Buick has detailed the North American-specification version of its new Encore ‘luxury’ compact crossover that will be imported from China, prior to its Detroit Motor Show debut on Monday.
The automaker sees the new Envision going up against the Audi Q5, Acura RDX and Lincoln MKC (Buick specifically mentioned those three cars) when it goes on sale in the US and Canada in the second quarter of 2016.
“The Envision is also designed to carry more than its competitors, with more rear cargo space than the Acura RDX and the Lincoln MKC,” said Buick. “It’s also roomier for passengers, with more rear legroom, front and rear shoulder room, and overall Environmental Protection Agency-rated passenger volume than the MKC.”
Buick’s new five-seater crossover measures 183.7 in. / 4,666 mm long, 72.4 in. / 1,839 mm wide and 66.8 in. / 1,697 tall, riding on a 107.9 in. / 2,740 mm wheelbase and tipping the scales at 4,047 pounds / 1,836 kg. It offers a cargo volume of 26.9 cu.ft. / 761 l behind the rear seats and up to 57.3 cu.ft / 1,622 l with the rear seats folded.
The North American model comes fitted with a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine with Stop/Start technology rated at 252 horsepower (186kW) and 260 lb-ft of torque (353 Nm) paired to a six-speed automatic transmission.
Buick’s first active Twin Clutch AWD system will come as standard, transferring minimal torque to the rear wheels when all-wheel-drive traction isn’t necessary.
Prices have not been announced yet, but Buick said that all models will be well equipped featuring standard 19-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, rear seats, and steering wheel, LED daytime running lamps and rear accent lights, tri-zone climate control with rear-seat controls and Bose premium sound system. Options will include cooled front seat, a programmable power liftgate with hands-free operation and a panoramic sunroof.
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