The minivan market is gaining attention in the United States as some buyers seek an alternative to the many SUVs on the road. Now, Buick is preparing a China-bound Encasa variant with roughly 713 horsepower, giving the family-focused model an unusually high-performance edge.
Buick Encasa Gets a Major Power Upgrade
Buick premiered the Electra Encasa minivan earlier in 2026 with several variants, including EV and PHEV powertrains. The range-topping plug-in hybrid initially produced 620 horsepower and 572 pound-feet of torque, reaching 62 mph in 5.8 seconds.
That version could also travel up to 820 miles before needing to fill up and recharge. Now, a filing with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology reveals that Buick is preparing an even more powerful hybrid version.
The new Encasa will use a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine driving the front wheels and an electric motor powering the rear axle. Together, the system will produce roughly 713 hp.
Performance figures for the new model have not yet been released, while battery details are also unavailable. As a result, the new minivan’s range remains unknown.
713 Horsepower Would Put the Encasa in Rare Company
With roughly 713 hp, the range-topping Encasa would rank among the most powerful production cars available today. Within the minivan segment, the output has little competition.
Higher-powered examples include one-off, track-only builds such as the Renault Espace F1 from the 1990s, which used a contemporary V10 Formula One engine, and the 1,400-hp Ford Supervan.
If the Encasa were sold in the United States, its 713-hp output would make it the most powerful Buick model ever available in the country. The legendary GNX, by comparison, carried an official rating of 276 hp, although most agree Buick underrated its output.
Even during the height of the classic muscle car era, Buick models never exceeded 400 hp.
At the opposite end of the lineup, Buick is also introducing a new entry-level Encasa with front-wheel drive and a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine.
What Else Makes the Encasa Special?
Buick is making a small styling change to the Encasa as well. China is banning electronically controlled, flush-mounted door handles because of safety concerns with the technology, so the revised minivan will feature cutouts below the grips to keep them accessible.
The Encasa also offers gesture-operated doors, allowing occupants to open them without touching the handles.
The new entry-level and range-topping versions are expected to launch in China for the 2027 model year. They are not expected to come to the United States because the country bans Chinese-made imported vehicles.
Pricing for the new models has not been announced. However, the existing versions start at roughly $65,550 (RMB 439,900) and $70,000 (RMB 469,900), providing a rough indication of where the new models could be positioned.
Luxury Interior and Low-Drag Design
Buick says the inspiration for the Encasa’s styling was a “Land Gulfstream,” a reference to the luxurious private jet. The minivan also has a drag coefficient of just 0.258 Cd.
An available air suspension can lower the ride height by 2.4 inches, creating the lowest entry height of any vehicle in its class in China.
Although the exterior does not introduce a new direction for minivan aesthetics, the interior offers a more luxurious approach. Available materials include Nappa leather, an ultra-suede headliner and Australian wool carpet.
The second row can be equipped with multi-posture zero-gravity seats that automatically adjust according to the positions of the first- and third-row seats. The seats can also recline into a chaise lounge and offer an eight-mode, 10-point massage function with heating.
The third row features a power-sliding function, adding flexibility to the cabin configuration.
Encasa Cargo Capacity vs. Toyota Sienna
Depending on how the interior is configured, the Encasa provides between 22.3 cubic feet (630 liters) and 72.6 cubic feet (2,056 liters) of cargo capacity.
For comparison, the Toyota Sienna offers between 33.5 cubic feet and 101.0 cubic feet, depending on how owners configure its rows.
The new Buick Encasa variants are slated for the 2027 model year in China, with the range-topping version set to deliver roughly 713 horsepower alongside the model’s luxury-focused cabin and distinctive design features.
