Buick Envision

Buick Envision
Overview
ManufacturerBuick (General Motors)
Production2014–present
Model years2016–present (North America)
AssemblyChina: Yantai (SAIC-GM)
Body and chassis
ClassCompact crossover SUV[1][2]
Body style5-door SUV
LayoutFront-engine, front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive

The Buick Envision is a compact crossover SUV manufactured by General Motors and marketed under the Buick brand since 2014. It is exclusively manufactured in China by the SAIC-GM joint venture, supplying the Chinese and North American markets.[3]

Concept

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The Envision was first introduced in 2011 as a design concept.[4] It was a small crossover with two large scissor doors opening upward. The concept was a plug-in hybrid with advanced technology such as a solar roof and head-up display. The waterfall grille made it to the production version of the Envision.

First generation (2014)

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First generation
2016 Buick Envision (pre-facelift; US model)
Overview
Production2014–2023
Model years2014–2023 (China)
2016–2020 (North America)
DesignerJeasoo Kim[5]
Body and chassis
PlatformGM D2XX
Related
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission
9-speed automatic (2.0 L)
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,750 mm (108.3 in)
Length4,667 mm (183.7 in)
Width1,804 mm (71.0 in)
Height1,660 mm (65.4 in)
Curb weight1,835 kg (4,045 lb)
Buick Envision, pre-facelift (rear view)

The Envision was first introduced in China in August 2014, also known by its Chinese name, “Ang Ke Wei” (昂科威).[6] It went on sale in China on October 20.[7]

The Envision debuted in the U.S. at the North American International Auto Show on January 11, 2016,[8] sharing the segment with a second generation GMC Terrain and the Chevrolet Equinox.[9] It went on sale in the United States in the summer of 2016, making it the first Chinese-built GM vehicle to be sold in America.[10] It was initially offered with all-wheel drive, and subsequently with optional front-wheel drive for model year 2017.

The North American version of the Envision features two powertrains: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 197 hp (147 kW) and 192 lb⋅ft (260 N⋅m) torque, and a turbo-charged 2-liter four-cylinder engine SAE certified at 252 hp (188 kW) and 260 lb⋅ft (353 N⋅m) torque. Both were initially paired with a third-generation six-speed transmission. For the 2016 model year, the Envision was only available in Premium I and Premium II trim levels, with the 2.0L turbo engine, seven active safety technologies, and OnStar/Intellilink connectivity.[11] The trim levels expanded to five for the 2017 model year.[12]

In addition to the larger engines offered in North America, Chinese buyers also have the option of a turbocharged 1.5-liter unit.

Trim levels for the first generation Envision were known as the 20T and 28T.

2019 facelift

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The 2019 Envision debuted in late 2017 in China, and in 2018 for the North American market. It features revised rear styling and tail lights, stop/start calibration, and new seating design.[13] The transmission for the 2.0-litre turbo engine was upgraded to a 9-speed automatic.

  • 2019 Buick Envision (facelift)
    2019 Buick Envision (facelift)
  • 2019 Buick Envision (facelift)
    2019 Buick Envision (facelift)

2020 facelift

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The 2020 Envision facelift debuted in early 2020 in China, and would be sold alongside the second generation models called the Envision S in China. It features revised front and rear end styling.[14]

  • 2020 Buick Envision (China, facelift)
    2020 Buick Envision (China, facelift)
  • 2020 Buick Envision (China, facelift)
    2020 Buick Envision (China, facelift)

Second generation (2021)

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Second generation
Overview
Also calledBuick Envision S (China)
Production2020–present
Model years2021–present
Body and chassis
PlatformE2XX
RelatedCadillac XT4
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,779 mm (109.4 in)
2,833 mm (111.5 in) (Plus)
Length4,636 mm (182.5 in)
4,845 mm (190.7 in) (Plus)
Width1,882 mm (74.1 in)
Height1,641 mm (64.6 in)
Curb weight1,672–1,784 kg (3,686–3,933 lb)

In May 2020, GM introduced the second generation of the Envision in the United States.[15] It is powered by a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 228 hp (170 kW) and 258 lb⋅ft (350 N⋅m) torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The 2021 Envision includes a suite of standard safety features, including blind spot monitor, lane departure warning, and forward collision alert. Four trim levels are offered: base, Preferred, Essence, and for the first time, Buick's premium Avenir trim.[16]

In China, the new Envision is sold alongside the first-generation Envision as the Envision S.[17] The new Envision continues to be assembled in China at the SAIC-GM Dongyue Motors plant in Yantai alongside the previous generation model.[18] The second generation Envision now shares the E2XX platform with the Cadillac XT4.

