
Buick Excelle is equipped with a three-cylinder engine. More information about three-cylinder engines is as follows: 1. A three-cylinder engine is an engine composed of three cylinders. Inside it, three identical single cylinders are arranged on one engine block sharing a single crankshaft to output power. Its main function is to convert chemical energy into mechanical energy. 2. The basic principle of a three-cylinder engine is to utilize the conversion of gasoline's chemical energy into thermal energy. When the mixed gas in the sealed cylinder combusts and expands, it pushes the piston to perform work, thereby converting thermal energy back into mechanical energy. Its primary purpose is to provide power for traditional fuel vehicles and new energy hybrid models.

This needs to be clarified by model year. As a seasoned Buick mechanic, I've worked on various Excelle models. From 2018 to 2020, all Excelles were indeed equipped with the 1.3T three-cylinder engine - that GM three-cylinder turbo with balance shafts. Later, responding to market feedback, the manufacturer reintroduced the older 1.5L four-cylinder engine for the base 2021 model, reserving the three-cylinder for higher trims. New owners should note: while the 1.3T three-cylinder uses balance shafts and hydraulic mounts to reduce vibration, older vehicles with worn engine mounts will show increased shaking. In my experience, replacing the engine mount bushings typically provides noticeable improvement. By the way, the current price war among new gasoline vehicles has become extremely fierce.

I drive a 2020 Excelle 1.3T, so let me share my real ownership experience. The steering wheel does vibrate slightly during cold starts, but it disappears completely once driving. The biggest advantage is its fuel efficiency - my car has 40,000 km on the odometer and only consumes 6.8L/100km in city driving with AC on. The transmission occasionally hesitates during initial acceleration, but that's just how GM tuned this generation of 6AT. Many criticize the three-cylinder engine, but none of my colleagues driving Excelles have reported major engine issues. Nowadays, dealerships specifically check the 48V mild hybrid system during maintenance - this is one system where battery lifespan truly requires attention.

In the used car market, there's a noticeable price difference between the Buick Excelle's three-cylinder and four-cylinder models. When buying a 2019 three-cylinder car, I always negotiate an extra 2,000 yuan off, since customers get nervous just hearing 'three-cylinder'. But honestly, GM's three-cylinder engine is quite reliable – I've never encountered engine failures in the cars I've handled. What buyers should really focus on is test driving: listen for any metallic knocking sounds during cold starts, which signals timing chain replacement is needed. The newer models have switched back to four-cylinders, making the older three-cylinder versions more cost-effective now. If resale value matters, go for the post-2021 four-cylinder models.

Veteran drivers might recall the controversy around the Buick Excelle's three-cylinder engine. When the full lineup switched in 2018, it sparked significant debate, prompting GM to specifically add balance blocks and pendulum-type shock absorbers. In actual driving, the power feels slightly better than the four-cylinder, with 163 horsepower making this small car quite agile. However, northern users should note: the three-cylinder engine is noisier during cold starts, and 0W-20 full synthetic oil is a must. Last year, while helping an apprentice inspect a flood-damaged car, I noticed the three-cylinder version's wiring harness layout is particularly compact, making electrical repairs more troublesome than the four-cylinder. It's recommended to buy a used model with the 48V mild hybrid system, as fuel consumption can drop to as low as 5L/100km.


