insurance, and a 5,000-yuan battery fire insurance for a limited time. First owners who are not commercial users get a lifetime warranty on the three-electric system.
All prices are Chinese guide prices before taxes and incentives; final transaction prices may vary by dealer.
