You might not realize it, but the Buick Envision, Flint’s five-passenger compact crossover SUV, has recently established itself as Buick’s third largest-selling model. It may also be news to you that this vehicle is manufactured in China for the North American market, assembled by the SAIC-GM joint venture in Jinqiao, Shanghai. And while the Envision sold more than 33,000 units here in 2019, more than four times as many examples were sold that same year in China. So the Envision is a legitimately international vehicle, and after a series of facelifts, it’s getting the full second-generation treatment from Buick in 2021.
Descended thematically from Buick’s Rendenvous and Rainier model likes, the Envision rides on a version of the General Motors Epsilon vehicle platform, the E2XX, which it shares with vehicles including the Chevrolet Malibu and the Buick LaCrosse-based Roewe 950 for the Chinese market. With a wider stance, the new-generation Envision will be offered in three trim levels: Preferred, Essence and Avenir, with a Sport Touring package available on the first two model designations. A 10.2-inch touchscreen its standard, and Amazon Alexa integration is optionally offered. Pick the Avenir, and you get a standard heated steering wheel, along with active interior noise cancellation and a full suite of driver aids that include emergency barking and lane departure assist. Standard power is a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 228 horsepower, linked to a nine-speed automatic transmission, with available all-wheel drive.
Jim Donnelly On Wheels 