Earlier this month, our spies spotted a peculiar prototype of a future Buick crossover that looked like a larger version of the all-new, 2021 Buick Envision. At the time, we posited that the model rides either on the GM C1 platform shared with the Chevrolet Blazer and Cadillac XT6 or a longer version of the GM E2 platform, which – in short-wheelbase guise – will underpin the 2021 Envision. Now, we’ve learned more information about the upcoming vehicle, including the platform, associated program code, and name.
Buick Envision GX prototype (E2YB)
2021 Buick Envision (E2UB)
E2YB
Sources familiar with product plans told GM Authority that the model in question will ride on the E2 platform shared most directly with the all-new 2021 Buick Envision.
Before we get to the program code of the extended-length model, let’s first have a look at the regular Envision, which is assigned program code E2UB. That translates to:
- E2: General Motors E2 platform
- U: utility vehicle (regular size/capacity)
- B: Buick brand
Meanwhile, the curious Buick crossover in question is assigned program code E2YB, which disambiguates as:
- E2: General Motors E2 platform
- Y: utility vehicle (larger size/capacity)
- B: Buick brand
One of the telltale signs that this future model is based on the E2 platform is its use of five lug nuts – a characteristic of all vehicles riding on E2. By comparison, all models utilizing the larger C1 platform utilize six lugs.
Envision GX
Sources say that, when it does come to market sometime next year, this future seven-seat Buick crossover will be sold under the Envision GX moniker. Earlier reports, including those by GM Authority, have stated that the Envoy name could be in the running based on trademark filings. However, it appears that Envision GX – which GM also filed to trademark in 2018 – has ultimately won out.
The name choice makes sense given the model’s mechanical relationship to the Envision. Additionally, the Envision GX would create a family of Envision vehicles, with a “regular” model followed by a larger and more upscale “GX” variant. The same pattern can be seen with the Buick Encore and new Encore GX.
Turbocharged 2.0L I-4 LSY engine (for Cadillac XT4)
Turbocharged 2.0L
The Envision GX will be motivated by the same powertrain as the regular Envision: a turbo-charged 2.0L LSY four-cylinder engine likely making 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque – the same figures the boosted four banger makes in the other E2-based model – the Cadillac XT4.
The new GM nine-speed automatic transmission will do the shifting in this upcoming Buick crossover. Front-wheel-drive will be standard, and all-wheel-drive will be available.
Three Rows, Seven Seats
This Buick Envision GX will have three rows of seating for a maximum occupancy of seven passengers.
Sources indicate that the vehicle will share the 2,779-mm wheelbase with the “regular” E2UB / Envision, meaning that the additional space will come in the form of a more traditional/more functional roof treatment and a longer rear overhang.
Positioning
From a positioning standpoint, the Buick Envision GX will be a midsize, D-segment vehicle, filling a relatively large gap in the Buick crossover/SUV lineup, especially in North America – where Buick lacks a midsize and midsize-plus SUV offering.
| Segment: | Subcompact | Subcompact + | Compact | Midsize | Midsize + | Full-Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| China: | Encore (GEM) | Encore GX (VSS-F) | Envision (E2) | Envision GX (E2) | Enclave (C1 regular) | - |
| North America: | Encore (G2) | Encore GX (VSS-F) | Envision (E2) | Envision GX (E2) | - | Enclave (C1 long) |
The Envision GX will fit between the “regular” Envision and one of two Enclave models – the full-size three-row Enclave sold in North America and the “midsize-plus,” three-row Enclave sold in China.
Sources tell us the final product will be very similar in overall dimensions to the two-row Blazer, though with a more traditional roofline.
“Global” Vehicle
As of this writing, we understand that this future Buick crossover, aka the Buick Envision GX, will be a “global” vehicle. In Buick’s case, that means that it will be marketed in both North America and China.
Production of the all-new (two-row) Envision will take place in China, and we have no reason to expect this to change for the three-row variant. Expect the new Envision GX to go on sale in North America in the first half of the 2021 calendar year, roughly six months after the all-new, two-row Buick Envision.
We’ll have more on all things Buick very soon, so be sure to subscribe to GM Authority as we bring you the latest Buick Envision news, Envision GX news, Buick news and ongoing GM news coverage.
Comments
Awesome report. This is the perfect car for me. Buick – take my money!
Ah yes, another CUV with 3 rows powered by an underpowered motor. What a time to be alive. We got the traverse, Acadia, enclave, xt6, AND an envision gx. For a brand that aims for a younger audience you guys are sure as hell doing a piss poor job at it.
