Everything seems to be made in China these days, and the 2017 Buick Envision is one of the latest products from our friends to the east to make it onto U.S. soil.
Buick’s new compact crossover made its American debut at the Detroit Auto Show, and it’s such an interesting product because it’s the first made-in-China car to be imported by a Big Three automaker. Buick hopes to sell 30,000 to 40,000 units a year, which is really optimistic. The Envision has had strong sales in China, but Buick has had trouble replicating that type of success at home.
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The Envision fills the gap in Buick’s product lineup in between the munchkin Encore and the larger Enclave. The Envision will try to compete with luxury crossovers like the Acura RDX (sold 51,026 units last year) and the Lincoln MKC (sold 24,590 units in 2015).
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The crossover has a six-speed automatic transmission and uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with stop/start that makes 252 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. It is also the first Buick to use a twin-clutch all-wheel drive system and has active grille shutters that can open and close depending on the car’s speed to enhance aerodynamics. Interestingly, premium fuel is suggested but not required.
Lane keep assist, tri-zone climate control, heated front and rear seats and a heated steering wheel will come standard, while an automatic parking function, a panoramic moonroof, ventilated front seats and a 360-degree camera system will be optional.
The Envision is expected to arrive at U.S. dealerships in the later half of 2016. Expect pricing and more details to be announced closer to its official launch.
