GM China unveils Buick Electra Orbit concept

While Buick is rooted in classic American automotive heritage, it enjoys a unique dual identity: it’s a name synonymous with decades of iconic design in the U.S., yet China remains its largest (and arguably most important) market. This duality gives Buick a rare perspective: its designers can draw on a rich historical archive of stunning designs while staying in sync with the tastes and expectations of Chinese consumers. The result is something that feels both globally relevant and regionally resonant.

The Electra Orbit exemplifies this approach by fusing nostalgic design cues with modern, space-age expression.

“Electra Orbit is a bold exploration of what Buick can be when we blend heritage inspiration with visionary innovation,” said Stuart Norris, vice president of design for GM China and GM International and chief of design at SAIC-GM. “By reinterpreting space-age motifs and pushing electric-architecture freedoms, we wanted to create a concept that feels both familiar in its Buick DNA and thrillingly new.”

The concept’s most striking feature is its sheer size. With flagship sedan proportions, it pays homage to Buick legends like the LeSabre and Electra, yet its form is anything but retro. A low-slung nose, an elongated rear, and oversized 24-inch wheels sculpt a spaceship-like silhouette; luxurious and futuristic, but still unmistakably Buick.

“My goal was to create a car that both carries forward Buick’s DNA and delivers a forward-looking, disruptive, and innovative experience; a concept car that feels retro, elegant, and dreamlike,” says Li Hao, exterior designer on the project.

As its name implies, the Electra Orbit draws heavily from celestial inspiration. Its neutral metallic paint, aptly named “Space,” is designed to reflect the shifting tones of the universe. Sculpted fenders frame the large wheels, while the mirror finish highlights every contour and crease, reinforcing the concept’s stretched, low-slung stance.

Dramatic rear-hinged scissor doors swing skyward, projecting beams of light into the air and heightening the sense of otherworldliness. Active aerodynamic wings optimise drag and downforce at higher speeds, and at the front a centre-pivoting dual frunk fitted with bespoke luggage befits high-end travel.

Inside, the Orbit continues its retro-futurist aesthetic. The Space Age inspiration is clearest in the cockpit’s layout and surfaces. Thanks to its EV architecture, the design team freed up cabin space to craft a 2+2 layout with the feel of a spacecraft’s cockpit, while the retractable dashboard and steering wheel allow the car to shift between a focused driving mode and a more relaxed autonomous driving setting.

At the heart of the cabin is a sweeping arch-shaped display, known as the “Ring”, stretching from one A-pillar to the other. It’s paired with an AI-powered interface designed to resemble a wormhole, offering users an immersive experience amongst the stars, navigated via a glowing orb-like controller that delivers intuitive and ceremonial interaction.

Another highlight is the Digital Illusion Carpet, an ambient flooring element that pulses with subtle light to echo the movement of celestial bodies. “I integrated starlight illumination into the carpet design,” explains Li Miao, interior designer on the project, “so users not only gaze at the stars above but feel as if they’re walking among them like space explorers.”

A warm, grounded contrast to the space theme comes from the interior palette: a rich red clay tone drawn from natural earth hues, paired with custom brocade patterns inspired by Buick’s golden-era interiors, blending tactile tradition with innovation. The Electra Orbit isn’t slated for production. Its purpose is as a serious design study; a bold, experimental leap rather than a direct evolution. Although it references Buick DNA, it deliberately pushes boundaries to explore where Buick’s design could go, testing ideas in their most expressive form, with elements potentially influencing production models in the future.

Dimensions

• Length: 5,860 mm
• Width: 2,150 mm
• Height: 1,380 mm