The second-generation 2020 Buick Encore has been spotted undergoing testing in South Korea, featuring less camouflage than prior the most recently-seen Encore prototype (in March).
We can now see a different set of headlights than on the previous tester. The lights feature circular projector-beam headlamps and a set of daytime running lights at the corners. One element that has us rather confused, however, is that we do not see Buick’s signature LED-based lighting elements in the headlights. Because of this, it could be that these are not the production-intent headlights. We can also see what appears to be the Encore’s production-intent grille, which features the new wing-style design around the logo.
The photo also shows that the 2020 Buick Encore will feature a hood that slopes less than the current first-generation model, along with a rather stubby front fascia. Two large wing mirrors and a fast-sloping windshield round out what we can see at the front.
The camo is still covering up most of the 2020 Encore’s rear end, but we can now see what appear to be production-intent taillights, which appear to consist of two circular lights placed next to each other in one cluster. Even so, there is a possibility that the units seen here might not be the production units.
Also worthy of note that the prototype is wearing a set of dual five-spoke wheels with a dark hue, potentially indicating that this could be a Sport Touring model/trim level of the future Buick Encore. The previously-sighted 2020 Buick Encore prototype (pictured below) was wearing a set of bright wheels.
About 2020 Buick Encore
We expect the 2020 Encore to launch in the second half of the 2019 calendar year, likely in the fourth quarter. It will be one of the first (if not the first) GM vehicle to adopt the new GM vehicle set strategy, riding either on VSS-F or VSS-S.
It’s currently unclear where the vehicle will be made. The current model is assembled at the GM Bupyeong Plant in South Korea, but given the growing popularity of crossover SUVs and political uncertainty related to international trade, GM might decide to produce the subcompact crossover in North America, potentially in the United States.
Hat tip to GM Authority reader Wu for the pictures.
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Comments
Those are still AutoZone-spec headlights. Not indicative of production units at all.
I completely agree, no way are those production intent head or tail lights. Dig up some old Chevy Volt prototype spy shots, you’ll see the same round lights poked into the smooth surface that made final production. Round projector lights are so “2015” and all cars that had them have been switching to rectangular LED’s, as the Encore itself did a couple years ago – hard to believe they’d go backward.
You guys might be right… editing the story for greater clarity.
It kinda looks more XC40 sized
Correct. XC40 is a subcompact… as is the Encore.
What’s important is for General Motors to build a factory to build the car in the United States because Trump will be more than happy to slap a $8-10K tariff on the new Encore.
The grille pattern under the camo looks to be Chevrolet rather than Buick. There are wavy horizontal lines rather than vertical bars hiding behind the mesh which, to me, look similar to what we’ve already seen on the 2019 Camaro. It isn’t classically Buick-like at all although they do currently use horizontal lines on the Cascada. However, that car didn’t seem to get anything other than the Buick logo when it transitioned from an Opel to the American brand so I still think the grille design for this upcoming GM product is inconsistent with Buick.
The grille on this prototype looks exactly like the grille on the new Regals and on the recently-announced LaCrosse ST. The pattern and the horizontal “wings” are what give it away.