Buick Velite 5 (Basically, A Rebadged Chevy Volt) Launches in China
General Motors is ramping up its push to capitalize on China’s ambitious environmental goals, and the latest tool in its arsenal looks to go a long way toward putting the automaker toward the top in terms of new energy vehicle sales.
Buick this month launched the Velite 5, an extended-range electric vehicle which is ostensibly a facelifted Chevrolet Volt. The popularity of the Buick brand in China makes it a natural choice for GM to launch alternative energy vehicles as opposed to Chevrolet; the Buick Blue strategy, which led to the launch of the LaCrosse hybrid last year, will also see Buick-badged hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and pure electric vehicles launched through 2020.
The Buick Velite 5 will deliver 769 kilometers (478 miles) in hybrid range and 116 kilometers (72 miles) of all-electric range. Buick says that the Velite 5 will deliver fuel economy estimated at 0.9 liters/100 kilometers, making it the first hybrid vehicle built in China to deliver fuel consumption of less than 1 liter/100 kilometers.
There will be two available trims for the Velite 5: the 1.5GL, which will start at RMB 265,800, and the 1.5GS, which will start at RMB 295,800. The Velite 5 is also eligible for a subsidy totaling RMB 36,000.
Among the selling points for the Buick Velite 5 are an eight-speaker premium Bose sound system, five years of OnStar telematics, and Apple CarPlay-compatible infotainment operable through an eight-inch touchscreen.
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