We just showed you the very first photos of the all-new, 2020 Buick Encore based on the new GM GEM platform and destined for China, and for China only. That report raised questions about the crossover that will succeed the Buick Encore in North American and China, such as what that vehicle will be called. So, we did some digging – and here’s GM Authority to the rescue with an exclusive scoop on the situation.
China-only, 2020 Buick Encore
China-only, 2020 Buick Encore
As it turns out, the global Encore that will serve as the direct successor to the current Buick Encore will be called Encore GX. That’s the camouflaged vehicle that we’ve seen in spy shots as it was undergoing testing.
Unlike the GEM-based 2020 Buick Encore, the 2020 Encore GX will be available in North America and in China. And unlike the GEM-based Encore, the Encore GX will ride on GM’s VSS-F platform.
| 2020 Encore | 2020 Encore GX | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | GM GEM | GM VSS-F |
| Market Availability | China Only | North America & China |
| Size | Subcompact | Subcompact plus |
As GM Authority first discovered last year, General Motors filed to trademark “Encore GX” with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in September 2018. The Encore GX name will be used not only in North America, but also in China.
With the introduction of the all-new 2020 Buick Encore and all-new 2020 Buick Encore GX, Buick is creating a family of Encore vehicles – a strategy very characteristic of Buick’s operations in China. At the beginning of the decade, the brand began to create “families” of models. The first was the Excelle GT – a vehicle introduced in China as a rebadged Buick Verano. That model was added to the original Buick Excelle based on the Daewoo Lacetti. Today, the Buick Excelle range is made up of the new Excelle, Excelle GT and Excelle GX.
In addition, two other Buick vehicles current utilize the “family” strategy. The first is the GL8 large minivan family, which is comprised of two consecutive generations of GL8 and GL8 SE. The second is the Verano range, which is comprised of the second-generation Verano sedan as well as the Verano GS hatchback (based on the fifth-generation Opel Astra).
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Comments
Last Buick sold in the middle east was 1996 roadmaster. I really hope that Buick will return soon
I am only interested of purchasing a ne Buick SUV/CUV that is made in the USA. nI cannot get a answer to my question (which Buick SUV/CUV) will be made in the USA? Even if the answer is no, than so be it; I will move over to FORD!
Doesn’t matter where the car is built. It’s all about Quality Assurance.
The Enclave is built in the US, and likely the upcoming Envoy will be as well. The US Encore will likely continue to be built in South Korea.
Fords small cuv isn’t made in this country either
Please don’t delete again:
https://www.noticiasautomotivas.com.br/buick-encore-gx-pode-gerar-chevrolet-rival-do-jeep-compass/
GM will probably build this vehicle along with Trax in Korea just like the prior generation. Without Opel with which to share costs I could see Buick GT rebadged as a Chevy in Latam.
Latin America was one filled with Opel-sourced cars. Now Buick will likely fill that void.
Buick MUST move into the FWD/AWD luxury space in the US or face extinction. GM must stop making Chevrolet so basic, especially with interiors, and in doing so telegraphing to customers that they must buy a Buick or GMC to get the features and thoughtful designs found over at Mazda, Subaru, Kia or even FCA.
I was so disappointed when a base Chrysler 200 interior was far more on par with Buick than Chevy and this is again happening with Ram.
I wonder if it will be as underpowered as the current Encore? I test drove one and the buzzy 1.4T engine was hideous, sending vibes through the driver’s seat while it struggled to reach expressway speeds. It doesn’t even get good mileage.
What GM needs to do is hire engineering teams to focus exclusively on NVH attenuation. Their four cylinder engines don’t even feel like they use balance shafts. It’s ridiculous. I drove a loaner Nissan Altima recently and there’s just no comparison: the 2.5L engine sent virtually no vibrations into the passenger compartment.
Until the tranny in the Nissan fails…which happens frequently I hear. I have a 2018 Chevy Equinox and it’s a smooth, peppy engine. Remember the current Encore is an old design (hence why it’s being replaced).
Live to dream.. the 2020 GEN 2 Buick Encore inherits the LWC 1.6L DOHC-4v 4-cyl turbo from the discontinued Buick Cascada as the 200cc advantage would increase horsepower to 200 hp and give the Encore a bit of extra performance or be tuned for some low end grunt.
That would be a good base engine.
What all of GM’s smaller CUVs really need is a sport trim featuring the new 2.0T engine found in the XT4. GM would take the lead for domestic performance and attract a new generation of buyers. Then they would need to follow through with performance engine options on their larger vehicles as well, including V8s to compete with Dodge. Doesn’t need to be a huge 6.2L LT1: they could introduce a smaller DOHC V8 combined with a 48V hybrid module for good torque and efficiency.
GM has the expertise to develop the hybrid module in-house. What are they waiting for?
GM has plenty of V8’s, but you don’t need them for most regular cars/SUV’s anymore. They are grossly inefficient, and unnecessary… They are perfectly fine in Camaros and Corvettes.
So this is pretty much what the 2020 Buick Encore will look like, I’m sure of it. Why does GM not just say… Here is the new 2020 Buick Encore? It will be built in South Korea and imported to the United States and China.
Because this is larger than the current model. I expect them to also replace the current model with a smaller compact model.