2026 Buick ENCASA Electric MPV but Not for America

New York - At the 2026 New York International Auto Show, Kia introduced the 2027 EV3, an entry-level electric SUV that brings the design language and technology of the EV9 into a smaller, more attainable package. The EV3 arrives in five trims — Light, Wind, Land, GT-Line, and GT — with a targeted on-sale date of late 2026. Pricing will be announced closer to launch. Two Batteries, Real Range The EV3 is built on Kia's 400V E-GMP platform with a choice of two battery options. The entry Light trim uses a 58.3 kWh pack with front-wheel drive and up to a Kia-estimated 220 miles of range. The remaining four trims step up to an 81.4 kWh battery with up to a Kia-estimated 320 miles of range in FWD configuration. All-wheel drive is optional on Wind and Land and standard on GT-Line and GT. Output is 261 horsepower on AWD models and 288 horsepower on the GT, which adds a sport-tuned suspension and steering along with neon green brake calipers, seatbelts, and interior accents. The 58.3 kWh battery charges from 10 to 80 percent in approximately 29 minutes on a DC fast charger; the 81.4 kWh battery takes approximately 31 minutes. A native NACS port is standard, and Plug and Charge capability allows charging to begin by simply plugging in after a one-time setup in the Kia Access app. EV9 Design Language The EV3's exterior borrows directly from the EV9, including the star map DRL, hidden rear door handles, and flush-mounted roof rails. Standard wheels are 17-inch alloys; GT-Line and GT step up to 19-inch wheels, with the GT receiving unique 19-inch wheels to match its green caliper accents. A U.S.-exclusive Nightfall appearance package is available on certain trims, adding gloss black wheels, black emblems, bridge-type roof rails, and a dark gray interior. Interior, Cargo, and V2L Inside, the EV3 mirrors the EV9's cockpit with a nearly 30-inch panoramic display: dual 12.3-inch screens plus a 5-inch climate display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on all trims, and the ccNC system supports over-the-air updates. Available entertainment includes Netflix and YouTube streaming, along with display themes for Disney, Marvel, the NBA, and FIFA World Cup 2026. Cargo capacity is 26.1 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 56.5 cubic feet with the seats folded. The EV3 also includes a 0.9 cubic foot frunk. Rear seat backs recline up to 39 degrees. Available Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) allows the battery to power external devices; available Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) via a Wallbox bidirectional charger can return power to the home during outages. Kia's i-Pedal 3.0 one-pedal driving system is standard and now also functions in reverse. Safety All EV3 models include eight standard airbags including rear side airbags, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist with Junction Turning, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Departure Warning, and Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go. Available systems include Highway Driving Assist 2 and Remote Smart Parking Assist. More Kia EV Coverage Kia Debuts 2026 EV9 GT and 2025 EV6 Models at LA Auto Show Kia EV9 First Impression 2027 Kia Seltos Debuts at the New York International Auto Show See all photos in the 2027 Kia EV3 photo gallery. View full article

New York - The second-generation 2027 Kia Seltos made its North American debut at the 2026 New York International Auto Show, arriving longer, wider, and with something no competitor in the compact crossover segment can match: three distinct powertrain options. Three Powertrains The base engine carries over as the 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder, paired with Kia's Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). Available in LX, S, EX, and X-Line trims, it comes with front-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive. Step up to the X-Line and the 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder develops 190 horsepower, routed through an 8-speed automatic with standard all-wheel drive. Rounding out the lineup is a new hybrid powertrain, pairing a 1.6-liter four-cylinder with a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission. The Seltos HEV also introduces e-AWD, a first for Kia on a hybrid SUV, delivering on-demand rear-axle power without a traditional driveshaft. Kia is reserving HEV performance figures and pricing for a later date. The 2.0-liter and 1.6T are targeted to arrive at dealerships in the second quarter of 2026. The HEV follows in late 2026. Bigger and More Capable The new Seltos grows in every dimension compared to the outgoing model, with the wheelbase increasing by 2.4 inches. That extra footprint translates into more interior space, including an inch of additional rear legroom, along with gains in headroom, shoulder room, and hip room. Cargo capacity behind the second row is an estimated 27.8 cubic feet, expanding to 64.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Ground clearance rises from 7.3 to an available 8.1 inches. X-Line models add a new Multi-terrain AWD mode for light off-road use. Styling borrows cues from Kia's flagship Telluride, including amber DRL framing the front fascia, bold angles, and available auto-flush door handles. New exterior colors include Terrain Brown, Frost Blue, and Snow White Pearl with a contrasting black roof. Standard wheels are 16-inch alloys; the X-Line 2.0L steps up to 18-inch alloys, and the X-Line 1.6T and X-Line HEV with e-AWD receive 19-inch black wheels. Technology Inside, the ccNC infotainment system features a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen. An optional configuration pairs it with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 5-inch climate control display, totaling nearly 30 inches of combined screens, matching what Kia offers in larger vehicles. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on all trims, and the system supports over-the-air updates. Available entertainment features include streaming for Disney+, Netflix, and YouTube, along with customizable display themes for all 30 NBA teams and select Disney brands. The HEV trim uses a stalk-mounted gear selector borrowed from the Telluride and EV9, freeing up the center console for open storage. Advanced Safety Standard on all 2027 Seltos models is Forward Collision Avoidance Assist with Junction Turning, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Departure Warning, and front and rear Parking Distance Warning. Available features include a 360-degree Surround View Monitor and a Blind-Spot View Monitor that displays a live video feed of the corresponding blind spot when the turn signal is activated. More Kia Coverage 2027 Kia Seltos: New Platform, Up to 190 HP, EV9-Inspired Styling 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid: Bigger, Bolder SUV with 329 HP and 600-Mile Range 2026 Kia K4 Sedan and Hatchback Pricing Announced See all photos in the 2027 Kia Seltos photo gallery. View full article

