Buick Velite 7 Unveiled as China’s Luxurious Chevrolet Bolt Alternative

With more SUV-like styling and additional cargo space, new Buick Velite 7 takes aim at a competitive Chinese market.

We’ve seen the Buick Velite 7 before, as the brand’s very first all-electric crossover leaked out via a Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology filing early this year. But now, Buick has officially unveiled the little utility vehicle, which is part of GM’s initiative to build 20 new EVs by 2023. The automaker didn’t release too many details about the Velite 7, but we do know that it’s very much like the Chevrolet Bolt.

One piece of critical information GM did release about the Buick Velite 7 is its range. The automaker estimates it to be 500 kilometers on the NEDC cycle, or 311 miles. That’s actually less than the Bolt’s 565 kilometers or 351 miles. However, it’s important to note that NEDC numbers are always higher than EPA estimates. Here in the U.S., the Bolt offers up 259 miles of range. Therefore, the Buick Velite 7 is more likely to provide between 210-220 miles.

It’s hard to decipher why the Buick Velite 7 packs less range than than the Bolt, but it is likely due to additional weight and/or aerodynamic differences. Regardless, the Buick version is distinctly styled. It is physically longer than the Bolt, has a 3-inch longer wheelbase, 3-inches of additional cargo space, and more SUV-like styling. Both vehicles are the same height, however. As we can see from the leaked photos, overall styling is very similar to the final product. Save for a slightly different front end design, that is.

The Buick Velite 7 has a boxier profile and more aggressive front end design than the Bolt. Both of which are all the rage these days. Overall, it looks more like an SUV than the Chevy, which will probably win over some buyers. In terms of drivetrain, the Velite 7 should pack the Bolt’s single electric motor. That high-tech unit produces 200 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, along with a single-speed transmission.

“Buick is strengthening its EV lineup with an all-new entry for today’s consumers. Giving them the functionality of an SUV and the confidence to go farther with an impressive 500 kilometers of range,” said Molly Peck, Executive Director of Buick Sales and Marketing at SAIC-GM. “We topped it off with a suite of leading technologies to meet the needs of progressive and eco-minded Chinese drivers.”

Full details regarding the Buick Velite 7 will be released at the vehicle’s official launch later this year.

Photos: GM

Join the Chevrolet Forums now!

Brett Foote

Brett Foote has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is a longtime contributor to Internet Brands’ Auto Group sites, including Chevrolet Forum, Rennlist, and Ford Truck Enthusiasts, among other popular sites.

He has been an automotive enthusiast since the day he came into this world and rode home from the hospital in a first-gen Mustang, and he's been wrenching on them nearly as long.

In addition to his expertise writing about cars, trucks, motorcycles, and every other type of automobile, Brett had spent several years running parts for local auto dealerships.

You can follow along with his builds and various automotive shenanigans on Instagram: @bfoote.