2018 Buick Enclave Debuts In Avenir Trim: Comments

[William Maley]

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To say the Buick Enclave was well past its sell-by-date would be an understatement. But to be fair, the Enclave was one of Buick's best-sellers. The 2018 Enclave that debuted tonight in New York has some big shoes to fill.

The basic shape of the 2018 Enclave is the same as the outgoing model. What has changed are the front and rear ends. Buick's designers took the front off the Avista concept and put it onto the Enclave. The distinct grille with the Buick emblem floating and slim headlights are here. Around back is a restyled tailgate with a large chrome bar and narrow taillights.

Buick borrowed the dash from LaCrosse for the Enclave's interior with flowing curves, high-quality materials, and an 8-inch screen featuring the latest version of the Intelllink infotainment system. In terms of seating, Enclave can seat up to seven people. Buick says overall space has increased by 10 percent and with the 3rd-row up, offers up 23.6 cubic feet of space.

Power still comes from a 3.6L V6 offering up 302 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. A nine-speed automatic and the choice of either front-wheel or all-wheel drive.

Buick also used this event to launch the Avenir subbrand with the Enclave being the first model. Avenir models feature special badging, 20-inch wheels, LED headlights, contrast stitching and piping on the seats, dual moonroofs, navigation, and the rearview mirror/camera that has debuted on the Cadillac CT6 and XT5.

The 2018 Buick Enclave hits dealers this fall.

Source: Buick
Press Release is on Page 2

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First-Ever Enclave Avenir Offers Progressive, Family-Oriented Luxury

• Enclave ushers in the arrival of Buick’s new luxury sub-brand

NEW YORK — Debuting with the 2018 Buick Enclave, the new Avenir sub-brand represents the highest expression of Buick luxury. Avenir offers unique styling cues and an extensive set of standard features and premium materials throughout the vehicle. New and versatile functionality, interior spaciousness, and intuitive technologies build on the Enclave’s established popularity.

Smart innovation and style come standard on the 2018 Buick Enclave Avenir. Buick-first Evonik Acrylite exterior lighting illuminates the road ahead with the power of more than 100 LEDs across the vehicle. A Rear Camera Mirror provides a clearer, broader view of what’s behind. And in-vehicle ionization leaves the air cleaner and fresher. It’s all packaged within an elegant design that combines concept car inspiration with improved interior luxury amenities and roominess for up to seven passengers.

“The Enclave has been a successful formula for the Buick brand, with sales results that have defied traditional product cycles, and 90 percent of customers purchasing in the top two trim levels,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Global Buick and GMC. “It’s a beacon for the modern, attainable luxury Buick stands for and is a natural place to launch Avenir.”

Enclave Avenir highlights

• Avenir model comes standard with extensive active safety, connectivity and luxury features for a simple and convenient buying experience.
• It has an all-new body structure for safety, strength and mass efficiency, plus 17 radar, camera and ultrasonic sensors when fully equipped.
• It accommodates seven passengers comfortably and offers more cargo volume behind the first row than the Acura MDX, Audi Q7 and Infiniti QX60.
• Standard hands-free power-programmable liftgate with a Buick tri-shield logo illuminates the ground below the hidden sensor and power-folding third row.
• Avenir-exclusive 3-dimensional mesh grille, badging, pearl nickel 20-inch aluminum wheels and luxurious interior materials are standard.
• Buick-first Rear Camera Mirror is standard on Avenir.
• Buick-first Evonik Acrylite lighting technology provides a distinctive light signature.
• Tow capacity of up to 5,000 pounds is more than enough to tow a typical 21-foot sport boat.
• A standard 3.6L V-6 engine with stop/start technology, Buick-estimated 302 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission.
• Standard five-link rear suspension and available continuously variable real-time damping (CDC) offer a refined, isolated ride.
• Available intelligent AWD with active twin-clutch rear differential and Buick-first switchable AWD help improve control and efficiency.

Avenir: Buick’s highest expression of exclusive style, inclusive luxury

All Avenir models will feature an exclusive 3-dimensional mesh grille paired with chrome wings inspired by Buick concept cars. Additional Enclave Avenir notable styling cues include 20-inch, six-spoke wheels with a pearl nickel finish; five premium exterior colors; an Avenir Chestnut and Ebony interior with piping on the seats and contrasting stitching; embroidered first-row headrests; Avenir floor-mats; a wood-accented steering wheel; and bold Avenir-scripted sill plates on all four doors.

