The new Buick Envision looks distinctly North American, but this crossover is built in China. That's right China is making a big mark on the North American automotive scene, with a Buick.
So what kind of quality is being offered here? Well, based on our time with this test vehicle, there is a lot of quality built into the Envision, and it will surprise you in many ways.
There is 2.5 litre - 195 horsepower four cylinder engine option available with the Envision, but our test vehicle came with an upscale trim package and an amazing 2.0-litre turbocharged engine that produces 252 horsepower. The turbocharger makes a huge difference. The Envision is a fairly large crossover, but the two-litre turbo pulls hard.
The best thing about the Envision is that it is quiet. There is a lot of sound proofing built into the cabin, but it's the noise cancellation technology that really impressed us.
The Envision also offers one of the softest rides in its class. Most other SUV's or crossovers in this category have pretty stiff suspensions, but the Envision is cushy and almost boat like. This is no off road warrior, but the soft suspension is nice on the highway.
The styling is very conservative, but most vehicles in this category are. There a distinct Buick styling cues, like the vents on the hood, and the front grille. Inside our test vehicle was packed with features that added value. The leather seats were soft and supple. The Envision doesn't have quite the same level of premium feel as say a BMW or an Audi, but the fact that we are comparing the Envision to BMW's and Audi's says a lot.
The infotainment system was easy to use. The controls are laid out logically and are easy to reach. The seats are comfortable. We found the Envision to be practical with plenty of cargo space and the luxury features extend right through to the back power hatch. Just push the button and it closes itself. It's pretty sweet.
If you are in the market for something in the crossover luxury segment like an Audi Q5, Acura RDX, Lexus NX, or maybe a Mercedes Benz crossover, you might want to take an Envision for a test drive. This built in China offering from Buick might just surprise you.
Rick Walker SST Car Show News.
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