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Upcoming Buick Enspire Spied Testing Alongside Cadillac XT4

Back in November 2018, GM Authority exclusively reported that GM was working on a future Buick crossover to slot between the Envision and Enclave. We then caught a prototype for the vehicle in April, and have done so again just now as it was testing with its platform mate – the Cadillac XT4 (which we can just barely see).

Buick Enspire Exterior - Spy Shots - June 2019 001

The model seen here seems to have progressed in development compared to the first time we saw it in April. However, it’s still wearing placeholder headlights, taillights, and wheels, the latter taken straight off the Cadillac XT4.

The overall shape seems to be similar to the Buick Enspire concept that the production model is bringing to life. A few notable elements to note include what appears to be an interpretation of the Buick design language, a forward-facing camera within the grille, a panoramic moonroof, and a tucked-under exhaust tip.

Buick Enspire Exterior - Spy Shots - June 2019 005

The new Buick crossover, which will likely be called Buick Enspire, will represent the production version of the very futuristic 2018 Buick Enspire concept. It is assigned program code E2UB, which means that it rides on the GM E2 platform shared with the Cadillac XT4, Buick Regal, and Chevy Malibu. But despite sharing its architecture with the Cadillac XT4, the model will be positioned to occupy a different vehicle segment.

Buick Enspire Exterior - Spy Shots - June 2019 008

According to information obtained by GM Authority, the Buick Enspire will be a D-segment vehicle, slotting above the C-segment Buick Envision but below the upcoming mid-size Buick crossover that we’ve termed baby Enclave.

The model should offer the new GM 2.0L Turbo LSY engine and potentially another powerplant and potentially an electrified variant. The internal combustion engines should route power through the GM 9-speed automatic transmission driving on either the front or all four wheels.

Buick Enspire Exterior - Spy Shots - June 2019 012

If the Enspire slots between the Envision and baby Enclave, pricing should start around the $35,000 range, since the compact Envision starts at $31,000. To note, the Enspire will not replace the Envision, but rather be sold alongside it.

Buick Enspire Exterior - Spy Shots - June 2019 013

Buick Enspire Exterior - Spy Shots - June 2019 014

It’s also possible that the final name for this model will end up being the Envision GX, given Buick’s latest trend of creating a “family” of vehicles, with an entry-level model carrying the “regular” name (such as Encore) and the premium-level model carrying the GX moniker (like Encore GX that recently debuted).

An official debut should take place some time in 2020, and go on sale by the end of that year.

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Comments

  1. Hi Alex. Thank you for the story. Please remind us – is this Buick Enspire (or, as you wrote, perhaps Buick Envision GX) for the USA or China? Because you state that the Enspire will occupy a different vehicle segment than the Cadillac XT4 and the Enspire Concept was admittedly futuristic, is it likely that some or all of its best features will go instead to Cadillac?

    Reply
    1. From what we know, this one will be global -meaning North America and China, in this case.

      The positioning here will be interesting, but I assume that this Buick Enspire/Envision GX will come close to the same content levels as the XT4z

      Reply
  2. Is it just me, or is it getting difficult to keep the different models (here now and coming out) figured out? It seems that there will certainly be a good number of SUV/CUV’s in the Buick lineup.

    Alex, do you think they will be too close in size from what you know so far?

    It’s almost like Buick will have S, S+, M, M+, L- and L. (Encore, Encore GX, Envision, Enspire/Envision GX, Enclave light and Enclave)

    Reply
  3. The concept looked somewhat sleek and sexy, for a crossover-style vehicle. What I ser here is just another elevated shoebox on wheels.
    We’ll see soon enough.

    Reply
  4. Is it me or does this look much smaller than the current Envision.

    Reply
  5. It looks smaller than Envision to me, at least in wheelbase and passenger area. The nose is unusually long, like some Mazdas.

    Reply
  6. If this is a replacement for the Buick Envision, it means that this new Buick will most likely be an import from China or Mexico and will not be built at the Delta Township Assembly plant near Lansing, Michigan where the Buick Enclave is assembled.

    Reply
  7. If this Enspire is to be attractive, make an EV version, using the same electric power train as proposed for the new Bolt EUV.

    Reply
  8. Good possibility that the Chinese built Envision will disappear completely as a consequence of the Trump tariffs.

    Reply
    1. Not sure exactly what that has anything to do with the All New one coming out. But if this is the new Envision, it looks smaller in these Spy Photos. We shall see.

      Reply
  9. With the Cadillac XT4 being built at Fairfax, would that be the location for manufacturing it in the USA?

    Reply
    1. Exactly my thought. If Malibu sales falter, I doubt the Regal and XT4 would keep Fairfax humming.

      Reply

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