GM China unveils Buick Electra Orbit, a futuristic concept with 2+2 cabin and 1950s vibes

GM China unveiled Buick Electra Orbit, a futuristic EV concept inspired by 1950s design.

It certainly looks the part, that’s for sure.

It even has scissor doors.

There’s only one thing that’s worrying us.

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Buick Electra Orbit is a retro-futuristic beauty

GM China, the Chinese division of General Motors, unveiled the Buick Electric Orbit as a design study inspired by the 1950s space-age romance.

The vehicle, which is halfway between a supercar and a shooting brake, looks incredibly long, with a swooping tail at the back, a huge bonnet, but surprisingly tiny mirrors.

The wheels are also massive, 24 inches, but then again, the whole car looks pretty large.

The cabin that looks like it was designed in space.

Once you step inside, you’ll find a little sphere in the center console, which you can use like a control center, and a ‘ring’ screen that goes from one A-pillar to the other.

So far so good, but there’s only thing missing: an ETA.

And the Buick Electra Orbit doesn’t have an ETA – estimated time of arrival – because it’ll never get made.

This EV concept is just a design study.

Pity.

Why GM chose Buick for this concept

General Motors decided to introduce this concept car under the Buick brand, and there’s a very good reason for that.

Buick is the oldest surviving American automaker – after the demise of Oldsmobile – and, more importantly, it is considered a premium brand, slotted right below Cadillac.

GM couldn’t use Cadillac for this concept because it wouldn’t be on-brand.

Cadillac already has a clear brand identity, and it regularly introduces new concepts as well.

Buick is more of a blank canvas, ironically, especially in the US, where it struggles to find a way to bring younger buyers on board.

This is why Buick is perfect for experimental and out-there concepts like the one you see here.