It’s so funny we (me too) consider this under-powered. I remember in the 90’s my parents had a suburban with a 5.7 that made 190 HP and torque wasn’t that great either. That being said I own a 2016 Envision and it has 20 more HP than the current models. Not sure why they went down in HP, but whatever.
It went down in peak power for two reasons:
1. Refinement
2. Emissions
The LTG is a dirty motor that doesn’t comply with global emissions standards. And though it makes power on paper, it does so at the expense of being a rough. Most people who buy these cars don’t care nor notice a few ponies up or down, but they will notice higher levels of refinement and NVH.
@kyle yes, because this is what sells. Everything else outside of trucks and SUVs/CUVs is shrinking. What’s your problem here? Do you have an existential crisis?
lol sells? this thing won’t sell at all, and i can bet on it. there’s 4 other options of GM 3 row crossovers. why add another? not to mention this is the same engine that powers the xt4. the xt4 is already slow with this engine, now image it in a even heavier 3 row crossover.
“It went down in peak power for two reasons:
1. Refinement
2. Emissions”
Partially correct….
The LTG engine within the Premium models of the BUICK ENVISION is 1 million times “REFINED” and actually you cannot get a more REFINED LTG ENGINE within the Premium models of the BUICK ENVISION. Pretty much every car critic voiced that the engine being 252 hp and 295 lbs torque being soooooooo quiet is such a smooth quiet engine.
Now the reason they have switched the engine to the LSY is because the LTG did not qualify for the California emissions standards. So yes the emissions is the reason. But honestly the California emissions standards are so strict. So yes the LSY ENGINE is cleaner by a small margin but you sacrifice hp and torque.
I personally really like the LTG ENGINE and would choose it over the LSY.
It doesn’t seem like its anything extraordinary from a lot of other similar type vehicles on the market. But if its made in china, i wouldn’t take it if they gave it to me. Why pay the premium dollars that buick normally asks for a china made piece of crap? If you can buy an American made equivalent of another brand for less money, its a no brainer on what most people will do. i think the majority of the people who may buy this will not realize its made in china as they will not scrutinize the car that closely during purchase. Its sad. i remember when Buicks used to be a well respected car brand
I think as much damage as China has done to the US with hiding COVID 19, it is unconscionable that GM would import this crap from China while plants in the US and Canada could handle the build. Taking time off for moments of silence for Juneteenth is great, but if you really want to drive change in the US, move jobs back here!
Question for the GM Authority staff: Correct me if I’m wrong but wasn’t there a rumor at one point that GMC may be considering a crossover to slot above Acadia (close to the Enclave)? Perhaps they would use the Envoy name there. I understand the pronunciation of the name works with the other “En” names in Buick, hence why its a possibility for it to be a Buick model, but is there still possibility of it being a GMC?
It’s possible… but we have no knowledge of such a vehicle being planned at the moment.
I think GM is asking for confusion when they have an Encore and Encore GX, and an Envision and Envision GX. It doesn’t allow each of the vehicles to have its own marketable personality / identification. But, then, marketing is not a GM strong point. It reminds me of 1998 when Buick only had the Century, the Regal, and LeSabre (and Century and Regal were way too similar to each other). Maybe they ran out of suitable names that started with an “En – – – – – .” So what is the likelihood of an Enclave and Enclave GX? Are they planning an “Avenir” trim for each of these?
true their marketing efforts are pitiful. Have yet to see one Ad for the Encore GX.
Are there units of the Encore GX for customers to buy, or would they be advertising a product that is un-buyable?
yes
I have seen one TV ad for Encore GX played several times locally. It seemed to be aimed at women and has the same “dopey” music from previous Buick commercials along with a weak attempt at humor.
The ad clearly appeals to the target demographic. Marketing does their homework. If it doesn’t speak to you, that’s a different matter entirely.
Here’s the commercial, if this link works:
(Otherwise, search on “Surprise Dinner Party” First-Ever Encore GX Commercial.)
It’s about time they hooked the 2.7T to a transaxle for faster XT4-5-6 and Envision(s). I don’t like waiting for a downshift to accelerate.
A China built import… No thank you.
Hopefully the nice 25 percent tariff on Chinese auto imports will remain and render this Envasion EX uncompetitive.
@Tigger
Why would you want a GM Vehicle to fail if you don’t mind me asking?
Are you a GM fan or not?
It is the fact I am A GM fan that I want it to fail. GM was a great American company and so want them to be a showcase of the best America has to offer in terms of design, engineering, and manufacturing. If I wanted a Korean car, I would buy a Kia or Hyuandai. I would never buy a Chinese car. The reason why Asia only buy traditional American branded vehicles is that they are built here by my many of my neighbors.
Uuuuuuum. Almost all of the GM cars sold in China are built in China.
