A Buick For The Masses: Buick Excelle XT Released In Shanghai

Shanghai GM officially began sales today of the Buick Excelle XT across China. Five variants of the compact five-door coupé-like sedan – which was named Most Attractive New Car during its global premiere at November’s Guangzhou International Auto Show – are available. Prices range from RMB 134,900 (US$19,800) to RMB 185,900 (US$27,200).

“With its stylish exterior, innovations and outstanding quality, the Excelle XT offers a dynamic driving experience,” according to Joseph Liu, Executive Vice President of Shanghai GM. “It sets a new standard for performance and refinement in the premium segment.”

Dynamic Styling 

The front-wheel-drive Excelle XT embodies Buick’s new design language. It has an assertive, self-confident stance. Dynamic lines are complemented by sophisticated sculptural surfaces. A strong cab-forward silhouette with a deeply raked windshield and falling rear roofline, and a softly styled shoulder line give it a sporty coupé look. Six exterior colors are offered.

The exterior design language carries into the finely crafted interior. A signature feature is a wraparound wing-shaped instrument panel that arcs into the top of the door mouldings. The Sporty Version of the Excelle XT features a black and red interior with human-engineered seats and a dual-color sports-style instrument panel.

The Excelle XT’s design and overall proportions maximize occupant space. There are numerous onboard storage areas. The Flex-Floor in the rear cargo area makes moving goods very convenient.


Efficient Performance

The powertrain lineup for the Excelle XT includes three engines that offer high specific power output, low fuel consumption, reduced CO2 emissions and minimized weight: highly efficient Ecotec D-VVT engines with displacements of 1.6 and 1.8 liters and a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine.

The turbocharged engine delivers 180 horsepower and can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.0 seconds. It comes with the unique Superboost function, which gives the engine 235 Nm of torque. This makes it the most powerful series production engine in its displacement class and the perfect powertrain for those whose priority is sporty performance.

The Excelle XT is built on GM’s newest global architecture. It features a solid chassis. In back, Buick has applied a new suspension system – a compound crank rear axle with a Watts link. The result is improved handling and greater ride comfort.

Advanced Safety

The Excelle XT is equipped with a dual-circuit braking system and high-performance tires as well as electronic stability control, traction control and other integrated active safety functions. The Excelle XT’s sturdy body structure along with its restraint systems are designed to exceed crash safety standards around the world. A maximum five-star China NCAP safety rating is anticipated.

“The launch of the Excelle XT enriches the Buick portfolio in China, bridging the gap in the whole product portfolio of Buick,” said Kevin Wale, President and Managing Director of the GM China Group. “The trio of models, introduced within the space of 13 months, will ensure that Buick remains the first name in premium vehicles for discerning car buyers.”