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2016 Buick Envision

The 2016 Buick Envision is a compact crossover from General Motors’ Buick brand. It went on sale in China in late 2015 and in North America in the summer of 2016.

Buick describes the Envision as “one of the most significant models to be introduced to the SUV market this year in China”, delivering “segment-challenging driving dynamics, advanced technology, connectivity and Buick’s trademark interior acoustics.”

The Buick Envision fills a specific and vital role in Buick’s crossover lineup by bridging the monumental gap between the Encore and Enclave. Prior to the Envision, Buick only had two crossovers: the full-size, three-row Enclave and the sub-compact, two-row Encore.

Buick Envision Announcement

Envision is positioned between the Encore and Enclave

For the North American markets, Buick says that the Envision “will play an important role in a crossover lineup that currently represents 60 percent of Buick sales in North America” when it goes on sale in 2016, targeting “customers shopping between the Encore, the best-selling Buick in eight years, and the Enclave, which has continued to grow its customer base since its 2007 introduction.”

The Envision carries forward the stylish design essence of the Buick Envision concept vehicle reflecting Buick’s new design philosophy that emphasizes “dynamics, a smooth ride, tranquility, and comfort”, according to Buick.

The design is sporty and stylish while also representing being true to the SUV form. Noaccle elements of the design include a dynamic and sharp front, a smooth sideline, and a graceful rear. Buick’s signature waterfall grille with drag-reducing aerodynamic properties, wing-style front and rear lights with LED daytime running lights plus HID automatic headlamps, 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels, an aluminum alloy luggage rack, and a wing-shaped spoiler give the Envision an imposing and aggressive stance.

In China, the Buick Envision crossover is offered in five exterior colors: Snowy White, Glacier Silver, Pearl Black, Topaz Brown and Sky Purple. The revised Buick emblem with red, silver, and blue colors graces the front of the vehicle.

The interior of the 2016 Buick Envision adopts Buick’s signature 360-degree integrated interior design for a blend of luxury, refinement and advanced technologies. The team focused on the following four pillars when developing the Envision’s cabin:

  • Exquisite craftsmanship and details
  • Spacious and comfort room for passengers
  • Versatile and varied storages
  • Strictly-selected green materials

With its driver-friendly center console, all controls are within easy reach. Customers have a choice of a Burgundy or Swallowtail Black interior while black piano accents create a premium effect. French-style dual stitching further accentuates the model’s elegance.

The Envision measures 4,667 mm in length, 1,839 mm in width and 1,696 mm in height, and rides on a wheelbase of 2,750 mm, giving it a roomy interior. The split rear seats fold flat and can slide forward or backward to provide up to 1,550 liters of space for carrying cargo. In addition, there are 24 storage compartments.

Some other highlights of the Envision’s cabin include adjusaccle seats, rear seats that can slide forward or backward within a maximum range of 180 mm, as well as a panoramic moonroof.

2016 Buick Envision Interior 08

Buick Envision interior

In North America, the 2016 Buick Envision is available in six exterior colors and four interior color combinations.

2016 Buick Envision Exterior Colors

The 2016 Buick Envision is available in the following six exterior colors:

Color Color Code Touch-Up Paint Number
Midnight Amythyst Metallic G7U WA-143X
Saffron Twilight Metallic GFT WA-421P
Ebony Twilight Metallic GB8 WA-384A
Summit White GAZ WA-8624
Galaxy Silver Metallic GIY WA-519F
Bronze Alloy Metallic GWX WA-105V

All paint colors with the exception of Summit White are premium extra-charge colors.

2016 Buick Envision Interior Color Combinations

The 2016 Envision is available in the following four interior color combinations:

  • Light Neutral seats with Ebony interior accents
  • Ebony seats with Ebony interior accents
  • Ebony seats with Dark Plum interior accents
  • Chestnut Brown seats with Ebony interior accents

The 2016 Envision utilizes GM’s new D2XX vehicle architecture, which succeeds the Delta 2 platform and Theta platform.the Delta 2 platform.

Other vehicles using GM’s D2XX platform include:

The Envision’s robust structure is the foundation for a balanced and confident driving experience.

The crossover’s chassis consists of a MacPherson strut front suspension, an optimized and fully independent four-link rear suspension, and a full front subframe. This gives the compact crossover exceptional rigidity and precise handling.

