Even as the third-generation Buick GL8 MPV
debuted in 2016, it featured a luxury trim version called Avenir – fine leather
finish, individual second-row seats, and an added third-row sofa. Last year, an
even better equipped four-seat variant of this trim came out as a concept car.
Now, after a series of patent images, Buick has confirmed that the production start
is not too far away.
Based on the first teaser pic, the cabin
stays true to its conceptual version except for the different second-row
console, the lack of a champagne bottle shelf, and the single-tone steering
wheel.
The prototype from the last year also had
a special bumper trim and new wheels; it remains to be seen whether these will
make it into production.
The GL8 series comes powered by a
two-liter, four-cylinder turbo engine with direct injection. Its nominal output
amounts to 260 hp and 350 Nm of torque. The transmission
type is six-speed automatic, and it only drives the front axle. Getting from
zero to 100 km/h takes 9.3 seconds, and the top speed is capped at 205
km/h.
Combined-cycle fuel economy is estimated
at 8.6 liters of gasoline burned per 100 km (UK: 33 MPG; USA: 27 MPG). The
dimensions are as follows: L = 5,203 mm, W = 1,878 mm,
H = 1,805 mm, wheelbase = 3,088 mm.
Once the new Buick GL8 Avenir hits the
market, it will mainly have to compete against the likes of the Mercedes-Benz
V-Class and Lexus LM.
