Photo: GM Design / Instagram
Buick recently made the news rounds with the 2024 model year version of the beloved Regal nameplate. Still, the facelift is for the sedan offered in China rather than a model sold in America because that's where sedans have remained relevant.
In North America, everything is about crossovers, SUVs, and pickup trucks these days. As such, it is no wonder that Buick adapted to the trend and now only offers CUVs in its US lineup. Those are composed of the first-ever 2024 Envista, 2024 Encore GX, 2023 Envision, and 2024 Enclave.
The first one is dirt cheap at $22,400, though you can also have it with Sport Touring Line goodies or as the ritzy Avenir. The same goes for all the other nameplates – they are affordable to begin with, as even the seven-seat 2024 Enclave starts from under $44k. Still, they can be made cooler in ST form or as luxurious companions via the Avenir trim.
However, one can easily say that Buick needs more diversity, as all models are subcompact, compact, or mid-size crossover SUVs. And since General Motors has ordained the premium brand won't return to its traditional passenger car ways, at least give them something new to play with. Sure, a pickup truck isn't needed because Chevy and GMC have that sector fully covered. So, how about a rugged yet stylish SUV?
Well, that one would undoubtedly bode well and won't trespass into Cadillac territory, which is mainly centered around crossovers and EVs these days. Interestingly, we didn't get this idea from our imagination – but rather from the dreams of GM Design Center's artist Geoffrey Richmond. He CGI-painted a burgundy-dressed Buick SUV that looks ready to join the current family of CUVs via its similar front styling.
But it's also pretty rugged, given the massive tires and wheels, plus the squared-off, edgy rear treatment. This, for sure, could act as a counterpoint to the mid-size Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco – perhaps even rival the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser. However, two issues forbid such a project from taking over internally – besides the well-known opposition of GM's corner office head honchos against anything that remotely sounds like an heir to the hardcore Chevy K5 Blazer or GMC Jimmy of old times.
First, Buick must gain experience with 4x4 vehicles that can exit the city jungle and go on trail-based adventures. Secondly, the company is also preparing for the EV future, and if GM were allowed to build this with Ultium technology, it would probably come out as heavy as the GMC Hummer EV or the Escalade IQ. Luckily, there is a traditional radiator grille on the project's front, so we know there's ICE power at play.
As such, to get the best of both worlds, we simply suggest sending this virtual project of a rugged yet stylish Buick 4x4 SUV into production with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. That would be cool, right?
The first one is dirt cheap at $22,400, though you can also have it with Sport Touring Line goodies or as the ritzy Avenir. The same goes for all the other nameplates – they are affordable to begin with, as even the seven-seat 2024 Enclave starts from under $44k. Still, they can be made cooler in ST form or as luxurious companions via the Avenir trim.
However, one can easily say that Buick needs more diversity, as all models are subcompact, compact, or mid-size crossover SUVs. And since General Motors has ordained the premium brand won't return to its traditional passenger car ways, at least give them something new to play with. Sure, a pickup truck isn't needed because Chevy and GMC have that sector fully covered. So, how about a rugged yet stylish SUV?
Well, that one would undoubtedly bode well and won't trespass into Cadillac territory, which is mainly centered around crossovers and EVs these days. Interestingly, we didn't get this idea from our imagination – but rather from the dreams of GM Design Center's artist Geoffrey Richmond. He CGI-painted a burgundy-dressed Buick SUV that looks ready to join the current family of CUVs via its similar front styling.
But it's also pretty rugged, given the massive tires and wheels, plus the squared-off, edgy rear treatment. This, for sure, could act as a counterpoint to the mid-size Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco – perhaps even rival the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser. However, two issues forbid such a project from taking over internally – besides the well-known opposition of GM's corner office head honchos against anything that remotely sounds like an heir to the hardcore Chevy K5 Blazer or GMC Jimmy of old times.
First, Buick must gain experience with 4x4 vehicles that can exit the city jungle and go on trail-based adventures. Secondly, the company is also preparing for the EV future, and if GM were allowed to build this with Ultium technology, it would probably come out as heavy as the GMC Hummer EV or the Escalade IQ. Luckily, there is a traditional radiator grille on the project's front, so we know there's ICE power at play.
As such, to get the best of both worlds, we simply suggest sending this virtual project of a rugged yet stylish Buick 4x4 SUV into production with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. That would be cool, right?
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