A wide array of advanced technologies and interior features emphasizing premium comfort and inclusive luxury comes standard in the Enclave Avenir, including heated and ventilated front seats; heated second-row seats; navigation; wireless charging; a dual moonroof; an 8-inch diagonal reconfigurable cluster display; a 360-degree surround vision camera system for easier parking; and a rear camera mirror that can function as a traditional mirror or as a camera, eliminating obstructions such as heads and headrests while expanding the rear field of vision by an estimated 300 percent.

Available adaptive cruise control and full speed Forward Automatic Braking offer customers even more safety feature options, and a premium suspension with continuously variable real-time damping (CDC) provides a smooth, comfortable ride, with enhanced body control and handling in Sport mode.

“This is a vehicle intended for Buick customers who demand the best and the latest our brand has to offer,” said Aldred.

Elegant design and functionality define the all-new Buick Enclave

The Enclave’s new design architecture enables a balanced, athletic appearance. New proportions give it a sleeker look with aerodynamic benefits for efficiency. The roofline is lower, the windshield is sharper and the wheelbase is extended, giving the vehicle a more dramatic stance. Its sculpted body creates a windswept appearance. Its interior is inviting and harmonious.

Extensive use of LEDs is integrated into Buick’s first application of Evonik Acrylite technology and bi-functional LED projector headlamps and LED tail lamps. The technology’s compound curvature application creates a smooth, uniform and recognizable appearance that will make the Enclave stand out on the road. IntelliBeam headlamps also allow drivers to experience better road illumination and improved visibility without having to manually switch the high beams on and off.

A significantly enhanced suite of available advanced safety technologies is engineered to help drivers monitor their surroundings and feel confident when behind the wheel. Standard safety equipment on all 2018 Enclaves includes a rear vision camera, rear park assist and seven air bags, including a front center side airbag. Among the available crash-avoidance technologies are rear cross traffic alert, front pedestrian braking, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, safety alert seat and surround vision.

Having leveraged the first-generation Enclave as a benchmark for quietness, the 2018 Enclave cabin is engineered to further minimize unwanted interior noise through its honed exterior shapes, sealing and sound-deadening acoustics and strategic use of materials throughout. QuietTuning and active noise cancellation enhancements help to reduce, block and absorb noise, keeping it from entering the cabin. A 10-speaker Bose Premium sound system with new components, new tuning and a redesigned bass enclosure further enhances the sound experience.

Another lifestyle-enhancing feature in the Enclave interior is an air ionizer that eliminates odors and provides higher air quality. It works by producing negatively charged particles that attract air-borne contaminants and break down their structure, cleaning the cabin air. The ionizer can help address external and internal odors and reduce bacteria, viruses, dust, debris and pollen, while also helping improve driver alertness. It requires no maintenance or filter replacement.

Enclave’s interior has flexible cargo solutions for large and small items. The vehicle has 10 percent more cubic feet of overall interior space when including the hidden underfloor storage, and 23.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. Other space enhancements include a 10-inch-deep dry underfloor storage with 3.1 cubic feet of space.

Second- and third-row seating fold flat to create a wide, nearly-flat load floor. A power-folding third row makes reconfiguring more convenient, while second-row SmartSlide Seats provide easy access to the third row. On the passenger side, the SmartSlide seat provides pitch slide functionality to allow access even with an empty forward-facing child seat installed (using the LATCH system).

Additional standard equipment on every 2018 Enclave includes keyless entry and push-button start, a hands-free power-programmable liftgate with a Buick tri-shield logo illuminating the ground below the hidden sensor, tri-zone automatic climate control, universal home remote and more.

Every Enclave also comes equipped with an OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot (AT&T data plan purchase required after limited data trial period) and five years of the OnStar Basic Plan[1] at no additional cost. Among other benefits like an industry-leading myBuick app, this connectivity plan features OnStar Smart Driver, an opt-in service designed to help Buick owners maximize their vehicle’s overall performance and become better drivers.

A frameless 8-inch diagonal infotainment system with Teen Driver, Rear Seat Reminder[2], and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is standard. Every Enclave features Rear Seat Reminder2, an industry-first feature designed to remind drivers to check the back seat as they exit their vehicles under certain circumstances.

The Enclave will continue to be manufactured in Lansing, Michigan, and goes on sale in the fall of 2017. Pricing and other details will be announced later this year.

