2020 Buick Envision S to get sleeker shape

KUALA LUMPUR: Back in October last year, images of the Buick Envision facelift for the Chinese market appeared online. The pictures previewed the upgraded version of the crossover utility vehicle (CUV) which was expected to arrive in North America soon. It now appears that the car, a product of the General Motors-SAIC Motor joint venture is likely to get a different flavour. A new image released by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has revealed a sleeker shape of the car.

While General Motors, which owns the Buick brand, has not confirmed about the new model, reports from China indicate that the car will be sold as the Envision S. The image, however, doesn’t lend a clear look at the vehicle’s tailgate and badge.

The Envision was last updated by General Motors in February 2018, when the car got a new 9-speed automatic transmission (AT) unit and minor visual tweaks. The vehicle’s Chinese version is expected to get a larger radiator grille, a new front fascia, thicker chrome strips, and an oversized insignia. Other features are likely to include LED headlamps with integrated daytime running lights (DRLs), and a revised lower grille. The taillights will have a different shape with a chrome strip joining the units. The Envision S Chinese model would be a hauled by a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol motor which produces 169PS maximum power. The engine will be mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (AT). However, a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre engine and an optional turbocharged 2.0-litre motor can’t be ruled out, since these two motors haul the Buick Envision in the US.

The Envision S, according to car website GMAuthority, will be sold alongside the car’s existing model. It will be positioned above the standard version as a more premium trim but will be slotted below the Enclave. The Envision S may eventually replace the entry-level version in the future.

The Buick Envision was first introduced in China in July 2014. The car had its US debut at the 2016 North American International Auto Show. The Envision, according to General Motors, sold 33,229 and 132,568 units in the US and China, respectively in 2019.