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First-Gen Buick Encore To Live Alongside All-New Encore GX In U.S. Market

As we have previously reported, General Motors will replace the current, first-generation Buick Encore with two models in China: the first model will be the second-generation Buick Encore based on the new GM GEM platform, while the second will be the all-new Encore GX that rides on VSS-F architecture. Only the Encore GX will make it to the U.S. market, while the GEM-based Encore – built on a lesser structure only suited for emerging markets – will not be sold in the Americas. That much we knew already. What we didn’t know is how the Encore GX will be launched in the U.S.

2020 Buick Encore GX exterior China 005

New Buick Encore GX on the VSS-platform will be sold in North America and in China

According to sources familiar with the future GM product cadence speaking to GM Authority on the basis of anonymity, General Motors will continue selling the current, first-generation Buick Encore in the U.S. market well into the future. Meanwhile, the all-new Buick Encore GX will launch as an all-new model, slotting into the “white space” between the Encore and Envision.

2019 Buick Envision exterior - zoom 002

Buick Envision

The move makes sense given that the new Encore GX is a bit larger than a typical subcompact (B-segment) crossover. In fact, we can call it “subcompact plus”, for all intents and purposes. Meanwhile, the Buick Envision is a true compact (C-segment) crossover, and will continue in its rightful spot, slotting above the new Encore GX.

2020 Buick Encore GX Dimensions vs. 2020 Encore, Current Model and Current Envision
Dimension First-Gen Encore 2020 Encore 2020 Encore GX First-Gen Envision
Wheelbase (in / mm): 100.6 / 2555 101.2 / 2570 104 / 2640 108.3 / 2750
Length (in / mm): 168.5 / 4280 169 / 4295 175.7 / 4463 183.7 / 4667
Width (in / mm): 69.9 / 1775 70.8 / 1798 71.4 / 1813 71 / 1804
Height (in / mm): 64.8 / 1646 63.5 / 1616 64.6 / 1642 65.3 / 1659
Segment: B-segment (smaller end) B-segment (smaller end) B-segment (larger end) C-segment
Market: China & NA China only China & NA China & NA
Platform: Gamma GEM VSS-F D2
  • B-segment = subcompact
  • C-segment = compact
  • NA = North America
2020 Buick Encore exterior China 003

Second-generation Buick Encore (GEM platform) will be sold exclusively in China

Keeping the first-generation Buick Encore in the U.S. lineup essentially replicates GM’s two-model family strategy in China. But instead of offering the GEM-based Encore in America, The General will instead offer the first-gem, Gamma-based model. That’s because GM never intended to sell the new GEM-based Encore in the United States, and can’t do so without major re-engineering of key vehicle elements; after all, the model was engineered exclusively for the needs and associated cost structures of emerging markets.

China:,Encore (GEM),Encore GX,Envision,New Enclave (C1 short)
North America:,Encore (Gamma),Encore GX,Envision,Enclave (C1 long)
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The first-generation Buick Encore was introduced for the 2013 model year in the U.S. market. It rides on the GM Gamma platform shared with the Chevrolet Trax and Sonic, among other subcompact GM vehicles such as the current Chevy Onix and Prisma.

2018 Buick Enspire Concept exterior 001

2018 Buick Enspire concept previews upcoming compact model expected to slot above Envision as a more premium offering

In addition, we expect another future Buick crossover to join the brand’s utility lineup in the near future. The model in question is a premium-level compact entry derived from the E2 platform introduced by the Cadillac XT4. The model, previewed as the Buick Enspire concept in 2018, will be roughly the same size as the Envision. However, the new entry is expected to be positioned above the Envision as a premium-level offering.

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GM Authority Executive Editor with a passion for business strategy and fast cars.

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Comments

  1. Imagine if Chevrolet decided to sell the C7 Corvette along side the C8 Corvette especially as the two cars are quite different in their appearance and driving personality.

    Reply
    1. Yes, that would give the older guys with the pony tails and/or mullets a car to buy along side the younger and higher end millennial! lol.

      Just a little Monday humor!

      Reply
  2. Kind of like the Classic versions over at Chevy I take.

    Reply
  3. Sounds like the GX will only be made in China. If true, how would a 25% tariff effect sales here? I can’t see Buick continuing to sell the Envision if the price jumps over 5 grand. Doesn’t GM need a VSS-F platform built in N. America for future EV sales?

    Reply
  4. I believe it has been announced that the GX will be made in two countries: China for China only and South Korea for Canada, US and Mexico (since these are the only other countries where the Buick brand is sold).
    Perhaps Alex can confirm.

    Reply
    1. Reply
  5. I like the idea and think it’s smart to do. I’m sure the all new GX model will sell well at first and (if popular) bring a much higher transaction price. So people who may see the new one and be interested enough to go into the dealership can be shown the old model if the price is too high on the GX model. Win, win.

    Reply
  6. I still think the GEM design looks better. Too bad the Gamma-based Encore could not be reskinned because this is a strong segment for Buick.

    Reply
  7. Can’t they find another name beginning in E?

    Since “encore” means “again” or ‘still” in French, shouldn’t the second generation one be called Encore Encore? Then the larger one could be More Encore Encore.

    Reply
    1. Or like “One more time” I think you’re being trivial about it’s name.

      Reply
  8. I get that in America there’s the old first gen plus the new second gen, but if I’m reading this right the China spec Encore and Encore GX are both new.

    What’s the reasoning for having two new models in China?

    Reply
  9. I see GM trying to build families of vehicles in hot segments as in China. The first Gen Encore will be viable for only so long.
    With the GEM-based Encore being such a looker I wonder if it would be possible for GM to modify the suspension of the Gamma-based GEM for Noth America?

    Reply
  10. Well, I think with the Tariff’s going on, now is the time to get a great deal on a 2019. My son did that and he got his slashed on the price. I don’t know what will happen later on, if it will effect the destination price here in America? These little SUV”s Buick Encore’s are catching on and people love them, they go great on gas and have just the right amount of room.

    Reply

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