Envision the Future, Part 2: Buick Envision Pricing Announced

The Envision will arrive as a late 2016 model later this coming summer. But note: Its starting price is steep... Even if its not domestically produced.

Buick's Vision: A Crossover For Every Need

First, we got the Enclave in 2008, which was essentially responsible for ushering in the "new era" of Buick luxury. Then, the compact Encore came in 2013. Now, come later this year, a third crossover will join Buick's lineup in hopes of offering an "in-between" crossover option for the influx of customers the brand has gotten in recent years. That model, of course, is the Envision shown above. In one of my previous posts, I highlighted many of the features that will be standard or available on the Envision. For more information on content, visit www.buick.com and my previous post at the link provided: 

http://www.adamsautos.org/2016/01/buick-cascada-and-envision-buick-keeps.html

Pricing and More

As its official release date draws closer, pricing and additional feature content for the Envision was recently announced. At the start, there won't be much variety in the Envision's lineup. Only Premium and Premium II trim levels will be offered with 2.0 liter 252 horsepower engine and all-wheel drive. As such, 2016 Envisions will start at a relatively steep $43,245 for Premium models and $45,885 for the Premium II. However, for 2017 models, additional trim levels will be added below the Premium models to bring the Envision more in line with competitor's pricing. Those trim levels are the Base (starting at $34,990), Preferred (from $36,795), and the Essence (from $38,645). To complement the lower pricing, a lower power engine also comes standard: a familiar 2.5 liter four cylinder engine paired to a 6-speed automatic that makes 197 horsepower. The Preferred and Essence trims also have 18-inch wheels instead of the 19's on up-level models with the 2.0 liter engine. 2.5 liter cars can also be had with all-wheel drive, but the system they use is less sophisticated than the one found in models with the 2.0 liter engine. That all-wheel drive system is shared with the new Cadillac XT5 and features an active torque-vectoring rear differential. Fancy stuff for a Buick, I know. But it certainly shows how serious they intend to be taken now. These aren't your father's Buicks anymore!

Very Solid Effort, But With a Few Caveats...

I mentioned when I covered both the Cascada and Envision previously that I felt the Envision's styling didn't really mesh entirely. But now, there's another issue I feel doesn't mesh entirely: The pricing.

I get that the Envision is produced in China (if you didn't know, well now ya know) and that its meant to compete with the likes of the BMW X3, Lexus RX, Lincoln MKC and MKX, and Audi's crossovers, but it still seems like its pricing is quite steep. Base pricing of 2016 models is higher than the starting price of an Enclave ($39,990)! And the Enclave offers both more space AND power. You can even get into an Enclave with leather seating for roughly the price of a Premium II Envision ($44,585). Now yes, I realize the Enclave is a MUCH older design than the Envision, but given the incentives that are available on new Enclaves right now (since a redesign IS due soon), you might even be able to get an option or two such as the dual sunroof, navigation, or the DVD player on the Enclave and still have it come out less expensive than a new Envision for the time being, since we don't know what option packages will be available on 2016 Envisions yet. Base Enclaves don't come standard with leather like 2016 Envisions will, but with discounts it could possibly get down to the price range of the base 2017 Envision (roughly $35,000). All things to consider when taking a trip to your local Buick dealer.

Additionally, the amount of trims available for 2017 models seems QUITE numerous. Yes, the Envision is trying to cover multiple bases and customer tastes all at once. But still, I feel having so many different trims available may make it confusing for customers to equip an Envision in a way that doesn't make them seriously cross shop the competition, or a new Cadillac XT5, or even a moderately equipped Enclave. Buick is still in the process of trying to shed its "old timer" image, even though I feel its mostly gone in several ways, and that may make an Envision a hard sell initially since it spans so much territory and has so many formidable opponents. Now of course, Buick has been on a roll lately, and I admit, I'm a fan! But I predict that Buick is going to have to trim down their trim level offerings to be more in line with other Buicks and some offerings from the competition. I also think production will shift from China to the United States eventually, which may or may not affect pricing.

What do you think of this new Buick crossover and Buick's current lineup right now? Can they keep their momentum and growth going? Comment your opinion!

ROLL ON READERS!

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