Buick OMPV concept previews future luxury minivans

Buick has unveiled the new OMPV concept car to celebrate the production of its 2 millionth GL8 in China. Dubbed the “Organic Mobile Private Villa,” it is a preview of the next generation of luxury minivans.

While the automaker has only released one photo and a poorly executed Weibo Live video, the concept features a futuristic design with an “organic, forward-looking aesthetic.” The company didn’t reveal much about the van, but we can see an almost vertical front end with triangular trim and unique lighting fixtures.

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They are connected by a short hood that flows into the wide windshield. Designers have also given the concept a streamlined silver body and a contrasting black roof with a sensor pod. We can also see flush-mounted door handles, aerodynamically optimized wheels and a striking rear wing. The taillights blend into the latter and seem to span the entire width of the vehicle.

Buick didn’t show the interior but said it “presents an organic and dynamic environment through connectivity to the Internet of Things,” adding that the cabin can be transformed into a living room, a children’s playroom, a mobile conference room and a private space for executives.

The company also didn’t reveal details about the powertrain, but confirmed that the concept car is a new energy vehicle. This suggests it is a plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle, with the latter seeming more likely given the closed front panel.

In addition to unveiling the concept, Buick presented the 2 millionth GL8 to Olympic gold medalist Sun Yang at a special ceremony. The car is a blue plug-in hybrid, and the company noted that they have received more than 30,000 orders since the car was launched in April. Buick also noted that the GL8, launched in 1999, was the first luxury MPV in China to exceed 2 million units in sales.