As we reported earlier this week, the all-new Buick Enclave crossover just debuted in China, bringing a new “midsize plus” premium utility entry to market. Not only does the new Chinese-spec Enclave introduce an expanded model cadence for the nameplate, but it also previews things to come for the upcoming U.S.-spec Enclave refresh.
With the facelifted Buick Enclave slated to drop for the 2021 model year here in the States, the recently unveiled Chinese Enclave looks to include a number of design elements that will probably carry over to the U.S.-spec model. It bears mentioning that while the styling seen here is a good candidate for the U.S. market, it’s unlikely the Chinese-spec midsize-plus Enclave itself will arrive on these shores alongside the full-size variant.
With that, let’s check out what’s in store for Buick Enclave buyers here in the U.S., starting with the exterior.
Up front, we find a restyled fascia design, which was previously revealed in a leak back in August. Highlights include a new grille insert, which features horizontal slats running the width of the crest-shaped intake. We also see a flatter dividing character line, which adds even more visual width to the Buick Enclave’s nose.
The new Enclave is also noteworthy for its refreshed headlamp design, which features boomerang-shaped daytime running lamps up top, plus horizontal matrix LED modules halfway down into the bumper sides, that latter of which will act as the Enclave’s primary forward illumination.
Moving into the cabin, we find further clues about the U.S.-spec Buick Enclave, starting with a reshaped dash design. This time around, the look is even more asymmetric, with the center console infotainment screen connected to the primary gauge cluster via a curving black surround.
The center console and HVAC vents are also new, as is the selection of buttons and knobs on the dash. Further details include a push-button shifter that looks similar to the application of the GM Electronic Precision Shift technology seen on the 2020 Chevrolet Corvette C8.
Is this new design a hit or a miss? Let us know in the comments, and make sure to subscribe to GM Authority for more Buick Enclave news, Buick news and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
I like it but I miss the waterfall grill which IMO gave Buick a unique look….the new grill looks like so many other vehicles to me. love the interior.
Yeah but will we get that awesome interior though?
55k version will still have the 3.6.
Meanwhile, Lincoln and Ford use twin turbo v6 engines.
I like the interior but I think this should be a Chevy, not a Buick.
I agree with Michael. Front looks like Chevy. I’ve had 3 of the Enclaves, 2008, 2013 and 2017. Have not liked newer models as they don’t stand out. Newer models look like just another suv.
The way today’s Lincolns would have made perfectly suitable Mercurys if Mercury was still around? Yeah, I agree.
Looks good but what about the Powertrain, 3.6l is a no thanks for me.
From what we can see here, the exterior and interior designs are a home run IMHO and I hope they cascade down to the Envoy and Enspire models whenever they come to market. I’ve wanted to buy a Buick, but the Enclave is too long and the Envision is too dowdy and uninspiring. From what I see here, I’m glad the Buick team are able to put their creativity to work and produce designs that are upscale and high end in terms of design and technology!
Just took a look at the pics now. The interior is superb! That’s how you integrate a touch screen into a car. Not like what the new Escalade, Navigator or MB dashes seem to be thinking.
The design is common and blah. Enclave with it’s Avista-inspired styling is a home run whether we’re talking the subtle sweep spear or surfacing or the front facada with probably the nicest DRL/headlight and design anywhere.
I wonder if GM tweeked the lighting due to the Opel sale because PSA has also made significant changes.
Buick Avista design is sharp yet luxurious. I see Subaru has to a degree copied Buick styling which is a major compliment. This baby bench just looks harsh like Lexus and unappealing.
is still didn’t look like they added the Heads up display (no cut out in the area between the dash and windshield)….also I hope they have a interior color choice on the Avenir (light grey or beige)…..a larger display would also enhance the interior as well
There’s a lot of us out here waiting patiently for an
Electric Chevy Silverado option. Sure hope we don’t
have to wait much longer. Thanks, Ron Legato
I have a question about the new gear shift buttons. Is there a safety lock out so if a person was to accidentally have a water bottle slip out of your hand and it hits one of those buttons while at highway speed is it going to throw you into reverse of neutral while driving ?
I think the dash is weird and I don’t like the contrasting piping on the seats. I think it looks cheap.
All of you seem to forget to address the 800 pound gorilla in the room, Buick sells a lot more vehicles in China nowadays than the US so all the styling is and will be geared towards that market, not ours. That said, while I have reservations about the exterior styling, the interior looks point on US ready and very nice as well.
Exterior styling looks much more updated with nice improvement. 2018-2020 front looks dated. It appears the second row has bench seating. This is great because we are looking at Traverse with second row bench and did not like individual Buick caption chairs for second row because our dogs like laying across bench seat. Like Enclave styling much better than Traverse although new 2020 Toyota Highlander styling looks much improved.
Looks like improved shifter. Anything is better the existing 2019 shifter. We have same shifter on our 2018 XT5, and do not like. Would not purchase 2018-2020 Enclave because of poor, unintuitive, awkward shifter design. Very difficult parallel parking, refuses to go into reverse. I heard from my neighbor, Chief Launch Engineer, that there will be ‘auto start-stop disable’ switch. XT5 does not have disable switch and we would not purchase another vehicle without auto start-stop disable switch.
We normally wait for mid year remodel for design, engineering improvements and increase quality vs. first vehicle redesign. If they add bench second row, add auto-start stop disable switch, keep price the same and redesign front exterior somewhat, we will most likely purchase.