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[Paolino]

No major changes to the profile.  Interior is a drastic upgrade... I'm sure it'll sell well.  Would like to see an optional more-powerful engine.  Hopefully some weight loss came with this model, and with the slightly more powerful engine and 9-speed, it'll please the masses.

[balthazar]

it's still the most cohesive large SUV design-wise of them all, but I for one will miss the signature Buick waterfall grille.

[smk4565]

The weight is down over 300 lbs, so with that and the 9-speed it should be a little quicker, it is rated at 15/22 mpg with all wheel drive which is pretty thirsty.   I don't like the grille, looks like the Mercedes diamond grille (which I don't like as much as their classic grille) and the logo looks like a Chrysler logo.   They copied the Lexus/Nissan/Mazda "floating roof"  D pillar effect, not a fan of that anywhere.

Overall, the outside looks alright, it looks a bit Asian, but I think a lot of people looking for a premium, family hauler crossover will like that look.  Inside looks better than a Lincoln, or Acura, looks the part of a $45-50k crossover.  

[daves87rs]

I like it....even with the shape, it flows pretty well around it.....

[G. David Felt]

Nice  This will sell well and do well. @Paolino I totally agree, they needs a power upgrade option for this. Base model should have this engine but the Avenir should get a TTV6. At least a single TV6

Wonder why GM has not taken the TTV6 and offered a TV6 as a lower level but a step above the NA V6?

[hyperv6]

Well it was not broke so they did not need to fix everything. 

They kept the good and only made the rest better. The interior look amazing but yet functional.

lighter and updated drive line should improve drivability. 

The Buick here will continue to lead.

Lincoln Mathew must be not happy at the moment. While they were going backwards Buick was moving forward.

One has to wonder what Cadillac has coming.

[riviera74]

Love the interior on the new Enclave.  I do hope that the Avenir trim level shows up throughout the entire Buick line (regardless of name) quickly.

The exterior is OK, even though I am not a fan of that disjointed chrome on the D pillar.  That might make more sense in a smaller crossover (Encore?).

[regfootball]

stupid Buick thinks because they copped out on doing the real Avenir that they can just pilfer the name as a trim package and redeem themselves.

overall this is nicely done though.  Doesn't have some of the awkwardness of the new Traverse.  And, manages to look a lot still like the current Enclave.  Even has some side sculpting that is similar to the new LaCrosse.  That is kind of amazing by itself.  Ties some of the Buick products together.

Interesting dash but i hope the plastics are better than what i see on some live auto show pics in the pictures.

Sounds like it still has room and space, at least they didn't get rid of that.

really should have a twin turbo six option. 

This and the new Traverse should help GM a lot.

[G. David Felt]

9 hours ago, riviera74 said:

Love the interior on the new Enclave.  I do hope that the Avenir trim level shows up throughout the entire Buick line (regardless of name) quickly.

The exterior is OK, even though I am not a fan of that disjointed chrome on the D pillar.  That might make more sense in a smaller crossover (Encore?).

I was thinking the same thing. Love the auto, but can I delete the Chrome option for the exterior and interior?

Why does every top of the line package have to have bloody chrome? That is such a baby boomer thinking that it makes the auto richer looking.

[balthazar]

Because traditionally chrome was always more expensive a finish than paint (or plastic).
Look at modern houses- the higher the price tag the more trim it gets. The age-old 'what am I getting for my money?' demand.

- - - - -
Are you going to make a standing point to associate everything you don't find to your favor as 'the fault of baby boomers'? It's getting a bit long-in-the-tooth already, D. Chrome plating greatly predates the baby boomer generation, as I'm sure you are aware if you review the history.

It DOES make the auto richer looking.

Edited April 12, 2017 by balthazar

[Stew]

Like it, but am a bit disturbed at so many of GM's brand new models looking like rehashed versions of the last gen.  I just wonder how this will work out in the long run.  Sure, it will keep existing owners happy, buy how about bringing in new ones?

[G. David Felt]

9 minutes ago, balthazar said:

Because traditionally chrome was always more expensive a finish than paint (or plastic).
Look at modern houses- the higher the price tag the more trim it gets. The age-old 'what am I getting for my money?' demand.

- - - - -
Are you going to make a standing point to associate everything you don't find to your favor as 'the fault of baby boomers'? It's getting a bit long-in-the-tooth already, D. Chrome plating greatly predates the baby boomer generation, as I'm sure you are aware if you review the history.

It DOES make the auto richer looking.

LOL, Nope but most of the previous generation is dead so Baby Boomers are holding onto the Chrome.

