At present, Buick sells vehicles in the North American market and Chinese market, with China serving as the larger of the two for the Tri-Shield brand. Unsurprisingly, there’s a bit of overlap in the lineup between Buick’s U.S. and Chinese models, with several crossovers sold in both markets. What may be surprising, however, is that the design differences between the overlapping U.S. and Chinese models are nearly nonexistent.
North American-spec Buick Encore GX Avenir
Chinese-spec Buick Encore Plus
In a recent interview between GM Authority executive editor Alex Luft and the director of Buick design Bob Boniface, Boniface was asked about the differences in Buick design preferences between the U.S. and China.
“We sell a lot of Buick models there [in China] that we don’t sell here [in the U.S.], but the design language and tastes are very similar,” Boniface told GM Authority. “We do a lot of research and you tend to see a lot of people who like the same vehicle categories and forms.”
Boniface did highlight one difference in customer tastes between the North American and Chinese markets, namely rear seat room.
“Obviously in China, the rear seat is a bit more of a priority for buyers, but not as many as you would think,” Boniface told GM Authority. “A lot of the bigger differences are related to feature content rather than design elements.”
Indeed, looking over the Buick models sold in both the U.S. and Chinese markets, the designs appear to be more or less identical. These include the Buick Envista, Buick Encore GX / Encore Plus, and the Buick Envision / Envision S. Looking ahead, it appears as though the design similarities will carryover for Buick’s upcoming all-electric models, as well. To note, the Buick Enclave sold in North America is a completely different (and much larger) model than the Enclave sold in China, and as such, is not included in the list of overlapping models.
That all said, there are a few content-related differences between these models, including light treatments, interior and exterior color options, and the like. But overall, these differences tend to be small and related to vehicle content, rather than major differences in design.
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Comments
Maybe more content than design, but the China version of the Envista gets the 180 hp 1.5L engine and rear HVAC vents. There is also a blank button panel on the HVAC dash which may be used for dual zone climate control in the China version.
Because we don’t get the $40K version. Not in the plan.
I noticed a similar thing with the Envision. The previous Envision sold in the US you could get 3-zone climate control. The problem is, if you did this with the current one it would make it better equipped than an XT4.
Ugh. You are right.
IMO the XT4 shouldn’t have been based on that chassis. None of the Cadillac crossovers should share an entire chassis with a Chevy or Buick when there is a an amazing setup underneath the CT5 and CT6 before they canceled that.
I have no problem with GM testing designs in China before bringing them to the US. Called quality control. Good idea.
Totally missed the better equipped Chines versions. They have better amenities and looks well that’s really a non issue GMA.
They get more models than we do.
I think instead of asking about the design differences (which are minimal at most), the question to ask GM / Buick should have been why does the Chinese version get a larger engine and rear HVAC vents?
I would buy an Envista or Trax in a heartbeat if they put a real engine in it. Does anyone honestly think that the 1.2 liter 3 cylinder is going to go 150K without major engine repairs?
I know nothing about that engine. Couldn’t tell you.
The Chinese version gets a larger engine but it is also equipped with a CVT. They probably looked at driving dynamics and decided it didn’t fit in with what customers in American would expect, as well as serviceability and maintenance.
The new Trax and Envista are entry level cars. They present well for the price, but you always end up getting what you pay for.
I see some Encorrs with 120 and 130K traded in
Say what you will about China. But Buicks increased success in sales is being helped by Chinese tastes. Which like the article says, is probably not far off what American tastes are.
That would explain why Buick’s designs outside of the Envista are boring and uninspiring. That may be what some people are okay with, but Buick should at least have 1-2 American models with a good quality design.
It’s like GM wants Buick to not be a US brand anymore. Great looking concepts. Dated and boring designs.
And before you dismiss the Chinese designs as the sole reason for Buick’s decline- the German designs were not much better when that was Buick’s thing. The last gen Regal was dated the second it came out.
The original Enclave was a knockout. The 2009 LaCrosse was a knockout. But their replacements were both boring and cheaper feeling.
It’s getting so bad that Volvos are starting to look good.
Wait, vehicles made in the same plant sold in two different countries are almost the same!?
– I would have never guessed that!
How long before we learn a Chevy Silverado made in Canada is the same as the Chevy Silverado sold in the US?