As promised, the 2017 Buick Envision family will broaden its offerings beyond the two top models introduced in 2016. Initially offered in Premium I and Premium II trim grades, both powered by a 252-horsepower/2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and fitted with Buick’s Active Twin Clutch all-wheel drive system, the 2017 version of this 5-passenger compact luxury crossover adds a trio of new and more affordable Envision variants – Base, Preferred and Essence – each motivated by a naturally-aspirated 2.5-liter/197-horsepower 4-cylinder. Like the 2.0-liter, this new engine also features efficiency-enhancing Start/Stop technology and is backed by a 6-speed automatic transmission. However, unlike top-line 2016 Envision Premium-spec models, these new members come standard with front-drive, although the Preferred and Essence grades also offer Buick’s Active Twin Clutch AWD as an option.
Complementing expanded trim/engine availability, the 2017 Buick Envision richens its feature list with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility as well as GM’s new Teen Driver feature that lets parents monitor various behind-the-wheel activities of less-experienced operators. Pricing for the 2017 Envision family now starts at $34,990 for a front-drive Base model. The Envision Preferred opens at $36,795 and the Essence — which features leather upholstery — kicks off at $38,645. The even plusher and AWD 2017 Envision Premium I and Premium II models commence at $43,245 and $45,885.
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