Meanwhile, the GM-Buick HiPer Strut front suspension reduces torque steer and benefits steering feel. The feature was inspired by the athletic Regal GS sedan and is not offered on any crossover vehicle, including competitors such as the Audi Q5.

The Envision features Buick’s first active Twin Clutch AWD system designed to make the most of handling and stability in all driving conditions. It is a fully automatic, on-demand system engineered to deliver sure-footed handling in low-grip conditions, while also contributing to a quieter and smoother ride with minimal torque transferred to the rear wheels when all-wheel-drive traction isn’t needed.

In China, the Envision features the FlexRide system, which provides four selectable driving modes — Normal, Tour, Sport and Off-Road — for a personalized and flexible driving experience.

In China, the 2016 Envision offers two fuel-efficient and power-dense four-cylinder turbo-charged engines mated to two different transmissions.

Engines

In China, the 2016 Buick Envision is offered with a choice two turbo-charged four-cylinder engines. The base engine is a 1.5-liter for the 20T model, and the up-level is a 2.0-liter for the 28T model.

20T

The Envision 20T comes with the turbo-charged 1.5L LFV Spark Ignition Direct Injection (SIDI) engine and an intelligent seven-speed DCG transmission, along with a choice of front-wheel drive or intelligent all-wheel drive.

The 1.5T SIDI engine in the Envision 20T is the most powerful member of GM’s latest-generation Ecotec engine lineup. It includes mid-mounted direct injection, an integrated cylinder head/exhaust manifold, a turbocharger, a patented quiet inverted-tooth camshaft drive chain and a variable displacement oil pump.

GM’s latest-generation intelligent seven-speed DCG transmission has an innovative design and more than 50 patented technologies. It delivers smooth and responsive gear shifting for a tranquil ride.

The powertrain combination offers maximum power of 124 kW at 5,600 rpm and peak torque of 250 Nm between 1,700 rpm and 4,400 rpm. It can run on #92 unleaded gasoline. With the start/stop function, which comes standard, the Envision 20T provides segment-leading combined fuel economy of 6.6L per 100 km. It complies with China’s advanced National V emission standard.

28T

Powering the 28T model is GM’s turbocharged 2.0-liter LTG inline-four cylinder engine. The direct-injected motor features a maximum output power of 191 kW (256 horsepower) at 5,500 rpm and peak torque of 353 Nm (260 pound-feet) at 5,300 rpm, with power per liter reaching 95.5 kW/L. The capable powerplant takes the Envision from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.4 seconds. The motor was named one of Ward’s 10 Best Engines in 2013.

The engine features Stop-Start technology, supporting class-leading combined fuel economy of 8.8 L/100 km.

Transmissions

In China, the 2016 Buick Envision offers two transmissions. The 20T model features a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox (DCG) transmission while the 28T shifts via an all-new six-speed Dynamic Start/Stop Shift (DSS) automatic transmission.

Not much is currently known about the seven-speed DCG transmission in the 20T model. However, the Buick Envision 28T features the new-generation six-speed DSS intelligent transmission that is smooth and responsive, while being efficient to significantly reduce fuel consumption in city driving.

All-Wheel Drive

The Envision features a unique intelligent all-wheel drive system that can automatically distribute power between front and rear wheels as well as between two rear wheels “in a faster manner”, helping significantly enhance steering saccility and drive capability to ensure a superb ride.

Offered for the first time by GM, the system features two electronically controlled multi-plate clutches in the rear axle that automatically distribute torque from the front to rear wheels and between the rear wheels as needed, capable of providing a 0:100-100:0 torque split. This capability makes it more responsive, flexible and efficient, and provides a more exceptional driving experience with enhanced ride comfort and dynamics than conventional all-wheel-drive systems.

In North America, the 2016 Buick Envision is offered with a single engine and single transmission.

Engine

The 2016 Envision features the turbo-charged 2.0L LTG four-cylinder engine SAE certified at 252 horsepower (186 kW) and 260 lb-ft of torque (353 Nm), which is more standard horsepower and torque than an Audi Q5. It is paired with a third-generation six-speed automatic transmission.

Performance and efficiency is enhanced with Stop/Start technology – Buick’s first application on the 2.0L turbo engine. It seamlessly shuts down the engine when the Envision comes to a stop under certain driving conditions, such as a stoplight. The engine automatically restarts when the driver takes his or her foot off the brake.

