Does the Excelle have an ECO switch?
3 Answers
The Excelle has an ECO switch, located at the bottom left of the driver's seat. When the green ECO light on the dashboard is illuminated, it indicates that the vehicle is being driven in a fuel-saving state. When the ECO light is off, it means the vehicle is no longer being driven in a fuel-saving mode. Meaning of ECO: ECO is an acronym formed from the first letters of the English words Ecology, Conservation, and Optimization. It is a vehicle fuel-saving mode, and activating this mode can achieve energy-saving effects. When to turn on ECO: ECO works best in congested urban traffic conditions. In such scenarios, strong power is not required, and the frequent stopping and starting leads to higher fuel consumption. Activating ECO mode not only reduces fuel consumption but also makes driving more comfortable. When not to turn on ECO: When the car is driving at high speeds (up to 100km/h), even if ECO is turned on, the vehicle's computer will prioritize speed, and the ECO mode will automatically deactivate. When high torque output is needed, such as when climbing a hill, the engine computer will prioritize ensuring and providing sufficient power to drive the vehicle, and the ECO mode will automatically deactivate.
I've been driving this Buick Excelle for three years and noticed it doesn't have a dedicated ECO button like some cars that feature a physical switch. However, it does have an economy mode function, typically integrated into the instrument cluster menu. You can activate it by accessing the settings via steering wheel buttons or the touchscreen system. This mode is quite practical, especially in urban traffic congestion, as it automatically adjusts throttle sensitivity and shift points to help save fuel. From my experience, the normal fuel consumption is around 8L/100km, which can drop to 7L/100km when this mode is enabled. Older Excelle models (pre-2015) might not have this feature at all, but newer versions (post-2020) all come with built-in driving mode selection. If you can't locate it, I recommend checking the owner's manual to confirm your model's configuration or visiting a 4S dealership to inquire about retrofitting possibilities. In summary, the function exists but isn't a physical switch, which doesn't affect daily driving convenience.
As someone with a bit of interest in automotive electronic systems, I've researched the Buick Excelle's driving assistance. The ECO switch on the Excelle typically isn't standalone hardware but rather software-implemented, possibly hidden within the vehicle settings menu. It's essentially a software mode that alters the engine control unit parameters, such as delaying power output to save fuel. Operation is straightforward: after starting the vehicle, simply switch to economy mode using the rotary knob or dashboard buttons to activate it. Benefits include reduced fuel consumption and lower emissions, making it more environmentally friendly. Newer models might integrate more intelligent features, like auto start-stop working in tandem with ECO. If you're concerned about fuel efficiency, while the Excelle isn't the most advanced, its basic functions are sufficient for commuting needs—practical and hassle-free.
