We recently uncovered that GM will create a family of Buick Encore models. Starting with the 2020 Buick Encore, the Encore family will be made up of two distinct models:
- The second-gen Buick Encore – a B-segment crossover based on the GM GEM platform and destined exclusively for China, and
- The new Buick Encore GX – a B-segment crossover based on the GM VSS-F platform destined for China and North America that’s larger and more upscale than the former (it’s this model that we have seen undergoing testing in various spy shots_
Having already brought you photos of the “regular” Buick Encore, we now have the very first photos of the new Buick Encore GX.
Aesthetically, the new Buick Encore GX has a relatively more sporty, youthful, and refined appearance compared to the current, first-gen model. Out front sits a generously-sized grille whose design and pattern are very similar to those seen on the refreshed 2020 LaCrosse. Other notable features include intricately-styled all-LED headlamps, with LED being used for the “wing” lighting signature (that doubles as the Daytime Running Lights) as well as for the primary forward lighting element. And check out those large gills flanking the grille.
The sides have a discreet design, defined by an ascending beltline that culminates with a “floating roof” aesthetic between the C- and D-pillars. The rear end incorporates a rather small rear window and large tail-lights, whose design is similar to those of the current LaCrosse.
In China, the new Buick Encore GX will be powered by GM’s new 1.3L turbo-charged three-cylinder L3Z engine making 155 horses (166 kW) mated to the GM 9-speed automatic transmission sending power to either the front wheels (for FWD models) or to all four wheels for models (for models with AWD). It’s likely that the new Buick Encore GX will make it to North America with the same powertrain combination.
We expect the 2020 Buick Encore GX to be made at the following GM plants:
- GM Bupyeong plant in South Korea supplying North America, and
- GM Dong Yue plant in China supplying the Chinese domestic market
Subscribe to GM Authority as we bring you the latest Buick news, Buick Encore news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
Looks like a Hyundai Tucson
New York Times, who you can’t accuse of liking our president, just reported NO TRUMP-RUSSIA COLLUSION. Proof Trump was right and the fake news media were proven to be the liars they are.
You must be confused. We’re talking about a Buick Encore.
It’s okay, but I prefer my 2015 and not having some meaning ‘GX’ after the name. Sorry.
Agreed, it looks like a Toyota. I thought Buick was luxury?
You can deduce that from two low-quality pictures eh?
Whether it looks like a Toyota is a personal opinion. I can say that it doesn’t… and Jonny can say that it looks like a million bucks, while Beatrice could simply fall in love with it after seeing it on the road. Who is right and who is wrong? One answer: the market at large that will buy this thing in droves, regardless of our opinion of the design.
More importantly, you need to look at the segment requirements. This segment calls for hip, modern and somewhat daring styling. And if you look closely, there is nothing Toyota about it.
I like a car with a mild touch of attitude. Not anime headlights and macho posing, but the sense that the designer took a minor risk here or there. Those risks have been white-washed off the Encore is all I’m saying. It’s sleek and ‘nice’ but as potentially dull as the Envision.
Looks very bland and derivative. Good to see we won’t get the Chinese-made version. Anything but China.
Alex, a little less insecurities with people who have different opinions…After all people are not all like you and this is a board for opinions.
Control freaks are scary.
155HP? Bummer. I’m not looking for a race car, but am in the market for a cuv around this size. 190 from something like the 2.5L would have been appreciated. Fiat is getting close to 180 out of their 1.3L turbo. It’d be nice if this thing could get out of its own way, I’ve test drove both the old 1.4L and the new 1.4L models with similar power specs, and was left disappointed.
Keep in mind that this thing will be light… and that there will likely be a base engine and an up-level engine offered. The base engine is just fine for this kind of vehicle, and should satisfy 80 percent of demand. The remaining 20 percent that actually care enough to get a more powerful engine, and pay for it, will do so.
I love the more sleek lines & proportionate silhouette of the body – that’s a big improvement. It gives it a more aggressive personality.
But there is SO much black plastic – the grill, the cladding, the window trim… which makes it look inexpensive. Maybe that lends to an odd rationale for adding “GX” to the name. “Yeah, we’re positioning the Encore as a sport CUV (read: cutting costs), including the adding of dynamic black facades & trim (read: cheaper plastic) – hence the GX name.”
I know, that’s cynical. But it doesn’t look premium in these photos. It’s almost as if with each new Buick model, the brand moves a little bit away from a premium / quasi-luxury ID … I initially got that impression from the current-gen Regal: First signs of budget slashing, especially with the interior. The previous gen quality of materials was at least 2-steps higher.
This looks like the base model. Just wait for the studio shots of the up-level models, especially the sport touring. This thing will look very good.
Alex would make a great used car salesperson. He is trying VERY hard to change the majority opinion on here.
Lol
I am convinced. I did not like the look of my 2014 encore after seeing the new 2019 model. Traded right away Im loving it.
