We’re still not entirely sure what the “28T” truly stands for with the 2016 Buick Envision, but Buick has officially priced and launched another variant, titled the 2016 Buick Envision 20T. As far as official specifications go, the number 20, and letter T, still have nothing to do with the powertrain.
In fact, the most differentiating piece of the 2016 Envision 20T is the powertrain. The midsize crossover arrives with a 1.5-liter SIDI four-cylinder engine, and shifting duties are handed over to seven-speed DSG automatic transmission. The 1.5-liter SIDI engine is the most potent in General Motors’ EcoTec family, and includes direct injection, a single turbocharger and a patented quiet inverted-tooth camshaft drive chain.
This powertrain combination propels the Envision 20T with 166 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, while incorporating standard start/stop technology for superb fuel economy.
Buick will offer a standard front-wheel drive variant and Buick intelligent all-wheel drive system, which distributes power in real time to the front, and rear, wheels according to road conditions. Buick says the system has had over 2 million miles of testing globally to ensure the best performance from the system.
The exterior remains consistent with the Envision 28T model, but now incorporates “wing-style” HID headlamps along with LED running lights to spruce up the vehicle’s presence. Inside, creature comforts are abound including a panoramic sunroof, Adaptive Cruise Control and dual-zone climate control. Buick’s QuietTuning technology is applied to keep sound levels minimum from the outside.
Since the 2016 Buick Envision’s introduction last October, the vehicle has been the hot seller we knew it would be, with 40,000 confirmed sales at the time of this writing. With the introduction of the 20T, buyers now have two powertrain configurations and eight different variants to meet their needs.
Pricing for the 2016 Envision 20T undercuts the 28T variant, where the 28T starts $44,075 USD, the 20T asks only $35,436 to start. Tick enough options and that $35,436 base price can climb all the way to $41,882 USD, however.
With the Envision getting settled in China, it seems the U.S. won’t be far behind for the midsize crossover, where it was spied roaming the streets of Michigan not too long ago. Buick isn’t foolish, utilizing the D2XX platform domestically makes all the sense in the world. Bridging the gap between Encore and Enclave will come soon enough.
Comments
This Envision looks like a nice vehicle with features/options & benefits . Will it come to the United States in relatively short order for us to enjoy? If so… when? …or will the Encore get a (major) improvement/upgrade to tide us over?
James,
The Envision will most likely be coming to the U.S., yes. Our estimate is Q3 of this year.
In fact, we spied the crossover on Michigan roads not too long ago!
http://gmauthority.com/blog/2015/03/buick-envision-spied-in-michigan/
Cheers,
Sean
I hope it comes with a bigger powertrain.
So who designed this car? Is this a German car a la Opel?
Yes this is a German car completely engineered and designed by Opel.