2016 Buick Envision (USA)
Buick’s made-in-China Envision crossover
SUV goes on sale this summer. It arrives as a 2016 model and only in
two well-equipped but pricey options. The good news is lower-cost options will
be offered once the 2017 model arrives in the fall.
The base option for 2016 is the Envision
Premium I which will set you back US$ 42,995. Above this is the Envision Premium
II at US$ 45,635. Crucially, both figures are well above the US$ 39,990 starting
price of the related Cadillac XT5.
Standard on the Envision Premium I is
leather trim, heated seats, remote start, blind-spot and forward-collision
warning, and lane-keep assist. Upgrading to the Envision Premium II gets you a
head-up display, automatic parking assist, HID headlights, ventilated seats and
navigation.
Options include a sunroof and Driver
Confidence Package with adaptive cruise control, 360-degree camera monitoring
and automatic emergency braking.
The only engine on offer is a
turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder delivering an estimated 252 horsepower and
260 pound-feet of torque. It’s paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and
powers all four wheels via a standard all-wheel-drive system.
Car and Driver reports the 2017 Buick
Envision will offer a less powerful 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine as well as
standard front-wheel drive, thus helping to bring the price lower. It’s likely
GM Company is thinking anyone keen to park an Envision on
their driveway immediately will be willing to pay for the pricier options.