This will be competitive. Midsize 6/7 seaters are in high demand. The Enclave is too large for many, so this will work out well. Not sure why there is so much pessimism about this- just because it’s another crossover doesn’t mean it won’t be successful.
This will fight the Lexus RX-L well on the lower end, while the XT6 will fight it on the higher end.
With this car, or any vehicle from the Buick brand, I think GM is not considering their US customer base proclivities. Almost anyone in the US shopping for a Buick is highly likely to be traditional and conservative minded. They are going to be totally turned off at the fact that Buick is pedaling a vehicle to them that was made in china. That one issue alone absolutely kills it. For myself, i consider such things as what would i rather have? A American made Ford, or Toyota or Honda, or a Buick made in china thats more expensive. the chinese made buick never comes out as the car i would select. i don’t care what they say about its engine choices or any of the features. All i see is that its made in china and it makes me want to throw up.
Most people shopping for a car have no idea where it is made, and if you told them, probably wouldn’t care.
Exactly. This is going to sell with younger to middle aged families. They don’t care where it’s made.
Wow comments like, “I will buy a car built by my neighbors here in USA or Canada”.
Wow u guys have alot to learn about not judging where a car is built but more focus about build quality and reliability and recalls and work ethics.
I’m sorry but I’ve purchased many vehicles built in the continent North America and had nothing but problems with reliability, build quality and many many recalls. Why well Imo its work ethics… Here in North America I find that workers in car plants don’t give a rodents rectum whether all the screws are tightened but they do want to get paid big bucks and complete their shift drunk hence ALL the RECALLS.
China speaking only about this subject is that they go to work to exceed expectations and do not dare to drop the ball tightening up those screws because they are held accountable and there will be consequences to there actions.
Do a google search on the Chinese daily work ethics on car manufacturers and u would understand.
Here as soon as the break bell sounds we drop everything and say fwck it.
HEY but u wanna buy north American and deal with unreliability and serious recalls go right ahead its only your investment.
Volvo chose to build in China for the same reasons and that is excellent quality build with no RECALLS.
BE A LEADER NOT A FOLLOWER. DO YOUR RESEARCH. BUT IF YOU WANT TO FOLLOW THE SHEEPLE GO RIGHT AHEAD.
“LOOK I ONLY BUY MY CAR IN USA BUILT BY MY DRUNK NEIGHBORS” YAY BUILT IN CANADA HOORAY” WEIRD.
My household has 4 US made vehicles the other made in Canada. All were union made. They range in age from 2 to 14 years. Aside from normal maintenance and having to replace an alternator on the oldest, the reliability, quality, and fit and finish, have been perfect. A leader is one that rises above stereotypes and checks things out for themselves!
Volvo chose to build in China because it’s owned by Geely.
China products are widely perceived as being of very poor quality. This is a reputation that they have earned. It will be quite some time before most people will see a Chinese product as something desirable.
So much wrong with your post I don’t know where to begin.
So I’ll simply address recalls. 95% of recalls are due to failure of design. Aka engineering. Probably a few percent are because suppliers cheapened out and made a part poorly.
Very very few recalls are because Jim didn’t tighten the screws correctly. You think Jim missed the bolts on every car that went passed him??!? Cause that’s what a recall requires. The entire build in a VIN sequence to be faulty.
The key is where will it be built?. You have the Equinox plant in Canada, the main crossover plant in Tennessee and the Blazer plant in Mexico. Hopefully with the current tensions China isn’t an option for production.
As for sedans, I’d love to see a VSS-R Buick and
maybe a BEV2 car for the alternatives, otherwise get over it and if CUVs keeps Buick alive in the states so be it.
Price wise and size wise this will overlap Acadia.
Why buy a 4 cylinder CUV Made In China when you can buy a V6 powered Acadia made in the USA with very high domestic parts content?
Because most buyers in this segment don’t know or care where it’s made.
It seems every Buick this side of the Enclave these days is a crossover vehicle powered by a four-cylinder engine–a 1.4L turbo in the case of the Encore; a 2.0L turbo otherwise. I seem to remember the Encore GX also offering a three-cylinder, which is even worse: The level of engine vibration is awful. The reliance on crossovers is understandable–given the state of the market–but the reliance on threes and fours is harder to credit, especially in a case like this when the vehicle has four cylinders and three rows. It stands to reason a four-cylinder would struggle to move a vehicle this large, and it isn’t as if the real-world fuel economy is anything great, either. Plus, four-cylinders are inherently coarser and whinier than V-6s. So, no thanks to this one. If I can’t splurge on an Enclave, my next choice is a GMC Acadia, preferably a Denali, with the 3.6L V-6 of course. As for this Buick: close, but no cigar.
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