2017 Buick Envision - Price, Release date, Specs, Changes

December 29, 2015 2017, BUICK No comments

2017 Buick Envision – release date

The newest 2017 Buick Envision is a second mid-size crossover from China which will be available on the US market, mid 2016. Buick currently has a massive hole in their roster of cars because they simply don’t have a model to fill the gap between the Encore and the Enclave. Back in 2014 when they released the Envision for the Chinese market, many people thought that the model was going to come in the US as well but Buick said at that time that the car was not planned.

However, there are now more and more rumors about the 2017 Buick Envision and its coming to the US market. This is because a few models have been spied testing in the US with camouflage which may suggest that the car will come after all on the US soil.

What’s new for 2017?

Just like with the Chinese version, the US version of the car will be based on GM’s new D2XX platform which means it will be lightweight, comfortable and modular. The car is actually expected to weigh less than 4,000 pounds which would be a rather large improvement over its competitors.

2017 Buick Envision Redesign

The design will definitely be based on the Chinese version but the 2017 Buick Envision might also feature a few changes to its exterior in order to better fit the US roster. The front end will likely keep its grille unchanged but the headlights as well as the bumper will change. The car will likely get usual Xenon headlights as standard as well as a slightly cleaner looking bumper without so much chrome.

The back on the other hand will be kept pretty much unchanged, with the only real difference here being the addition of a twin-exhaust with round tips coming out at the extremities of the bumper.

Interior

Inside the cabin, the car will feature all the latest technologies GM has to offer as well as a fresh new design for the US market. This will allow the passengers to sit in very comfortable adjustable seats on multiple levels. Also, the dashboard will be minimalistic in design and if the Chinese version is any indication, the car will sport the best looking interior in its class by a rather big margin.

As standard it will come with leather upholstery, a large armrest and also GM’s infotainment system which will support both Apple’s CarPlay and Google’s Android Auto. A five seats version will be standard but rumors say that it will also be offered as a seven seats version as well.

Under the Hood

Engine wise, the 2017 Buick Envision is going to feature a few changes over the Chinese version. The base 2 liter turbocharged inline 4 petrol engine will be kept but the US version will actually get the new generation of this engine which offers a higher output at 272 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, enough to make it one of the faster crossovers in its class. The catch is that this engine will be offered as an option. In order to fit the rather small price-tag, the car is likely going to receive a 1.6 liter turbocharged inline 4 petrol engine in the base trim level.

Luckily this is still a very capable beast with a capable output of over 200 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque. Front wheel drive is going to be standard on both of them while a 9 speed automatic is expected to be the only gearbox of choice. A four wheel drive system with an electronic torque managing software will also be offered as an option even on the base model of the car.

The V6 has also been rumored to be offered on the Envision but it is highly unlikely considering its bigger brother already offers that engine.