When GM announced the all-new 2021 Buick Envision in May, it stated that it will be powered by a turbocharged 2.0L engine mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, without providing any other technical details. Since then, GM Authority has reported on several details associated with the new Envision, including outlining the specifics of the vehicle’s suspension system. And now, we have some new details to share, this time about the optional all-wheel-drive system that will be on offer.
Front-wheel-drive will be standard on the 2021 Buick Envision – something that was well-expected given the new vehicle’s transverse-engined roots. However, the new compact crossover will also offer an optional all-wheel-drive system with an active twin-clutch configuration.
The twin-clutch design of the optional AWD system in the 2021 Buick Envision is capable of independently controlling torque to each rear wheel based on road conditions. In inclement driving environments, such as wet, muddy or snowy conditions, the twin-clutch system delivers superior traction and vehicle control by reducing torque to a wheel where slip is detected, and diverting it to a wheel with greater traction.
The system is also capable of enhancing handling and cornering in dry-road conditions. The twin-clutch setup provides additional control around curves by sending torque to the outside wheel that is experiencing more traction-enhancing downward force, instead of the inside wheel.
Some might notice that this configuration appears to be identical to that seen in the Cadillac XT4 – and they’d be exactly right. After all, the two small crossovers share their architecture and general underpinnings.
Regardless of its drive wheels, the 2021 Buick Envision will be powered by the turbo 2.0L LSY four-cylinder engine mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission.
Production of the 2021 Buick Envision will take place at the Jinqiao plant in Shanghai, and the very first units are scheduled to begin arriving at U.S. dealers in the first half of the 2021 calendar year.
Additionally, the 2021 Envision represents the second generation for the Envision nameplate. The vehicle will slot between the Buick Enclave and Buick Encore / Encore GX in the brand’s lineup, and it will be called the Envision S in China. Meanwhile, the Envision Avenir will be the top trim level, representing the first time that the Avenir moniker will grace the Envision nameplate. About a year after launch, the new Envision will be joined by a three-row model called the Envision GX.
Upcoming Envision GX will be a three-row variant of the 2021 Envision
The 2021 Envision will ride on the GM E2 platform shared most directly with the Cadillac XT4. Other GM models that also use the E2 architecture include the sixth-gen Buick Regal (2018 – 2020) and ninth-generation Chevrolet Malibu (2016 – present).
We’ll have more details regarding the new 2021 Buick Envision soon, so be sure to subscribe to GM Authority for more Buick Envision news, Buick news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
It’s obvious that these are features that China’s home market want given that the Buick Envision is made in China for native population as eh Envision’s popularity in the US is a big win for GM of Shanghai as it means they know us better than we know ourselves.
There’s a point being made somewhere in here. Just wish there were some more periods or commas.
Since this is an awesome and sophisticated vehicle, the Chinese home market must be pretty astute and demanding. I think that is the difference your alluding to as (I believe) we are all alike in the brotherhood of demanding consumers.
It’s just a rejiggered Blazer!
It’s very clear that China is driving product development at GM. Their market will soon be twice the size of the US market.
True, but which has already comes at a cost in terms of technology transfer and geo strategic considerations. Given present circumstances, GM may have to yield their Chinese investments to the CCP.
Do you mean walking away from billions in investments and multiple plants?
When I looked at the numbers a few years back, despite selling more cars in China, 84% of GM profits came from the US and Canada.