Buick will launch the first of its new 5-passenger Envision compact crossover as a 2016 in June in high trim levels and then introduce a wider range in October as 2017 models. During the initial phase, the manufactured-in-China 2016 Envision will be offered in top Premium I and Premium II trim grades that open at $42,995 and $45,635, respectively. At that point, the lineup expands during the transition to the 2017 model year when an entry-level Envision along with Preferred and Essence trims roll into showrooms with respective starting stickers of $34,990, $36,795 and $38,645. Those numbers line up with rivals like the Acura RDX, Infiniti QX50, Lexus NX and Lincoln MKC. This more affordable Envision threesome will be joined by updated 2017 versions of the Premium I and Premium II with prices bumped to $43,245 and $45,885.
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The standard drivetrain in all 2016 Envision Premium I and Premium II models is a 252-horsepower/2.0-liter turbocharged Ecotec 4-cylinder engine and 6-speed automatic transmission teamed with Buick’s first active Twin Clutch AWD system. The Premium I boasts a host of comfort/convenience touches including leather covered and heated front/rear seats and steering wheel, tri-zone climate control, Bose premium audio, an 8.0-inch driver information center and numerous driver assist/alert systems. The Premium II adds things like a head-up display, cooled front seats, navigation, corner-following HID headlamps with auto high beams and automatic parking assist. The key differences between model years will be that only the 2017s will have infotainment systems that integrate Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
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Fitted with a naturally aspirated 197-horse/2.5-liter Ecotec 4-cylinder and a 6-speed automatic in either front- or a conventional all-wheel drive on Preferred and Essence only, the non-Premium 2017 Buick Envision lineup features an impressive array of standard equipment and options to bolster Buick’s signature Quiet Tuning and Active Noise Cancellation. The Envision and Preferred have premium cloth seating with leatherette accents, dual-zone climate control, 8.0-inch Color Touch Radio with Buick IntelliLink keyless entry, pushbutton start and heated power front seats. Also included are a 4.2-inch driver info center, hands-free power liftgate and 18-inch alloy wheels. The Essence treatment richens the mix with several Premium-spec touches including full leather, tri-zone air and heated steering wheel/outboard seats. All Envision models come with OnStar and offer a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot.
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