Buick’s Avenir concept on display at the Detroit Auto Show is a beautiful surprise and may preview a future production flagship model for the brand.

In the words of Ed Welburn, vice president of General Motors Global Design, the Avenir study “demonstrates the growing international reach of Buick and offers an exciting vision of where it can go.”

The Avenir is a four-seat full-size luxury sedan that stretches 204.5 inches (5,195 mm) in length and 76 inches (1,931 mm) in width. It has a lot of presence, thanks to the long hood, short overhangs, the sloping rear deck and the 21-inch wheels it rides on.

The study is powered by a next-generation direct-injected V6 engine with fuel-saving Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation) and stop/start technology, mated to a 9-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission. It also features a twin-clutch all-wheel-drive system and driver-selectable suspension damping.

Inside, the next-generation Buick IntelliLink infotainment system with large, 12-inch-diagonal color touch screen takes center stage on the dashboard, while the four-seat arrangement gives it a special touch. Buick says interior surfaces are inspired by nature and sea waves receding on a beach – a motif featured on the seats and carried through in other trim components, even the carpet.

Light and natural colors combine with oiled and buffed wood trim, as well as Galvano satin-chrome accents for a luxurious ambience. Besides plenty of space and luxury, rear seat passengers also get USB ports and video screens that allow them to plug in to their favorite media.

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