Buick is currently working on a new variant of the Envision crossover, and now, new images of the vehicle have leaked online.
We previously reported on this vehicle, identifying it as the upcoming Buick Enspire. However, internal changes at Buick altered the branding direction, and we now know that what we are actually looking at is in fact a new version of the Buick Envision.
This new variant will be sold alongside the existing Envision model, but will slot in above the standard variant as a more premium and luxurious offering. It will also slot below the Chinese-spec Buick Enclave in terms of the Chinese model cadence. The new variant will also get a new suffix to help set it apart from the standard Envision, possibly adopting the name “Envision GX.” Such a naming convention would be similar to that used by the “standard” Buick Encore and new Encore GX.
The new Buick Envision variant will draw motivation from the turbocharged 2.0L LSY four-cylinder engine. Also offered in the Cadillac XT4, XT5, and XT6, as well as the Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, the LSY is tuned to produce between 230 and 237 horsepower, plus 258 pound-feet of torque, depending on the application, with the GM nine-speed automatic transmission on deck across the board. The new variant is tipped to produce 237 horsepower, and will run the GM E2 platform, just like the XT4
The new Buick Envision variant will also come with new styling, both in front and in the rear, with LED headlamps and new a tail lamp design.
As we covered previously, the Buick Envision refresh that debuted in China is also expected to come to the U.S., as confirmed by President of GM North America, Barry Engle, at the recent GM Capital Markets Day event in February. It’s expected that this new Buick Envision variant will make it stateside as well and will be sold alongside the standard model, slotting in below the North American-spec Buick Enclave. The new variant may replace the standard Envision in the long term.
So far, the Buick Envision has struggled to succeed in the popular crossover segment in the U.S. Perhaps this new model variant will help to buoy sales a bit.
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Comments
I like the looks of this..
The Envision to me is not really different enough to an Enclave. It’s a tweener in a way. That may what throws off buyers toward the Envision. I don’t think most of these buyers are car enthusiasts so maybe they not be well informed about it.
Both front and rear are similar to the new Encore GX, thus they are blending it in nicely with a family resemblance!
The Envision was not a very good crossover when it first hit the US. The latest iteration is much improved in ride and drivability but the interior still needs some work, especially the dash. The Enclave is the Lacrosse of crossovers and is especially nice in Avenir trim. There is no comparison to the Envision. The Enclave is larger and more luxurious. If the new Envision GX comes to the US, I would not miss having the current Envision axed. I drive a Lacrosse Avenir now but a small crossover would be nice if it had good drivability and reasonable power. It would be easier to get in and out and be more functional.
In response to the naysayers about Chinese build quality, perhaps they would like to give back their smartphones, 4K TVs, and computers/tablets/iPads.
My wife and I have a GMC Yukon Denali, a Buick LaCrosse Avenir (from China), and a Buick Cascada convertible (basically a rebadged Opel built in Poland – drives like a dream!!). I have no qualms about where a car is built. The engineering is what matters the most and good build quality follows that.
I think a lot of people wrongly associate poor quality from places like Harbor Freight and Walmart, or even their own political beliefs, when coming to conclusions relating to Chinese auto manufactures.
Yes, all stolen technology from the US.
Giving the Envision a new name makes little sense as it would just confuse the public especially if the vehicle will continue will be manufactured in China and imported to the United States.
Looks good. Get it here soon.
Now, about SUV’s and CUV’s. First, I am a car and CUV owner. I’ve driven some form of SUV since 2001 before it was the craze. So what I’m about to say in not negative towards them. Ok, so is it just me or does it seem that the SUV/CUV market is harder to make them look different over the sedan/car market? All these are really beginning to look the same to me with just a small difference here and there. Kia and Hyundai probably have the more daring designs (I like them too), but in the end they are all nearly the same and just a box on wheels. It appears to me that cars have more ability to create and be different from one brand to the next. Just my opinion.
Yes, and it seems more and more manufactures are copying the Buick headlight design with the daytime running lights surrounding the headlights. Though, I suppose it is unavoidable given the amount of options and the most logical streamlined location. Yes, the crossover/SUVs are very similar in appearance and as you mentioned they don’t seem to have a lot of places to go to differentiate compared to a regular car sedan. I don’t think anyone wants to create a larger Nissan Juke SUV look, Lol. The loyalist to that small Nissan Juke were not happy with its demise and the Kicks replacement isn’t as edgy in appearance and sales seem to be reflecting that. I read the previously hot selling Kia Soul is starting to get cold in sales as well, so its days could be numbered.
@David K: I agree. One of the things I actually liked from the start about the Encore is that is was just different enough to stand out. Not like the Juke, but it also didn’t look like every other suv/cuv. I have a 2018 Encore and really love it. It’s the first vehicle in years that I am not ready to get rid of in only two years. And even now after being on the market for a while in the same basic design, it’s still just different enough without being crazy. I’m glad they are keeping the current Encore on sale for now.
