2021 Buick Enclave Essence on 2040-cars

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Buick Envista Luggage Test: How much cargo space?

First, I am well aware that there is an inflatable hearse on my lawn, which is also haunted. Just go ahead and get used to that background for a few weeks.  Second, the 2024 Buick Envista is a great car! Easily the most surprising thing I've driven this year, and although I'll go into everything else in a full review coming soon, the cargo area contributes to that general sense of pleasant surprise. The specs say it has 20.7 cubic-feet of space, which would be consistent with the subcompact SUV segment it competes with on price (even if it's more comparable to a compact in terms of length). Let's see how that amount translates into actual stuff. At first look, I was not expecting good things. Yes, its ample length is pretty indicative of a compact SUV, but the height is nowhere close. With the rigid cargo cover in place, it basically looks like a trunk -- but more on that cover in a moment.  Unlike most subcompact and compact SUVs, the Envista does not offer a dual level cargo floor that adds extra cargo space while still making a fold-flat back seat possible. In other words, Buick is clearly leaving some cubic-feet on the table here. This cover would be of the gigantic, rigid, nowhere-to-keep-it-in-the-car, hatchback variety. I am not a fan, especially for the Envista. You're about to see why. Bring on the bags. As with every Luggage Test, I use two midsize roller suitcases that would need to be checked in at the airport (26 inches long, 16 wide, 11 deep), two roll-aboard suitcases that just barely fit in the overhead (24L x 15W x 10D), and one smaller roll-aboard that fits easily (23L x 15W x 10D). I also include my wife's fancy overnight bag just to spruce things up a bit (21L x 12W x 12D). That would be the three biggest bags, but that's all you're fitting. I tried to dislodge the cover and let it rest on top, but nope, liftgate wouldn't close. At least the middle bit of the cargo cover has that raised middle bit that perfectly wrapped around my big blue bag. Without that, this result would've been even worse.  So, if you were picking up someone from the airport, they had more bags than this and you forgot to remove the cargo cover, you'd be in trouble. If, however, you remember to chuck the cargo cover ... Holy cow, all the bags fit!  I was genuinely surprised by this result. The Tetris formation is a little weird, but it wasn't hard to fit everything in here.

2025 Buick Enclave revealed with new looks, technology

The 2025 Buick Enclave has been revealed, and as expected it combines Buick's current corporate styling with the new-generation three-row SUV platform shared with the Chevy Traverse and GMC Acadia. It also gets plenty of standard features and technology, along with the first Buick implementation of Super Cruise. The design of the Enclave is much more boxy and upright than the extra-curvy model that precedes it. Even the wheel arches have been squared-up. It's coupled with the shark-nose front fascia taken from the Wildcat concept that has adorned every other vehicle in Buick's lineup. The whole thing is slightly larger than before, too, though Buick didn't specify by how much. And as is the case with most Buicks, there's a base Preferred model, as well as Sport Touring (ST) and Avenir trims that receive appearance tweaks in addition to different feature sets. The ST adopts black trim, including in the grille, whereas the Avenir uses bright metal trim and body color wheel arches, plus larger 22-inch wheels (Preferred and ST have 20-inch wheels). The interior is the biggest upgrade by far, though. Immediately obvious is the standard 30-inch combination instrument and infotainment display. It has a curvy, inverted trapezoid shape that has a slight retro-futurism vibe. It sits atop a low, wide and gently curved dashboard, one with a small set of physical short-cut buttons above the center air vents. A "floating" center console rises to meet the dash, though stops short of connecting to it. Adjustable ambient lighting is standard in here, along with power, heated seats, wireless device charging, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a 12-speaker Bose sound system. Avenir upgrades the sound system to 16 speakers, adds a panoramic sunroof, front seat ventilation and massage function, rear seat heating and a head-up display. Mechanically, the Enclave is basically the same as the Traverse and Acadia. It uses the new platform and also gets the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder as the sole engine option. In the Enclave, it makes 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque, the same as the GMC, and a tad more than the Chevy. An eight-speed automatic is the only transmission offering, though both front- and all-wheel drive are available. Towing capacity is again mirrored at 5,000 pounds, and Super Cruise is available, making Enclave the first Buick with the hands-free driving assist system.

Opel Insignia, the harbinger of a Buick, rolls out at Geneva

GM's sale of Opel/Vauxhall to French automaker PSA Groupe will take effect later this year, but new models roll out regardless, as Opel debuted its all-new 2018 Insignia flagship (and Buick Regal clone) Tuesday at the Geneva Motor Show. The midsize Insignia, which bears a great resemblance to a Mazda6, will come in Grand Sport and Sports Tourer (that is, a wagon - will Buick offer a wagon?). It is built in Russelsheim, Germany. As part of the GM-PSA deal, the two companies agree that PSA, maker of Peugeot and Citroen, will continue to supply some Holden and Buick models; Opel models form the basis for several of Buick's core products, including the Encore small crossover and Regal sedan. But as the two brands part ways, we may well see Buicks remaining Buick-y, and Opels evolving away from GM parts and designs. Seeking a little clarity on what the sale of Opel means, we asked Buick and were directed to a statement: General Motors announced an historic agreement to sell the company's Opel business to PSA Group. This is a major milestone and one that we believe will improve the business prospects of each company and deliver significant value to shareholders, customers and employees around the world. Buick and Opel have historically cooperated on a number of product programs. Buick products will not be impacted by today's announcement. We will continue to deliver our product plans with excellence and precision. Buick has delivered three consecutive years of record global sales, we are General Motors' second largest international brand, and we have built an excellent reputation for quality and customer service. The new products Buick will announce in 2017 will help us build on this momentum. The new Regal/Insignia is expected to use the same platform as the new Buick LaCrosse, which is also shared by the Chevy Malibu and Impala. They should once again be available with front- or all-wheel drive. With the Opel versions debuting at Geneva, the Buick Regal will possibly follow at the New York auto show in April. The Insignia will start at about $25,500 and has the now-customary roster of high-tech options such as active lane keeping, a heads-up display, 360-degree-vew cameras, a hood designed to increase pedestrian safety and a new Opel OnStar Personal Assistant to help book hotel rooms on the fly or search for parking spots. The car comes with turbocharged four-cylinder engine options, an eight-speed automatic, and it's 400 pounds lighter than its predecessor.