Deivis, thank you for sharing this! (GM Authority scoops everyone else, yet again!) The grille reminds me of a pencil-thin moustache or whiskers. I hope that the design will grow on me, as we see photos of more up-level Encore GX models.
At this point it should have been built in USA, it should have had at least a four banger doing 200 hp, and what safety suite will it have? Lane change , auto brake? Etc etc . That’s why I didn’t consider 2018/19 models gm doesn’t keep up.
Everyone so negative about a new GM vehicle and then wonder why they have to close a plant. How about some support!?! I think it’s sharp. Can’t wait to check it out!
Perhaps everyone is negative on GM because they just fired 20,000 workers and closed American and Canadian plants?
Or maybe it is because under Miss Mary Barra sales are dropping fast, profit failing, GM stock in a downward trend, and so many North Americans out of a job because of her…Hmmmm, wonder why everyone is negative on GM.
Forget all that. Will it have a cd player ????
Probably not. GM and the industry in their cost cutting think the CD is dead. They’d rather have us be really distracted trying to fiddle around with our connected too small to see personal device.
CD’s are dead and have been dead for almost 15 years. GM and the industry aren’t cutting costs; they’re removing it because their exhaustive market research has told them that CD use is at or near the bottom of car entertainment importance.
It’s not the industry. It’s the public’s disinterest in buying and using CDs. The same thing happened when cassette players stopped being offered; the public found a better quality and easier way to enjoy their music, and today CD’s are as unpopular as cassettes.
Furthermore, if your eyes are so bad that you actually think a phone is “too small to see”, then your eyes are too bad to drive a car.
And you sir shouldn’t be using your phone while driving, so there.
I’m not using my phone directly. I can’t touch or use the phone if it’s in my pocket the whole time while I’m driving.
I have voice commands. I have hands-free. I have auto-play. I have bluetooth. I have steering wheel controls.
What I don’t have, or have any need for, is to fumble about with jewel cases and CD wallets, and I think you’ll find the overwhelming majority of the car buying public doesn’t have any need for CD’s either, and even if they did, the infrastructure inside a today’s cars doesn’t support them.
If you think that someone shouldn’t use their phone remotely while driving (even with hands-free or bluetooth technology that falls well within the bounds of the law governing safe autombile operation), then it follows that you shouldn’t even use operate a CD player in a car while driving either.
Grawdaddy, did you actually make it past the 8th grade? Larry was JOKING, being SARCASTIC!
Geez, the lack of intelligence on this board sometimes is quite scary.
11+ other GMA users didn’t get it either.
Either me and other GMA users didn’t pass the 8th grade, or Larry is a tired old man, ceaselessly complaining about his memories of the past while being too stubborn to bother learning anything else of the world he lives in.
It’s your call, but I don’t think you’ve heard of Poe’s Law, and on the internet, Poe’s Law is being tested every single second.
Made in South Korea?? Why call it a GM product-it should be a SK product.
Imagine how strong our country would be if we started producing products in this country!!
Barra speaks of another EV coming for Chevy at Orion. Maybe VSS-F should be be built there and also carry the ICE engine models.
Barra does talk a lot. Too bad she doesn’t produce results a lot.
I think it is a big improvement over the model out now. It was getting long in the tooth and needed a new face. I wonder if they will offer the 1.3L Turbo over here or just have the standard 2.5L. I hope they do offer a higher power engine. Like a 2.0L Turbo instead of just a 1.4L Turbo they offer now. But still a 1.3L Turbo offers 17 more horses than the 1.4L 4-cylinder, that is isn’t bad.
Hmmm, it’s alright but I will withhold further judgement until it shows up in the US if and when it does.
It looks fine, but literally could be anything. Buick and Cadillac both have such a rich styling heritage to draw from, but they never capitalize on it. Instead, they just try to fit in with the competition. Yawn.
with three Encore’s and two chevy Trax’s in the family I do have a little insight on these vehicles overall there pretty decent and dependable but there are some issue’s that could be addressed one is the is hvac system the fan on high is so loud you can hardly have a conversation. then they should have a power lift gate and the reason for this is for older drivers it is heavy and hard to close on that note I would like to see the demographics’ on who is actual buying these from my perspective I see mainly older people driving these more than the younger generation that GM is trying to cater too. entering and egress are good for older drivers as the seat Hight is pretty good but forget the back seat. if someone is planning on having kids or has a small child in a rear facing car seat you better be ready to have your knee’s in the dash because that’s the only way it will fit and that’s why the wife and I always take my truck when we haul the grandkid’s around. as for power the base engine has been fine for us most of the time even in the mountains but it could use a power bump just because merging on the interstate can be trying at times.
Deivis, I appreciate the report. Nice improvements to the Encore overall. Please check your math on the output. 155 hp is more like 114 kW, not 166. 166 kW would be about 221 hp. On the other hand, if it is 166 hp, that would be about 123 – 124 kW.
Based on the engine size, I’d think 155 / 114 is correct.