Just last month, the Buick Encore GX got its North American debut at the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show, hitting the U.S. market after a global debut at the 2019 Shanghai Motor Show this summer. For now, the Encore GX is offered in three trim levels, including the entry-level Preferred, followed by Select and Essence. However, that leaves space for even more gear with a new range-topping Avenir trim level, which begs the question – should GM offer a Buick Encore GX Avenir?
We spoke with Buick and GMC Communications Manager Stuart Fowle about exactly that at the LA Auto Show. However, Fowle was evasive on the issue.
“Nothing to announce today,” Fowle said. “We’re always looking at options for where Avenir goes next and it’s been really successful in the Enclave in particular.”
For reference, the Enclave is Buick’s midsize SUV, and is offered in four trim levels – the Preferred, Essence, Premium, and Avenir. Customers that spring for the Avenir get upgrades like exclusive styling bits, an HD Surround Vision and Rear Camera Mirror, a Power Moonroof With Rear Fixed Skylight, and Wireless Smartphone Charging.
We previously posted a poll asking whether or not GM should offer the Encore GX with more performance, and the overwhelming response was in the affirmative. The GX is currently offered with two engine options, including the turbocharged 1.2L LIH three-cylinder, which is tuned to produce 137 horsepower and 166 pound-feet of torque, mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission. There’s also the turbocharged 1.3L L3T three-cylinder, which produces 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque, mating to a CVT with FWD models, and the GM nine-speed automatic transmission for AWD models.
So what do you think, dear reader? Should GM offer the Buick Encore GX with an Avenir trim level? Cast your vote in the poll below, and make sure to subscribe to GM Authority for more Buick Encore news, Buick news and 24/7 GM news coverage.
Comments
Encore GX with Avenir trim is a no-brainer!
The problem with them is lack of commitment and any real focus. So far, the Avenir trim started on just the Enclave. Then went to the LaCrosse and Regal. However, one of those is now dead and the other is at the brink of death (they didn’t even have one Regal at the LA auto show!!). Buick says the Avenir trim is doing well, so commit to it and make it a trim for every model you sell.
I said no. It has three trims already and I don’t believe the customers buying this vehicle would have a need for anything more at this price point.
David,
Three trims is good, but don’t overlook the money they make on trims/feature/options like this. Because it really doesn’t cost Buick much to offer it, they would be missing out on a great opportunity if they don’t do it. Just take a look at what the GMC Denali trim does for them.
I say no. The price point for it would be far above what anyone would pay for it. It would probably only have a 2% take rate.
Avenir level trim for sure, we also should consider P/T enhancement either the turbo 4 (xt4 turbo) with nine-speed, performance exhaust, and intake system. upgrade to leather buckets with lumbar/massage.
Can we get a hooker with kind of price ?
Yes as Options are where the money is. Even at lower volumes it adds up faster.
You just need to make it visually different with an addition to the grill and or larger wheels.
Denali everything has been printing money.
Why not just avenir everything on the Buick lineup? But I just feel like Buick interior quality should’ve been where Volvo is at instead of the cost cutting to be honest. Also don’t drop the 4yr 50k warranty too
@vic1212:
I agree with you about the entire Buick line having the Avenir trim offered. Although I don’t feel Buick’s interior is bad and it’s light years above brands like Toyota, Honda and Ford, I also agree with you that Buick could use an interior more like Volvo. I sell Volvo (and Mazda) and I personally drive a Buick. I can tell you with certainty that Buick is so much more reliable than anything from Volvo and Mazda.
An Avenir model should have a more powerful engine than the 1.3L turbo in order to distinguish itself from lower trim models.
I say yes…but also the GX needs to have more power to go with the 9 speed transmission. Give the people a little excitement. I just dont understand GM any more.
Every Buick should begin with Avenir trim. The brand must push up towards premium/lux on par with Acura and Lexus.
Buick design is about attention to detail with character lines and head lamp elements lining up perfectly with those spring-like elements.
Buick looks better than Cadillac and has fantastic potential if only GM gave the brand a more luxurious marketing focus.
All Buick’s are already considered premium and compete with other premium brands such as Acura, Lincoln, Infiniti. If a buyer needs more they go to Cadillac, BMW, Jaguar, etc.
Cadillac will be gone in a decade as it’s barely nicer than Chevy, over priced and simply not competitive against its competitors. Who would have thought a Hyundai is a better and nicer car than a Cadillac? Really sad….
Adding Avenier is a no brainer as some want this size and want it to be special… they’re fools if they don’t add it to all Buick offerings
It is easy to call Buick premium, but that dosen’t make it true. GM has limited Buick with the excuse that Buick buyers don’t want more, and it is not on par with Acura, Lincoln, or Infiniti. The people whpo buy Buicks may not want more, but there are many more potential buyers who do and who would consider Buick if it were better placed in the market.
I believe that I would rather have better options as far as engine choices. My wife’s 2019 Essence sticker was $35,000. I realize that Buick like so many other manufacturers (Harley Davidsons electric Livewire for example) are having to appeal to a younger clientele just to survive. We had the top end 2015 Lacrosse ($3,000 less than our house cost) and the Encore Essence has about 95% of the same amenities. It would have been nice to have a CD player for the wonderful Bose sound system. I have been listening to a set of Bose 901’s (that survived 3 children) since 1984. Buick wasn’t thinking about it’s main customer base when they did this. Just my opinion.
I am a mechanical man in a digital world and have NO idea of how to install music on a stick to plug into a hole. So when we can no longer afford Sirius we will have to listen to commercial filled local radio stations.
P.S. Hello David hope that you are well.
You can get a good plug in CD player on Amazon for about $60.
Amazon??? I am a dinosaur……..If that is the case I wish it had the console that the car had…….No storage. I don’t drive it…often. Am going to have check into it. Don’t know how big it is. Like my 08 4×4 with only 90,000 on the clock. It only gets driven once a week to the pharmacy…..then interstate to the pet store.
Thanks David.
too many trim levels – make it right – and in the USA
They need to worry about having a 4-cyc engine over the 3-cyc engine, we’re going to replace a car soon, the 3-cyc Encore is not in the running. We will likely buy the original 4 cyc powered Encore.
Just get rid of the BUICK BURDEN ???