  • Buick Envision S Avenir (Rear view)
    Buick Envision S Avenir (Rear view)
  • Interior
    Interior

Envision Plus

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Launched during the 2021 Shanghai Auto Show, the Buick Envision Plus is a stretched version of the Envision that serves as a three-row crossover SUV variant of the regular Buick Envision S in China. The wheelbase has been extended to 2,833 mm (111.5 in), resulting in a length of 4,845 mm (190.7 in).[19]

  • 2021 Buick Envision Plus
    2021 Buick Envision Plus
  • 2021 Buick Envision Plus (rear)
    2021 Buick Envision Plus (rear)
  • 2021 Buick Envision Plus Avenir
    2021 Buick Envision Plus Avenir
  • 2021 Buick Envision Plus Avenir (rear)
    2021 Buick Envision Plus Avenir (rear)

2024 refresh

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The Envision received a facelift for the 2024 model year. It adds new dashboard-mounted digital displays and GM's Super Cruise advanced driver-assistance system, making it the first Buick available with the technology.[20]

  • 2024 Buick Envision S
    2024 Buick Envision S
  • 2024 Buick Envision S (rear)
    2024 Buick Envision S (rear)
  • 2024 Buick Envision Plus
    2024 Buick Envision Plus

Sales

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In 2017, the Envision was Buick's third bestselling model in the U.S. with sales of just over 41,000 units. Sales in the U.S. dropped 27% in 2018 but rebounded slightly in 2019. In 2020, Envision was the only Buick model in the U.S. to see a sales increase over 2019.

Calendar year United States China[21]
2014 19,683
2015 162,941
2016 14,193[22] 275,383
2017 41,040[23] 236,229
2018 30,152[24] 191,029
2019 33,229[25] 132,568
2020 34,942[26] 167,880
2021 46,450 146,476
2022 25,871[27] 130,181
2023 44,281[28]

Tariff impact

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On August 6, 2018, General Motors announced that it might withdraw the Envision from the United States and Canada markets due to the President Donald Trump's tariffs on Chinese goods should its request to seek a tariff waiver for the vehicles be denied. The automaker saw the exemption as "the only way" to continue offering the vehicle to U.S. consumers, according to GM President Dan Ammann.[29] The exemption was denied on May 29, 2019, but GM opted to pay the tariffs without raising the price on the vehicle.[30][31]

References

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  1. ^ "2016 Buick Envision".
  2. ^ "2016 Buick Envision AWD". www.fueleconomy.gov.
  3. ^ Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Viknesh (2014-07-21). "2015 Buick Envision Leaked". washingtonpost.com. Retrieved July 21, 2014.
  4. ^ "Buick Reveals Envision Concept". 18 April 2011.
  5. ^ "Vehicle body exterior". Retrieved 20 September 2016.
  6. ^ "Buick Unveils 2016 Envision Crossover in China". 28 August 2014.
  7. ^ "Buick Envision SUV to Launch in China October 20". 23 September 2014.
  8. ^ Kierstein, Alex (January 11, 2016). "2016 Buick Envision might be your first Chinese-built crossover". Autoblog. Yahoo Inc.
  9. ^ "2016 Buick Envision Will Be All Wheel Drive Only" from GM Authority (January 9, 2016)
  10. ^ Turkus, Brandon (December 4, 2015). "Buick confirms US-market Envision CUV to be built in China". Autoblog. Verizon Media.
  11. ^ 2016 Buick Envision from GM Authority (March 28, 2016)
  12. ^ "2017 Buick Envision To Start at $34,990" from GM Authority (April 11, 2016)
  13. ^ “2019 Buick Envision Bows With Updated Looks And Customer Focused Improvements” from GM Authority (February 26, 2018)
  14. ^ “Images Of 2020 Buick Envision Facelift For China Surface” from GM Authority (October 21, 2019)
  15. ^ Zac Palmer (May 29, 2020). "Buick has given the Envision a sharp redesign". Autoblog.
  16. ^ Alex Luft (2020-07-24). "2021 Buick Envision Trim Levels Uncovered". GM Authority.
  17. ^ "Buick to Strengthen Its SUV Portfolio in China with Upcoming Launch of All-New Envision S". GM. 2020-06-17.
  18. ^ Deivis Centeno (2021-06-21). "All-New Buick Envision Plus Officially Launches In China". GM Authority.
  19. ^ Christopher Smith (2021-04-19). "Buick Envision Plus SUV, Verano Pro Sedan Debut At Auto Shanghai". motor1.com.
  20. ^ "The 2024 Buick Envision Will Now Offer Super Cruise". Jalopnik. Retrieved 2023-06-20.
  21. ^ "Buick Envision China Sales". Carsalesbase.com. 22 April 2015.
  22. ^ "Chevrolet and GM Lead U.S. Retail Sales and Share Gains for 2016". General Motors. 2017-01-04. Retrieved 2017-01-04.
  23. ^ "Three-peat: Chevrolet's Retail Share Grows for Third Consecutive Year – up 1 point since 2015". General Motors. 2018-01-03. Retrieved 2018-01-03.
  24. ^ "GM's U.S. Crossover Sales Topped 1 million in 2018". 3 January 2019.
  25. ^ "GM Sells More Than 1 Million Crossovers Again in 2019, and Over 1 Million Full-Size Trucks". 2020-01-03.
  26. ^ "GM 2020 Sales Far Outperform the U.S. Industry in Fourth Quarter and Calendar Year". 5 January 2021.
  27. ^ "GM Delivers a Year of Firsts". GM Pressroom. 2023-01-04. Retrieved 2023-01-06.
  28. ^ "U.S. Q4 and Full-Year Sales: GM Delivers Another Year of Firsts". GM Pressroom. 2024-01-04. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  29. ^ "Buick could pull Envision from U.S. without tariff exemption" from Automotive News (August 6, 2018)
  30. ^ "US Denies GM Exemption On Tariffs For China-Made Buick Envision" from GM Authority (June 5, 2019)
  31. ^ "Buick Envision May Be Spared As China Trade Deal Nears" from GM Authority (June 28, 2019)
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