Joining the top-end 2018 Enclave Avenir at the New
York Auto Show are the standard versions of Buick's new mid-size SUV.
The base, Essence and Premium editions of the 2018
Enclave lack the Avenir's three-dimensional mesh grille, bespoke 20"
wheels and fully-loaded interior, however they still pack plenty of clever
features that should help them compete in the family SUV segment.
Sales of the new model will start in the fall of
2017. Buick will announce pricing and other details later on this year.
Buick says that compared to rivals such as the Acura
MDX, the new Enclave's third row offers 5.6 extra inches (14.2 cm) of standard
legroom. It also adds that it boasts 4.5 inches (11.4 cm) more than the Audi Q7
and nearly 3 inches (7 cm) more than the Infiniti QX60, in favor of third row
passengers.
Those three SUVs are mentioned in Buick's press
release, giving us an idea of where the automaker positions the Enclave in the
market. While the MDX and QX60 do seem to be directly on its radar, we're not
so sure if the Enclave will be cross-shopped with the Audi Q7 or any of the
other European- luxury mid-size SUVs.
Every 2018 Buick Enclave model features keyless
entry & push-button start, hands-free power-programmable liftgate with a
Buick tri-shield logo illuminating the ground, tri-zone automatic climate
control, universal remote, six USB ports plus much more as standard. They also
come with OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot and five years of the OnStar Basic Plan
free of charge. Using the infotainment system means operating a frameless
8" touchscreen display with Teen Driver, Rear Seat Reminder and Apple
CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility.
Powering the new Enclave is a 3.6-liter V6 engine
with stop/start technology. Buick estimates that about 302 horses and 352 Nm of torque will be sent to all four wheels with the help of a
nine-speed automatic transmission. The new-gen SUV also has available
intelligent AWD with active twin-clutch rear differential and a Buick-first
switchable AWD function that helps improve control and efficiency.
As for its 5,000 lbs towing capacity, Buick says
you'll be able to easily pull along a typical 21-foot sport boat in the 2018
Enclave.