Again, loving owning the Camry Hybrid, I plan on full EV next car.  The world's opinion will not go back, nor should it.  You do motorcycles, I do Bicycles. Riding around, even in deep red areas I am seeing a TON of EV's here in Ohio.  Its like Diesel vs Steam for railroads. At a certain point, even if you are Norfolk and Western and have tons of near free coal, or Pennsylvania with advanced steam locomotives, Diesel just makes infinite sense. Likewise, EV's. ICE is dead man walking. 

I am loving Hybrid, I can't wait to do full EV when I replace the truck.     

Buick has teased the Electra name for decades, Buick has now chosen to create a sub-brand for Buick in China called Electra and with this, their flagship product is the Electra ENCASA. This is an MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) minivan that will define the 21st century of Buick for luxury transport and family use. The ENCASA MPV has a starting price of $70,986 U.S. dollars and comes with GM's latest charging system, a 900V 6C ultra-fast electrical system enhanced for safety and refined ownership experience with the latest in electric technologies. This global MPV has been paired with what GM says will become their new standard for electric vehicles. Buick Electra ENCASA Details The Advanced Electric Performance and Charging System has the following details: 900V 6C Ultra-fast Charging system Peak Charging of 640 kW 10% to 80% charging in 11 1/2 minutes 96 kWh battery pack 373 miles of range Design Language from Private Aviation Land Jet Inspired 0.258 Cd low drag coefficient 12-layer two tone paint, delivering an understated, but refined flagship luxury Intelligent Driving, Premium Experience, Ultimate Electric Mobility Safety Driver assistance system built on Momenta R6 learning model Three-row spacious layout focused on comfort for all passengers using premium materials consistent with a flagship position 78% high-strength steel ratio for body structure, engineered to meet global standards ENCASA Proportions 124-inch wheelbase Overall length 207 inches Overall Height 80 inches Overall width 72 inches ENCASA has seven-mode adaptive crystal LED headlights and a signature through-body taillight with 257 ultra-red LEDs enhance visibility and on-road presence. ENCASA's ceremonial air suspension enables the vehicle to lower by 2 1/2-inches, delivering the lowest entry height in its class. Together with gesture-controlled sliding doors and full-vehicle hospitality modes, ENCASA extends luxury beyond the cabin itself. The interior only uses high-end full grain Nappa leather, ultra-suede headliners and Australian wool carpet. This is the start as the ENCASA has a Buick first, multi-posture zero-gravity seats. This is able to maximize the usable 37-inches of interior cabin length floor space. If one buys the Luxury with executive package, you can enjoy a "Chaise Longue" experience with 8-mode, 10-point massage, full-area heating and on-touch rest mode comfort. All seating comes standard with floating layer seat cushions composed of mother-and-baby-grade pearl-cotton padding. From third row sliding seats, 49 storage locations or at little as 22 cubic feet of space behind the third-row seats to a cavernous 73 cubic feet of space with the second and third row seats folded down. The ENCASA can handle any hauling needs one might have. ENCASA introduces the industry-first five-constant wellness cabin, delivering a balanced, science-driven in-vehicle environment: Constant Temperature: Dual-layer, multi-zone climate regulation. Constant Humidity: Automatic 40-60% humidity control. Constant Oxygen: Twin-layer fresh-air circulation that maintains low CO2 levels. Constant Cleanliness: Panasonic nanoe X purification, AQS detection, PM2.5 filtration and low-allergen materials. Constant Quietness: Extensive acoustic treatments and ANC create a serene environment. AI Advanced Digital Luxury Integration for ENCASA Powered by Qualcomm's SA8775P platform delivering 72 TOPS of AI compute, ENCASA offers Buick's most immersive digital experience yet: 50-inch panoramic AR-HUD integrating more than 15 sets of driving information Three connected 16.3-inch displays for driver, front passenger and infotainment 21-inch 4K rear entertainment screen Bose premium audio system Cabin-wide gesture control via OMS camera Dual 5.5-inch smart control panels for second-row passengers AI voice assistant with four-zone recognition, 700+ commands and creative AI capabilities These features allow families to enjoy movies, gaming, karaoke or personalized scene modes with seamless multi-screen interaction. 18-5.mp4 See all photos in the 2026 Buick Electra ENCASA photo gallery. More Buick Coverage Buick Electra Sub-Brand Launches in China with the Electra GS Concept Tariff Tuesday: Buick Killing it in China; Killed in the U.S. Buick Electra EV Path Becomes Clear View full article