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GM Authority

This Is The All-New Buick Enclave Crossover For China

After twelve months of full coverage by GM Authority, General Motors has officially revealed the all-new “midsize plus” Buick Enclave in China. The all-new utility, which transforms the Enclave nameplate into a family composed of two different models, introduces a new direction for Buick design while also presenting a state-of-the-art cabin with newfound space optimizations.

As revealed by the leak in August, the front end of the all-new Buick Enclave introduces a new interpretation of the brand’s grille, which features a shield format with horizontal slats while being demarcated by two “wings” that extend from the logo to below the daytime running lights at the edges of the front end. The headlights are separated by the DRLs in the upper half, which take on the shape of a “wing” or “boomerang”, as well as the main matrix LED light module in the lower half of the light, giving the vehicle a distinctive appearance.

The rather flat roofline joins forces with the integrated tailgate spoiler to give the body of the new Buick Enclave a cohesive look, making it appear thinner than it actually is, while also improving its aerodynamic properties. Meanwhile, the rear part of the utility vehicle includes a three-dimensional chrome strip that connects the taillights, giving it a dose of elegance.

Although we already knew how the new Chinese-market Buick Enclave would look like for the past several months, this is the first time we have seen photos of the cabin. The cockpit of the new midsize-plus utility features an asymmetric design that highlights the central multimedia screen. The center stack features a combination of touch controls and physical knobs and buttons to control the vehicles infotainment and HVAC functions.

A noteworthy part of the cabin is the gear selection mechanism, which is controlled via buttons. Though somewhat similar to the seen in the all-new 2020 Chevrolet Corvette implementation of the GM Electronic Precision Shift technology is unique. The implementation in the new Enclave delivers ample storage space in the center console, and Buick says that it also delivers safer shifting and improvements in NVH.

In terms of space, the new Buick Enclave has a unique three-row arrangement with seven seats in the 2 – 3 – 2 configuration. The vehicle also features over 40 storage locations that widely meet the travel needs of an entire family.

In addition, the utility comes standard with independent three-zone air conditioning and the seats in the two rear rows feature electric folding, delivering greater comfort and convenience.

Although it hasn’t been officially announced, we already know that the all-new Buick Enclave for the Chinese market will be equipped exclusively with the turbocharged 2.0L LSY engine that makes 233 horsepower. The boosted four will be mated to the new GM 9-speed automatic transmission.

The new midsize-plus Buick Enclave is based on the “regular-wheelbase, wide track, and long rear overhang” version of the GM C1 platform directly shared with the Cadillac XT6 and the upcoming three-row Chevrolet Blazer XL (see all versions of the GM C1 platform).

The midsize-plus Enclave will go on sale by the end of the 2019 calendar year in China as a vital model for GM, as it will allow the Tri Shield brand to capitalize on the market’s growing demand for crossover utility vehicles. The new model will be Buick’s largest crossover in China, since the full-size Enclave sold in North America is not marketed in Asia.

It’s currently unclear whether this new midsize-plus Buick Enclave will make its way to North America, though it does not appear to be the case as of this writing.

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Deivis is an engineer with a passion for cars and the global auto business. He is constantly investigating about GM's future products.

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Comments

  1. Nice. Btw, the gearbox buttons look good. Hope the upcoming Escalade’s shifter is a prototype version.

    Reply
    1. I’m afraid that shifter from the Xt4-CT-XT6 is real for the Slade.
      GM is really strange. Sometimes I think they are just dumb.

      I mean they have found an original solution for this Buick, but they have decided to use the cheap shifter from the old models for their flagship brand. They have put a beautiful Escala dash and *ucked it up with that old steering wheel and that stupid shifter, which does not belong to that beautiful dash. They could have done smth like this or even better.

      Sorry for my english.

      Reply
  2. So bland and cheap looking….

    The original Enclave looks so much better.

    Reply
  3. Wow.
    Two things…
    One: GM really can make great interiors with great design and materials used. They obviously chose not to most of the time.
    Two: This embarrasses any Cadillac interior right now.
    This would sell like Hot Cakes here!!!

    Reply
    1. “Two: This embarrasses any Cadillac interior right now.”
      Of course. It’s exactly what the XT6 SHOULD’VE been. A Buick.

      “This would sell like Hot Cakes here!!!”
      NO. It would UTTERLY TRIVIALIZE the XT6.

      Yet another illustration of why NO Cadillac should be FWD. There’s examples of such overlap all throughout GM’s CUV lineup.

      It once again proves how making FWD Cadillac CUVs hurts the rest of GM in certain markets (especially NA). In this case, it prevents Buick from going as hard here as they do in China.

      The best Buick has to offer must stay in China, because it would cannibalize Cadillac here, all because GM beancounters are unwilling to give Cadillac the top-shelf investment they need to free up the rest of GM.

      Reply
      1. excellent points. GM keeps Buick in N.A. with one arm tied behind its back in order to coddle Cadillac.

        Reply
      2. @Curtnik
        I agree. Cadillac should be purely an AWD Derived Luxury Brand.
        Buick should become way more Premium than they are now.

        Reply
        1. @Momolos
          I ALMOST agree. Being purely an AWD luxury brand gives GM brass WAAAY too much wiggle room to cheap out on some transverse, FWD-biased, part-time “AWD” powertrain and charge premium dollars for it. As we see in the XT6, is AWD-only truly premium if the only engine is the 3.6 V6?

          Flip Buick and Cadillac in that sentence and we’ll agree.

          Reply
    2. China is GM’s largest market, and unions are illegal there, so of course they get better quality stuff. Blame the UAW workers for screwing up GM interiors in America. If their pay was limited to $18/hr, then american vehicles like the XT6 would have better quality interiors and be more competitive.