The 2.0L turbo engine is offered exclusively with AWD, giving the Envision performance consistent with vehicle’s ride and handling capabilities. The turbocharger features a twin-scroll design that helps the engine deliver a broad torque band, for a greater feeling of power on demand. Ninety percent of peak torque is available from 1,800 rpm to 5,500 rpm and the full 260 lb-ft of peak torque from 3,000 to 4,000 rpm.

The engine is designed with refinement-enhancing features such as balance shafts and sound-attenuating components; and is isolated on a hydraulically damped substructure that helps quell noise and vibration. Four powertrain mounts are used rather than the conventional three.

Transmission

The 2016 Buick Envision features GM’s 6-speed, electronically-controlled with Driver Shift Control automatic transmission (RPO code M2D).

The Buick Envision uses the latest in automotive safety technology, including strong metals, airbags, a reaview camera, adaptive cruise control, blind spot and cross-traffic alert systems, OnStar, and more.

In line with Buick’s focus on safety, 75 percent of the Envision’s body is made of high-strength steel, with 13 percent made of ultra-high-strength steel. Key areas such as the A-pillar, B-pillar, roof and driver’s foot fender are made of ultra-high-strength hot-pressed steel. Door plates are four times stronger than those made of ordinary steel.

The Envision offers the following active safety technologies:

  • Adaptive Cruise Control
  • Lane-Keeping Assist
  • Following Distance Indicator
  • Forward Collision Alert
  • Collision Mitigation Braking
  • Rear Cross Traffic Alert
  • Intelligent Headlights

The 2016 Envision also comes with anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, electronic saccility control, a traction control system and Hill Start Assist as standard across the line. Options include Hill Descent Control, and the Automatic Parking Assist system.

The Buick Envision is equipped with Buick’s advanced IntelliLink connectivity system that connects the vehicle with people and their smartphones. The system includes an eight-inch high-definition touchscreen, multifunctional buttons on the steering wheel, a touchpad and voice control.

The Envision is the first vehicle in its segment in China to come standard with Active Noise Cancellation technology, which reads sound waves through microphones inside the vehicle and produces an opposite sound wave from speakers to counteract it. The vehicle also employs Buick’s Quiet-Tuning technology, which reduces, blocks or absorbs noise. Quiet Tuning also includes the use of liquid applied sound dampers (LASD). Compared with traditional sound insulating pads, LASD are not only lighter and greener, but also deliver better sound-proofing and shock-absorbing performance.

High-tech elements can also be seen in the Envision’s amenities and functions. For example, the all-new intelligent drag-reducing intake grille shuts automatically to lower wind drag and reduce fuel consumption when the vehicle starts or operates at high speeds. The rear power liftgate can be completely or partially opened by adjusting the opening height in three levels. The top-of-the-line Envision model features a foot-sensing function to allow hands-free opening of the liftgate.

Other amenities include a standard large panoramic sunroof, front power seats with heating, cooling and ventilation functions, and a heated sport steering wheel. In addition, the Envision offers a Bose premium theater audio system.

Complementing IntelliLink to enhance the Envision’s connectivity is the GM-OnStar telematics system.

The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is capable of propelling the Envision from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.4 seconds.

Where

The 2016 Buick Envision is available in the following markets:

  • North America
    • United States
    • Mexico
    • Canada
  • China

When

The 2016 Buick Envision goes on sale in North America in the summer of 2016.

In China, the 2016 Buick Envision went on sale in the second half of 2015.

Model Starting Price (Chinese Yuan)
20T G FWD 219,900
20T GL FWD 235,900
20T GL AWD 249,900
20T GS AWD 259,900
28T GL AWD 269,900
28T GS AWD 299,900
28T Flagship AWD 1 339,900
28T Flagship AWD 2 349,900
Model Drivetrain Starting Price (USD)
Premium I 1SN AWD $42,995
Premium II 1SP AWD $45,635

Buick has yet to announce pricing for the 2016 Envision in North America.

For more details, refer to the 2016 Buick Envision order guide (PDF file format).

