Buick has unveiled the Wildcat EV concept electric vehicle (EV). They say it’s an expression of the brand’s new design direction as it transitions to an all-electric future.
This neat looking coupe was developed to convey the all-new design language that will influence Buick production models for the foreseeable future. We just hope that something that resembles this slick-looker will actually hit Buick’s production lines.
Buick’s new tri-shield logo mounted prominently on the body front and rear will symbolise the brand’s design transformation. All new production models will wear it from next year.
Sharon Gauci, Global Buick and GMC Design executive director, said: “The Wildcat EV concept represents the real design future for the brand.
“Buick has always been forward-looking and this expression is a glimpse of where we’re going, and the optimism we have for the limitless possibilities of an electric future.”
Exterior Styling
The Wildcat EV concept introduces a new, expressive face for Buick, distinguished by a bold, forward-leaning front-end appearance that features a low-mounted, trapezoidal grille. It combines retro classic curves with sharper contemporary lines bringing a truly modern shape that we love.
Sharp, high-mounted and horizontal check mark-shaped lighting flanks the vehicle, while the outer edges of the grille house primary lighting. The lighting elements are configured to create a unique welcome choreography when the driver approaches.
The 2+2 coupe-style coupe strikes a powerful, expressive presence, with an all-new, laid-back proportion complemented by a low, wide stance. The windshield wraps around and flows into the side glass, which tapers dramatically with the fast roofline to accentuate the aggressive profile.
Add to this an external “state of charge” indicator visible in the exterior hatchback glass and Jet Age-inspired 18-spoke “turbine” wheels, and the Wildcat is a pretty cool character.
Bob Boniface, Global Buick Design director, said: “From every angle, the vehicle looks like it’s ready to pounce. It’s the result of careful attention to the proportions and sculptural beauty derived from the intersection of forms, not lines.”
The Wildcat EV concept features distinctive semi-swing doors for easy entry and exit and has unique aluminium trim that flows seamlessly into the interior seat structures.
It uses micro-LED lighting technology and thin-beam projector lenses for the front lighting. The rear blade-style lights are embedded into the roof’s sail panels, culminating in check mark-style horizontal lamps echoing the front lighting signature.
Boniface added: “The more you look at the Wildcat EV concept, the more the details reveal themselves. Its timeless proportions acknowledge the brand’s rich design legacy, while our latest technology moves you forward.”
Sleek Interior
Inside, the Wildcat EV concept’s cabin has an inner glow that is striking. It integrates new technologies designed to make the drive and ride experience more enjoyable.
Therese Pinazzo, Buick exterior and interior design manager, said: “It’s a space intended to strike an emotional chord. It is defined by simple, graceful forms that convey balance, harmony and a feeling of warmth.”
The 2+2 configuration is delineated by a prominent console that extends from the base of the instrument panel to the rear seating area. It uses unique graphic and colour contrasts to create the perception of visually floating elements. Buick says this is intended to accentuate the cabin’s lightweight feel and spaciousness.
Colour plays an important role in conveying warmth and comfort in the interior. Legato Green flows through the cabin and is accented with brushed or polished aluminium trim. Lively orange elements, including the seat belts, also add visual distinction.
The cockpit-style seats with cantilevered headrests that appear to be floating and a lightweight, flat-bottom steering wheel give it an air of class. When it comes to technology integration and infotainment interaction, a sweeping touchscreen is the access point on the instrument panel, along with a complementing screen on the console.
The Wildcat EV concept is built to be a platform for futuristic features such as artificial intelligence, biometrics and aromatherapy. The vehicle is designed to detect an elevation in driver heart rate and automatically adjust vehicle settings to calm them down. For example, when Zen Mode is activated, it will dim the cabin lights, disperse calming aromatherapy scents and activate massaging seats.
Gauci concluded: “We are on the cusp of true change and this concept is a tangible vision of it. It inaugurates the next chapter in Buick’s design heritage, as we make the crucial transition to our all-electric future.”
