China’s 2020 Buick GL8 Avenir Is One Expensive Minivan At $65k

A couple of weeks after the facelifted Buick GL8 Avenir premiered in China, the GM-owned brand has launched it locally, in three versions: four-seat, six-seat and seven-seat.

Pricing starts at 459,900, 465,900 and 529,900 RMB, which equals to $65,221, $66,072 and $75,148 at the current exchange rates. For the cost of a single base GL8 Avenir, one could buy two Envision SUVs in the U.S., or almost three Encores.

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At 5,219 mm (205.5 in) long, 1,878 mm (73.9 in) wide and 1,799 mm (70.8 in) tall, the minivan offers sufficient space for families with children and comes packed with a lot of amenities. From high-quality Nappa leather to special quilting and embroidery, seats with massage, heating and ventilation, air quality control system, ambient lighting, Bose premium audio, 12.3-inch driver information panel and cluster display, head-up display, voice recognition and more.

The latest GL8 Avenir is also equipped with modern safety gear, such as Lane Centering Control, Traffic Jam Assist, 360-degree camera system, Door Opening Warning and others.

Power comes from a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder Ecotec engine, which is matched to a nine-speed automatic transmission and delivers 236 PS (233 HP / 174 kW) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque. The manufacturer states that it burns 7.9 l/100 km (33.6 mpg US), a 0.2 l/100 km improvement over its predecessor. The major power unit and gearbox components are covered by an 8-year or 160,000 km (99,419-mile) warranty.

Wheels up to 19-inches in size are available for the 2020 GL8 Avenir, which also features Matrix LED headlights, with 18 independent high-beam control sections, and LED taillights. The visual makeover is comprised of the redesigned bumpers and diamond-cut sculpted grille as well.