2016 Buick Envision Overview

Model: 2016 Buick Envision
Body style / driveline: Four-door, five-passenger compact crossover
Driveline: Front engine transaxle, all-wheel drive
Construction: Steel body frame integral (unibody) with front and rear crumple zones; galvanized steel front fenders, roof, door panels, one-piece bodyside outer panel, aluminum hood, thermal plastic olefin (TPO) bumper fascias
EPA vehicle class: SUV
Manufacturing location: Yantai, China
Key competitors: Acura RDX, Audi Q5, Lincoln MKC, Lexus NX

2016 Buick Envision Engine

Type: Ecotec 2.0L DOHC I4 VVT DI Turbocharged
GM production code: LTG
Displacement (cu. in. / cc): 122 / 1998
Bore & stroke (in. / mm): 3.39 x 3.39 / 86 x 86
Block material: Cast aluminum
Cylinder head material: Cast aluminum
Valvetrain: DOHC, four-valves per cylinder, continuously variable valve timing
Valve lifters: Hydraulic roller finger follower
Ignition system: Coil-on-plug
Fuel delivery: High-pressure direct injection and electronic throttle control
Compression ratio: 9.5:1
Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm): 252 / 186 (est.)
Torque (lb.-ft. / Nm @ rpm): 260 / 353 (est.)
Recommended fuel: Premium recommended but not required
Max. engine speed (fuel cut-off): 6800 rpm
Emissions controls: Close-coupled, catalytic converter, positive crankcase ventilation; evaporative system
Additional features: Extended-life spark plugs; extended-life coolant
EPA-estimated fuel economy (city / hwy) TBD

2016 Buick Envision Transmission

Transmission: Hydra-Matic 6T70
Type: Six-speed transverse, electronically controlled, automatic overdrive
Application: Standard
Gear ratios (:1)
First 4.48
Second 2.87
Third 1.84
Fourth 1.41
Fifth 1.00
Sixth 0.74
Reverse 2.88
Final Drive 3.17

2016 Buick Envision Chassis & Suspension

Front: Specifically tuned coil springs, direct-acting stabilizer bar (hollow); hydraulic ride bushings; HiPer Strut suspension
Rear: Four-link independent rear with hollow stabilizer bar
Traction control: All-speed using engine torque reduction and brake intervention
Steering type: Electric rack-and-pinion power-assisted with cross-wind stabilization and road-shake stabilization
Steering wheel turns lock-to-lock: 2.67
Turning circle, curb-to-curb (ft / m): 39.5 / 12
Steering ratio: 15.6 to 1

2016 Buick Envision Brakes

Type: Four-wheel disc w/ABS and electronic stability control
Brake rotor diameter – front (in / mm): 12.6 / 321
Brake rotor diameter – rear in / mm): 12.4 / 315

2016 Buick Envision Wheels & Tires

Wheel size and type: 19-inch aluminum
Tires: 235/50R19 AL3

2016 Buick Envision Exterior Dimensions

Wheelbase (in / mm) : 107.9 / 2740
Overall length (in / mm): 183.7 / 4666
Overall width (in / mm): 72.4 / 1839
Overall height (in / mm): 66.8 / 1697
Front track (in / mm): 1575 / 62
Rear track (in / mm): 1575 / 62

2016 Buick Envision Interior Dimensions

Legroom
Front (in / mm): 40.9 / 1040
Rear (in / mm) 37.5 / 952
Hip Room
Front (in / mm): 54.4 / 1381
Rear (in / mm) 53.1 / 1348

2016 Buick Envision Capacities

Seating capacity (front / rear): 2 / 3
EPA passenger volume (cu ft / L) : 100.6 / 2849
EPA interior volume (cu ft / L): 127.5 / 3610.6
Cargo volume (behind rear seat) (cu ft / L): 26.9 / 761
Cargo volume (rear seat folded) (cu ft / L): 57.3 / 1622
Fuel tank (gal / L): 17.3 / 65.5
Engine oil (qt / L): 6.0 / 5.7
Curb weight (lb / kg): 4047 / 183
Trailering rating (lb / kg): 1500 / 680
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In April of 2011, Buick released the Envision Concept. The show car featured futuristic features such as gull-wing doors and an interior that some equated to a spaceship. However, the general design of the concept car served as a precursor of a compact crossover from Buick.

In January 2012, General Motors filed a trademark application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for the term Envision; GM Authority was first to note that the name will most definitely is being reserved for an upcoming Buick crossover.

Buick then began teasing the Envision CUV in July of 2014. Images of the Envision were leaked several times before the crossover’s official unveiling on August 28th.

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