Envision

Make
Buick
Segment
SUV

Buick is often trapped in an awkward position between General Motors' mainstream Chevrolet brand and its luxury Cadillac arm. But by converting to an all-crossover lineup, Buick has managed to carve out its own niche within the GM portfolio that continues to become more defined. Much of Buick's recent success can be attributed to its luxury Avenir sub-brand, which is now expanding on new models like the 2021 Buick Envision.

The Envision recently went on sale, but Buick is already noticing some important trends. Both the luxurious Avenir trim and the Sport Touring package have enjoyed tremendous demand within the Envision lineup. In fact, these two models make up around half of all sales.

Buick brand marketing and global portfolio manager Robert Peterson told CarBuzz that in early ordering, "50% of vehicles are coming back as the standard Envision, 30% are Sport Touring, and 20% are Avenir." For reference, the Envision ranges from $32,995 (with front-wheel-drive) on the base Preferred trim to $38,795 for the mid-level Essence trim (with all-wheel-drive). The Sport Touring package costs $1,325 and adds dark finish 20-inch wheels, ST badging, a unique grille, dark gloss accents, and other exterior changes.

Peterson also explained that the previous Envision only offered AWD on its top two trim levels, which shut out certain markets in the south of the country. By offering the 2021 Envision with both FWD and AWD, "we see an opportunity there" to target customers who live in warmer climates, he added.

The Envision Avenir is the most expensive trim, starting at $41,395 with FWD or $43,195 with AWD. This top trim level adds coveted features such as 20-inch aluminum wheels, heated front and rear seats, an HD surround-view camera, park assist, and a 10-inch touchscreen with navigation. One in five Envision customers opts for the Envision Avenir, proving the popularity of Buick's top trim level. For reference, one in four Enclave customers opts for the Avenir, and Buick dealerships struggled to keep up with the demand for it.