Photo: Cory Wolfe
The 2016MY mid-size luxury crossover from Buick, the one which is built in China by SAIC GM, will arrive Stateside this June with a retail price of $42,995. The 2017 Buick Envision, which is slated for fall 2016, is $34,990 because hey presto, the 2016 model year is kitted with all the bells and whistles from the get-go.
Dear Buick, how much does a Lincoln MKC cost? How about an Acura RDX? Or a Mercedes-Benz GLC? Or a BMW X3? I guess I made my point. $42,995 is too much considering what the competition offers. $34,990 is more like it, albeit I wouldn’t spend that sum on the least desirable trim level.
For starters, the entry-level model uses a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder with 197 horsepower and 192 lb-ft (260 Nm) of torque, and a pretty short standard equipment list. The Premium ($43,245) and Premium II ($45,885) trim levels, on the other hand, are animated by a 252 horsepower and 260 lb-ft (352 Nm) 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that is shared with the Cadillac XT5.
The differences go deeper than that. If you opt for AWD, the system differs accordingly. Go for the 2.5-liter and you get the most basic all-wheel-drive system available. 2.0 turbo models, by comparison, get more on-road prowess thanks to an active torque-vectoring rear differential, among others.
For those who want the best the Envision has to offer, the top-of-the-line Premium II grade can be further equipped with four optional extras: panoramic moonroof, surround vision camera, front automatic braking, and a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot.
Problem is, charging extra for the 4G Wi-Fi hotspot is rather uncanny, all things considered. For crying out loud! Even the Chevrolet Silverado gets it as standard provided that you don’t go for the work truck. On an ending note, only time will tell how the American public will respond to a Buick crossover built in China that is far from being competitively priced.
For starters, the entry-level model uses a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder with 197 horsepower and 192 lb-ft (260 Nm) of torque, and a pretty short standard equipment list. The Premium ($43,245) and Premium II ($45,885) trim levels, on the other hand, are animated by a 252 horsepower and 260 lb-ft (352 Nm) 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that is shared with the Cadillac XT5.
The differences go deeper than that. If you opt for AWD, the system differs accordingly. Go for the 2.5-liter and you get the most basic all-wheel-drive system available. 2.0 turbo models, by comparison, get more on-road prowess thanks to an active torque-vectoring rear differential, among others.
For those who want the best the Envision has to offer, the top-of-the-line Premium II grade can be further equipped with four optional extras: panoramic moonroof, surround vision camera, front automatic braking, and a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot.
Problem is, charging extra for the 4G Wi-Fi hotspot is rather uncanny, all things considered. For crying out loud! Even the Chevrolet Silverado gets it as standard provided that you don’t go for the work truck. On an ending note, only time will tell how the American public will respond to a Buick crossover built in China that is far from being competitively priced.
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