I will say that in the old lovely ladies you posted, yes Chrome makes them much better.

Sadly on today's auto's, I feel it cheapens them greatly. 

My example of this is the 2nd Generation Escalade that I own has nice touches of Chrome and the 3rd generation went god awful overboard. 

First Generation, no difference than yukon or tahoe.

2nd Generation, tasteful and elegant to me.

3rd Generation, Bling and tacky to me.

4th Generation, Tasteful and elegant. Really is a proper Cadillac look.

[SS427]

13 hours ago, balthazar said:

it's still the most cohesive large SUV design-wise of them all, but I for one will miss the signature Buick waterfall grille.

The Enclave will come in four trim levels Base, Essence, Premium, and Avenir. Only the Avenir gets the mesh grill the others will retain the classic waterfall grill.

GM Authority - 2018 Buick Enclave Attempts To Define Full-Size Crossover Elegance

 

 

 

[G. David Felt]

5 minutes ago, SS427 said:

The Enclave will come in four trim levels Base, Essence, Premium, and Avenir. Only the Avenir gets the mesh grill the others will retain the classic waterfall grill.

 

Good to know! 

[Robert Hall]

I like chrome trim, esp in restrained usage.  Not a fan of body color/monochrome trim---that was an 80s-90s thing--looks very dated today, IMO. Blackout trim looks cheap to me, but the worst is the matte finish all over look, IMO.

 

The Buick looks great as it is w some chrome--tasteful and elegant.  

Edited April 13, 2017 by Cubical-aka-Moltar

[G. David Felt]

5 minutes ago, Cubical-aka-Moltar said:

I like chrome trim, esp in restrained usage.  Not a fan of body color/monochrome trim---that was an 80s-90s thing--looked very dated today. Blackout trim looks cheap to me, but the worst is the matte finish all over look, IMO.

 

The Buick looks great as it is w some chrome--tasteful and elegant.  

My 30yr old son loves the matte look, his Jeep Patriot which was his first auto he bought and financed himself out of college after he got a job, repainted it to be matte black and had the rims powder coated to match. He is not looking at a new SUV, his two finalist are the Ford Explorer Sport AWD and Jeep Grand Cherokee. Again, he is wanting to have them repainted since neither OEM offers matte paint jobs.

I think this is a Millennial thing.  

I personally on luxury auto's like a monochromatic paint job on the body, but then have just a touch of chrome bits.

Example is that I think having Black Chrome rims and the roof rack black chrome along with the grill is all that is needed on an auto.

[balthazar]

Black chrome is not 'chrome'- it's shiny black paint (visually).
Note: even the monochrome purveyors want to call these treatments "chrome", and assumedly this is a few generations from the Baby Boomers pushing the trend. That's because Khrome is King.

[G. David Felt]

41 minutes ago, balthazar said:

Black chrome is not 'chrome'- it's shiny black paint (visually).
Note: even the monochrome purveyors want to call these treatments "chrome", and assumedly this is a few generations from the Baby Boomers pushing the trend. That's because Khrome is King.

Yes, there are the paint options, but I truly am talking about electroplating or what the industry calls Black chromium electroplating. This is a true black chrome. Very nice, durable and way better than regular chrome in my book.

[Robert Hall]

For wheels, I usually like an aluminum or titanium finish.  One place I do like black wheels are on some performance cars like Challengers, Mustangs, some Porsches.  But that's a performance look, not a luxury look. 

[ocnblu]

New Enclave, same as the old Enclave... the interior is very nice, and I am going to have to see a list of upgrades one gets for the Avenir trim level... to me it looks no more luxurious than the current top level Enclave.  Wut am I missing?

[Robert Hall]

18 minutes ago, ocnblu said:

New Enclave, same as the old Enclave... the interior is very nice, and I am going to have to see a list of upgrades one gets for the Avenir trim level... to me it looks no more luxurious than the current top level Enclave.  Wut am I missing?

I think there are Avenir badges somewhere..

[G. David Felt]

5 hours ago, Cubical-aka-Moltar said:

For wheels, I usually like an aluminum or titanium finish.  One place I do like black wheels are on some performance cars like Challengers, Mustangs, some Porsches.  But that's a performance look, not a luxury look. 

I think Black Chrome has it's place on all auto's and yes color of the auto makes a difference.

[regfootball]

I walk along the Avenir.  I never thought I'd meet a girl like yeouuuuuu, meet a girl like yyyeeeeoooooouuu

 

still hope we get something real Avenir someday