I’m sorry but didn’t the whole “SUV craze” start in the ’90s?? It might not have been what it is now in ’01 but it was definitely already a craze. Thanks for coming to my Ted Talk.
Now, back to the real point. I agree that crossover design is becoming harder and harder to differentiate. I’m sure it’s even harder for non car enthusiasts who are just shopping for a new family cuv.
So, is this the Enspire we’ve been waiting for? Or will the “real” Enspire be unveiled here as a 2012 model, also on the GM E2 platform but this time manufactured in the U.S., possibly at the Fairfax plant in Kansas City, as previously reported by GM Authority?
Apologies….that model year above should be 2022!
If it’s made in China its DOA in the U.S.
The XT4 is made in Fairfax. If this is on the same platform I hope it’ll be made there.
It might have a chance if it’s made in the US – but they can’t call it “Envision”. No one likes that POS.
Aside from being made in China, it’s got a very “meh” exterior and interior style, but is somehow priced higher than most mainstream competitors.
The Envision reminds me that GM doesn’t really know what to do with Buick in the US.
Yes! Your right! If its made in china, it will be junk. But it wiil probably come with free chinese Coronavirus. But seriously, Buicks cost more than average car and is supposed to be a tad upscale. Then they make it in china? WTF? They can keep it
Why would you say that? Chinese manufactured automobiles are actually one of the best offerings of craftsmanship that they build there. Their manufacturing plants are considered among the most technically advanced in the world right now. I think you are confusing or are combining Chinese products that you bought at Harbor Freight or Walmart. Those in comparison are considered very poor quality!
I would prefer that it is built in the USA also, but unfortunately outsourcing for economic reasons is the norm nowadays.
I am sure the Coronavirus will keep a lot of people from buying Chinese products.
Do you know when this new model will be debuted or launched in the US? I’ve been waiting to get one since we’ve seen sneak peeks at the interior.
Hopefully this one will be made in the US.
The Enspire is probably going to be a BEV 3 EV, based on the Lyriq.
Looks like Droopy Dog
Looks like a China-market “Chevy Menlo”, with a Buick badge and reconfigured for the US market.
Sounds like the days of real brand Styling / Design differentiation are too expensive to continue.
The Chevy Menlo is an EV. I see some resemblance but not much. There is only so much you can do with a 2 box design so a lot of the differences are in the front and rear fascias.
well at this point I find this disappointing….will wait to find out more info. So this will be the same size as the current Envision? Buick needs something in between Envision and Enclave.
if is built in the states it could be a contender for me maybe the deciding idiots would bring back the Lacrosse to the States and would put my order in
GM and Ford have decided to stop manufacturing cars and are only building SUVs. It is a bone headed idea which they will regret in a few years when individual tastes change, as they always do. They are giving away their bread and butter products for SUVs. Foreign manufacturers while producing SUVS, will continue to build traditional cars, thereby owning the market. Unbelievably Shortsighted.
This is clearly the same platform as the Blazer. It will be made in the same Mexico plant as Blazer but will have a softer interior/exteior but otherwise the same vehicle. In this vehicle economy you can’t do wrong by having another SUV/Crossover option available. There is little to no cannibalization at this point and even in the case of the former a manufacturer is still picking up marketshare.
I’d like to see GM authority do a story or take a poll on whether Buick seems to be losing its mojo and it is soul.
First the designs: Losing the ventiports is a mistake in my opinion. It is a Buick styling cue being picked up by Audi, Jaguar, even Kia! This new Envision doesn’t have them neither does the Chinese Enclave. Their designs are becoming mainstream, blending with everything else. Let’s hope the 2021 Enclave has the ventiports.
The names. Why is Enspire even being considered? Sounds like a medication. Make the new crossover a Regal. You have brand and name equity in so many names, why get rid of it just because you kill off the model.
Hyundai, Genesis, Subaru, Ford all coming out with new wagon types. Buick kills the Tourx. I understand the Opel problem, so design a new one to be built here.
Let’s hope the electric model is named Electra.
What happened to completing with Lexus? Look at their lineup and Buick doesn’t even put a player up against much of it.
Looks kind of bland, and I don’t understand where this fits in the lineup. It’s bigger or smaller than the Envision?
The push back and slow sales that Buick got with the band Envision being made in China won’t get easier especially after the Wuhan Flu pandemic. People are upset with China right now.
They had better make this one in the US, Canada, or Mexico.
It will do I guess.
Beautiful design! With Buick GM is able to do the design of import brands such as Lexus.
The design, quality and Avenir kudos make Buick a real player even though the brand lacks any real identity other than “Grandpa owned a Buick”.
Chevy and Cadillac should learn from Buick.