      Reply
  4. Biuck Enspire interior should be similar with this baby Enclave. From the spy shots, the center screen is similar.

    Reply
    1. Spot on and I’d like to see the Enspire exterior to look the same. I’m thinking that if it does along with what we know about the powertrain, the Enspire is just what I’m looking for next year.

      Reply
      1. I really like what they’ve done with the Intellilink infotainment screen. It’s seamlessly integrated into the dash like a smooth piece of glass that includes touch points for the emergency flasher, etc,, that is usually hot key buttons. I also like the new push button gear selector. The entire interior looks very upscale and posh with a very contemporary look and feel.

        Reply
  5. I’am having the most problems out of the transmission changing out, air conditioning went out, brakes went out and it’s a 2012. Asked around and a lot of people say they where having the same problem. Had to put a motor mount on it looking to see if there a recall on something or I just got a bad truck.

    Reply
  6. When a Chinese Buick is nicer than its equivalently sized Cadillac, you know there is an issue. Buick is capable of so much, as seen in China. GM needs to take Cadillac upmarket and let Buick spread its wings in the US.

    Reply
  7. I see some Blazer influence, but this is a nice design.

    I agree with the others; the interior is pretty darn good for a GM vehicle.
    They need to keep improving across the board. ESPECIALLY Cadillac.

    You know, the luxury brand?

    Reply
  8. The car is perfect for me here in the states. The 2-3-2 seating is much more practical. GM are fools for not building and selling this vehicle in the US! I’m buying an Explorer!

    Reply
    1. You say you’re going for something “more practical”… and then say you’re buying the Explorer… which has less room than a Traverse or an Enclave, and is therefore less practical. But okay.

      Reply
    2. Reply
  9. Is it me or the instrument cluster is taken from Cadillac

    Reply
    1. @Bader A Alhudaithy
      I think you are 100% correct. That is just how sad the Cadillac Instrument Cluster is in todays Luxury Market.

      Reply
  10. car and driver did a comparison between the enclave, expedition, cx-9, palisade and telluride.

    enclave finished dead last. the two koreans were one and two. gm better get its act together because the koreans have arrived.

    Reply
    1. And the Koreans will still not sell jack compared to GM or Ford.

      Comparison tests are great, but they do not determine the commercial success of a vehicle… or any product, for that matter. If they did, such generally sub-par products as the Toyota Camry and Corolla would not be reigning sales champs for decades upon decades.

      Here’s the reality: GM is making vehicles people are buying, and are generally happy with. Hyundai and Kia have struggled to make a dent in any utility segment over the past two decades. Therefore, they must overcompensate to try and make a bigger splash. Ultimately, GM sells crossovers and SUVs and makes very good money on them. Hyundai and Kia make have just released strangely-sized models with good interiors that have done well in reviews (being the newest products on the market also helps). Whether or not they will ultimately sell is another thing. And whether or not they will be profitable is yet another.

      In the long run, I have my money on GM and Ford in this race… and maybe even on VW… not so much on Hyundai and Kia. They will probably garner a few sales initially… but the volume will likely fade with time.

      Reply
      1. Hi, Alex.
        I gave you a thumbs up for your comments and speculation.

        However, it seems to me over the last (5) years (?), Kia and Hyundai have been advancing rapidly. Of course, their profits may be lower because they’re offering more content for the money. But that’s how you gain market share and build a loyal customer base that, not only returns that customer/purchaser, but-if they are happy and the product is good – then that expands to family, friends coworkers etc. So now, they’re spreading the groundwork in a positive way to increase others to give it a try and see what’s up- you know?

        Things change. They are like, piranhas. Chomp , chomp.

        Hyundai and Kia are not going away.

        I’m fact, I believe, (And correct me if I’m wrong ) It seems to me like they’re using the playbook that Lexus used to move up the ladder.

        As a GM supporter-from the outside looking in-GM had better devise their game plan to emulate the New England Patriots , and not the Cleveland Browns.

        Maybe good things are coming? But as of now, I’m just not seeing it.

        The Corvette C8, is definitely a step in the right direction. For sure. And, it shows what GM can do if they really want to. They have the money and the talent. But, for some reason, they like to cheap out on other things. That’s not how you grow and stay in business. In my humble opinion.

        Reply
        1. Thanks for the thumbs up 😉

          I agree with your observations. Hyundai/Kia are buying market share by way of better product. But it will get increasingly more difficult to do that when they will need to compete simultaneously on three fronts: core automotive and mobility.

          GM realized this years ago, and they is now using its core automotive business to capitalize on two long-term opportunities:
          1. EVs
          2. Mobility

          Hyundai and Kia have yet to venture into EVs much and into mobility at all. This allows them to dedicate those resources to core automotive, but miss the long-term opportunities. They will win some battles right now (in the core auto business), but will end up losing the war (long-term mobility and EV business) if they continue this way.

          I’m not much concerned about GM from a product standpoint. The Kia/Hyundai CUVs are brand new models so it’s only natural that they are most fresh and most attractive. Let’s not forget that this was the case for the Buick Enclave when it launched three years ago. It will also be the case when the NA Enclave gets a refresh For 2021 MY.

          Reply
  11. Needs the chrome ventiports like the big Enclave. Without that chrome accent looks bland, like any other brand.

    Reply
  12. I guess I’m the one dissenting voice, this is ugly and over-styled inside and out. I like some color on the dash, but this implementation just doesn’t look right to my eye with the tan color ending abruptly near the gauges.

    Reply

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