Buick Envision (2nd gen)

Back in 2016, Buick imported the Envision from China to the United States, months before Mr. Tariff Man won the elections just to stoke fear about Chinese imports including this, this crossover sparked a lot of questions from customers on the hunt for crossovers and life couldn't get even more confusing with the arrival of the second-generation model, which promises to be more dynamic and more lively to drive compared to the previous model. The question is, should you want one?

You're looking at the all-new, second-generation, Buick Envision, which is still imported from China just like the previous model, but with prices starting at 31,800 US Dollars plus additional costs, it's surprisingly cheaper than the old one, making it the quintessential bargain of the year.

The exterior design of the new Envision is the turning point of this generation because it's surprisingly a big improvement compared to the old Envision several years ago. Although it's lower than the old one, it's now slightly longer and wider, making it roomier on the inside than the old model, which is good, but there's something puzzling about the exterior design because some say, it draws inspiration from the Enspire Concept from the 2018 Auto China in Beijing. Another concept-turned-reality scenario that almost pleases the motoring crowd and from every angle, even when slapped with some Avenir touches for the first time in an Envision, this crossover sure knows how to make a clear statement about it.

On the inside, thanks to its slightly increased wheelbase, it's roomier to live with than the previous model and it's got better boot space as well. Of course, while you are getting cozy, the new Envision packs numerous conveniences toy around such as a heated steering wheel, panoramic moonroof, 10.2-inch-diagonal touchscreen infotainment system, first-ever air ionizer for a US Buick vehicle, wi-fi connectivity, and more you can spend some time with it.

Under the hood, the all-new Envision is powered by a new 2.0L Turbo ECOTEC 4-cylinder engine which sadly produces 228hp of power output, 24hp less than the old model, while mated to a 9-speed Hydra-Matic gearbox. Fuel economy, it has an EPA-estimated MPG of 24 city /31 highway.

What about dynamics? The new Envision features MacPherson Struts on the front, a five-link rear suspension, available Continuous Damping Control, and four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes. In front-wheel-drive configuration alone, it feels somewhat civilized like a real commoner in the neighborhood, but when fitted with all-wheel drive and active twin-clutch, it feels dynamic in every way even when wet.

While getting used to its newly improved dynamics, the new Envision has a long list of safety features under the Buick Driver Confidence Plus in addition to its HD Rear Vision Camera, Adaptive Cruise Control, Enhanced Automatic Parking Assist, HD Surround Vision, and Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking. Such safety tech will put drivers on notice.

Although the power drop is what made them lamented, the improved dynamics, interior, tech, and design is what the new Buick Envision is made for. Despite being made by the Chinese, the new Envision feels welcomed in the Land of the Free and Home of the Brave as long as it won't get caught by the Reds under the bed.

Photo: General Motors

Buick Envision

This is the first time an American car brand is selling a Chinese-made car, which is kinda unorthodox for General Motors to do such a thing. Whatever that is, the first American branded, Chinese import to be sold on US soil is a crossover called the Envision.

2016 Buick Envision

2016 Buick Envision

Although being an import from the People's Republic of China, some might believe that the Envision envisions its unorthodox collaboration between China and US in the same way that the F-2 fighter-bomber plane is for Japan and US. To put it in context, it shares it status as an Asian-American so you might think it targets every single Asian-American customer in its range but you'd be wrong.

Because this is an import from the PRC, the Buick Envision is priced at 42,070 US Dollars, making it the most expensive Buick offered for now but don't worry, they will add a cheaper model later this year starting at 35,870 US Dollars, around two thousand less than its big brother, the Enclave.

2016 Buick Envision

So, what do you know about the first American branded, Chinese import to be sold on US soil? Well, for starters, as commoners might say, everything in this planet is made in China. Your iPhone's made in China, your anime figure's made in China, your computer's made in China, China, China, China, well, you get the idea, but almost most of the stuff around you are made by the world's biggest country. We get used to it using stuff made by those who invented gunpowder and currency and we don't mind if they're expendable or not. The Envision? Well, even it looks American inside and out, there's no hiding that the way it behaves is very Chinese, a bit Asian-American if you like to call it, especially when it comes with a 2,0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that produces 252HP of power while mated with the GEN-3 6-speed AT. Sounds high-performance for a crossover like this but unlike the best of Buicks made by Americans (and Europeans), its dynamics are questionable for a China-made American crossover. Sooner or later, you might start questioning its reliability if things go wrong with it.

2016 Buick Envision interior

2016 Buick Envision interior

So far as styling-wise, the Envision is as well-orchestrated as the interior. It's very nice to be accommodated with and because space in the back matters most than anything else in the car, like what every Chinese businessmen would want for a long-wheelbase versions of luxury compact saloons, the Envision's rear legroom is very good indeed. It's very hi-tech from every nook and cranny and you can even surf the net with your devices on the go thanks to 4G LTE.

So, is there's something to like about the Envision? Probably the spacing, the tech, the design, and pretty much about it but if there's something not to like about the Envision, it would be the pricing that sounds costly for a China-made SUV as well as the way it behaves. So, if there's any question about how the Envision behaves on American roads, don't ask me. Ask General Motors for bringing this crossover that is proud to say "I'm Asian American and I am a Buick".

Available colors: Ebony Twilight Metallic, Summit White, Galaxy Silver Metallic, Bronze Alloy Metallic, Saffron Red Metallic, and Midnight Amethyst Metallic.

Photo: General Motors