mobile-menu-icon
GM Authority

How The 2021 Buick Envision Compares To The 2018 Buick Enspire Concept

A few years back, General Motors debuted the 2018 Buick Enspire all-electric concept SUV at Auto China in Beijing. Offered as a design study that previewed the styling of the all-new 2021 Buick Envision, we’re now taking the opportunity to compare the Enspire concept to the production-ready 2021 Envision in terms of exterior aesthetics.

Broadly speaking there are quite a few similarities between these two crossovers. Both sport traditional crossover proportions, with a long, relatively straight roofline, sharp downward cut for the hatch, and rising shoulder line. That said, the closer we look,  the more differences we find, with the concept’s exaggerated styling elements made more subtle on the production Envision.

2018 Buick Enspire concept

2018 Buick Enspire concept

2021 Buick Envision

2021 Buick Envision

Up front, we find slim headlamps for both vehicles, which connect across a broad grille section set into the front fascia. But while the Enspire concept gets ultra-thin lighting elements, the 2021 Envision gets more traditional housings. Checkmark lighting signatures are also present in both vehicles, while the lower fascia mirrors the shape of the upper grille insert.

2018 Buick Enspire concept

2018 Buick Enspire concept

2021 Buick Envision

2021 Buick Envision

Viewed in profile, the concept’s enormous wheels contrast with the more modest rollers on the 2021 Envision, while the former’s rear-facing sideview cameras are replaced by traditional mirrors on the production vehicle. The concept also gets a lower roofline, lending it a more aggressive appearance, while the production vehicle raises the roof height for extra space inside the cabin. Both models also get black lower molding, although it’s more sculpted on the concept vehicle.

2018 Buick Enspire concept

2018 Buick Enspire concept

2021 Buick Envision

2021 Buick Envision

Finally, the rear end shows a rounded hatch section with horizontally oriented tail lamps. While the 2018 Buick Enspire concept once again incorporates ultra-thin lighting elements, the 2021 Envision matches its tail lamp shape to that of its headlamps. The Envision’s spoiler section is also less pronounced than that of the Enspire, while also incorporating a faux exhaust treatment and diffuser element for the lower fascia.

Does the 2021 Buick Envision succeed in bringing the styling of the 2018 Buick Enspire concept to production? Let us know your thoughts in the comments, and make sure to subscribe to GM Authority for more Buick Envision news, Buick Enspire news, Buick news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.

[nggallery id=971]
[nggallery id=1127]

Jonathan is an automotive journalist based out of Southern California. He loves anything and everything on four wheels.

Subscribe to GM Authority

For around-the-clock GM news coverage

We'll send you one email per day with the latest GM news. It's totally free.

Comments

  1. Live to dream.. my preference is still for the 2018 Buick Enspire concept CUV, even if it was powered with a 2.0L DOHC-4v 4-cyl turbo, the Enspire looks better than the 2021 Buick Envision despite the fact that the two do apparently do share some similarities.

    Reply
  2. Rarely does the production model come out of the design process as good as the concept. That being said, I think Buick did a great job with this. If there was one thing that I wish was pulled over from concept to production is the full horizontal taillight. I think it would have been a good opportunity for a signature branding element for Buick within the GM portfolio.

    The hopes of a more Enspire Concept-like product coming to market aren’t all gone. Reports are saying Buick has two electric crossovers coming to market. They are said to be smaller than the mid-size Cadillac Lyriq, with one being more sporting and geared toward couples. Could that be the production model of the more sporty, electric Enspire Concept? We can only hope.

    Reply
  3. It’s a keeper Design ,now build it in North America not China for customer product loyalty and greater sales Volume !

    Reply
    1. In terms of practicality I’m OK with the changes to the side and back profiles, the front loses too much of the original character.

      Reply
  4. Would much rather be hearing about a refreshed 2021 Regal being built alongside the Malibu and a plan to advertise and care about your product. Live to dream! Damn you Barra!!!!!

    Reply
  5. build it in America Damn you Berra listen

    Reply
  6. I have to buy Toyota. They’re built in America and a lot of the parts are too. I never thought I would get away from GM products.

    Reply

Leave a comment

Cancel