2013 Buick Riviera Concept
By Lorenzo Bianchi September 17, 2013
The 2013 Buick Riviera Concept debuted in Shanghai as a bold EV design study, previewing Buick’s global ambitions.
Sharp creases, flowing surfaces, and gullwing doors made it stand out from traditional Buick design.
Positioned as a vision for the brand’s electric future, it carried strong influence from GM’s Shanghai design studio.
A Coupe That Didn’t Play It Safe
The 2013 Buick Riviera Concept arrived at the Shanghai Auto Show with the kind of presence you don’t expect from Buick. Long, wide, and aggressive in stance, it wore proportions closer to a grand touring coupe than anything in the brand’s showrooms at the time. In the press photos, the body looks taut, the surfaces layered, almost liquid in the way light rolls across them.
Design Language from Both Sides of the Pacific
This wasn’t an American-only design exercise. Buick leaned heavily on GM’s Shanghai studio, and it shows. The coupe mixes sharp creases with flowing arcs in a way that feels tailored to Chinese tastes. The most theatrical feature: gullwing doors that swing skyward, exaggerating the car’s width and presence. It’s the kind of move that ensures the concept gets attention on a crowded show floor.
Surfaces, Details, and Presence
Up front, the Riviera Concept carried a new take on Buick’s waterfall grille — more sculptural than the production cars of the era, flanked by slim, angular lamps that made the whole face appear wider. Along the sides, the shoulders are heavily carved, and the glasshouse tapers into a fastback roofline. The wheels sit large within the arches, underlining the stance. From some angles, it almost reads more Italian than American, but with Buick’s badge centered it makes its own statement.
Interior with an Electric Focus
Inside, the cabin was pitched as a tech showcase. Screens were integrated across the dash, and the seating layout kept a lounge-like tone, hinting at Buick’s intent to pair comfort with futuristic design. It was also one of the brand’s first public gestures toward electrification — the concept was described as being built around a plug-in hybrid or full EV platform. Exact drivetrain details weren’t the focus, but the message was clear: Buick wanted to link design ambition with electric innovation.
Technical Specifications
Dimensions
- Length: 4,700 mm (185.0 in)
- Width: 1,938 mm (76.3 in)
- Height: 1,400 mm (55.1 in)
- Wheelbase: 2,730 mm (107.5 in)
Powertrain
- Type: Dual-mode W-PHEV (Wireless Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle)
Drive: All-wheel drive
- Charging: Plug-in and wireless induction charging capability
Performance
- Driving Modes: Hybrid drive and pure electric mode
Exterior
- Body Style: 2-door coupe concept
- Design Language: “Oriental water” inspired styling, sculpted surfaces, and flowing proportions
- Headlamps: Laser headlights with automatic beam control
- Wheels: Large turbine-inspired alloy design
Interior
- Layout: 4-seat luxury coupe
- Materials: High-grade leather, brushed metal, and advanced composites
- Displays: OLED instrument and infotainment screens
- Controls: Touch and gesture-based interface
Technology & Safety
- Driver Assistance: Advanced active safety with predictive collision detection
- Connectivity: Cloud-based infotainment and telematics
- Unique Features: Wireless inductive charging, gesture recognition, and full telematics integration