If you find yourself wondering if there is a vehicle that offers the perfect blend of luxurious features, an optimal performance, and affordability, you need to look into getting yourself a Buick. This General Motors (GM) subsidiary is a reliable premium automobile brand that has been influencing the automotive industry since 1903. Its vehicles are designed with passengers in mind, delivering spirited performances and the most enjoyable experiences on the road with purposeful features and beautifully crafted styling from the inside out. But when you visit your local Buick dealer, you will find that Buick’s Avenir line provides an even higher degree of luxury at a fair price.
What Is the Buick Avenir?
The Buick Avenir started as a full-size, four-door prototype concept sedan that was unveiled in 2015 to demonstrate the future of GM’s premium brand. Considering the word ‘avenir’ is French for ‘future,’ it was a suitable choice for what was to become Buick’s top-of-the-line sub-brand in 2017. Both the former Buick Lacrosse and Enclave were the first vehicles to receive the new Avenir badging for the 2018 model year. Their new upgrades gave drivers the most refined style, comfort, and technology with their Avenir trims. Today, the Buick Avenir line remains the top-level option for Buick vehicles.
The 2022 Buick Avenir Lineup
While Buick slowly shifted its focus toward its SUVs, the Avenir lineup has changed a bit over the years. By the 2021 model year, Buick’s lineup consisted solely of premium SUVs. For 2022 Buick vehicles, you will find the subcompact Encore and its slightly larger counterpart, the Encore GX, the compact Envision, and the midsize Enclave. But for “the highest expression of Buick luxury,” as Buick describes, in the Avenir lineup, you will have a choice of either the Envision or Enclave.
The Envision Avenir
As the smallest Avenir model, the Envision has the best pricing of the two Avenir options. With an MSRP of only $39,850, you and four other passengers can experience first-class treatment on the road. The Envision provides responsive handling to complement the efficiency and power of the 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine found under the hood, which can produce up to 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Plus, with up to 52.7 cu.ft. of storage space behind the front seat, and a maximum towing capacity of up to 1,500 lbs in case you need to trailer your road-trip essentials behind your SUV, there is plenty of room for everything you and your passengers need to bring along on the road with you.
Since the Buick Envision is available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, you can even choose the powertrain that is suitable for your driving needs. For the most fuel-efficient option, those with rear-wheel drive are estimated to get a combined 26 MPG. Choosing the all-wheel drive Envision might decrease the estimated fuel economy by 2 MPG in the city and on the highway, but in return, you will have more confidence to drive in any road condition knowing the intelligent all-wheel drive system will automatically deliver the right amount of torque to the wheels that need it most to prevent losing traction rather than correcting in when your SUV slips.
Where the Envision Avenir earns supremacy over the lower trim levels is primarily inside the cabin space with driver-focused amenities, advanced technology, and first-class comfort. Sure the exterior boasts richness with the signature diamond-checkered Avenir grille and 20-inch Pearl Nickel finished aluminum wheels, but the interior is where the Envision Avenir delivers the highest level of luxury. You will be welcomed with wood-tone accents and a leather-appointed cabin, including a heated steering wheel, a massaging driver’s seat, ventilated front seats with diamond-perforated quilting, and heated seats throughout to keep everyone on board feeling comfortable, no matter where you end up or what the weather is like beyond the walls of your SUV.
Plus, you will be spoiled with many other standard features like a 10.2-inch infotainment center with satellite radio, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity, which you can stream your favorite music through the 9-speaker premium Bose audio system. Furthermore, on top of the Buick Driver Confidence suite of safety and driver-assistance features that come with every Envision, both Head-Up Display and Front Park Assist are standard with the Envision Avenir for additional assistance in keeping you focused and helping you prevent collisions.
The Enclave Avenir
For additional interior space, upgrading to the family-friendly three-row Enclave Avenir, which holds up to seven passengers or a maximum of 97.4 cu.ft. of cargo behind the front seats, will come with an MSRP of $55,100. As a larger model, it needs more power, and with a 3.6L 6-cylinder under the hood, there’s plenty to spare. The Enclave can produce up to 310 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque which can tow up to 5,000 pounds. Unfortunately, a heavier vehicle with a larger engine will get you less fuel economy than the smaller Envision Avenir, with an estimated combined 21 MPG with rear-wheel drive and 20 MPG with all-wheel drive.
On the exterior, like the Envision Avenir, the top-of-the-line Enclave is equipped with Avenir exclusive wheels, as well as the Avenir grille for a distinctive appearance. For functionality, the standard RainSense automatic wipers will give you one less thing to worry about in inclement weather, keeping your windshield clear of moisture. The standard power moonroof with a rear fixed skylight looks as grand as you will feel cruising down the street at night with the moonroof open and the stars shining into the cabin from above.
Additionally, the Enclave Avenir is equipped with other first-rate amenities that it shares with the Envision Avenir, like a leather-appointed interior, a premium Bose audio system, and a fully-equipped 10.2-inch infotainment center, ready for all of your streaming and connectivity needs. You will even get better assistance while driving from added safety and driver-assistance features that come standard with the Enclave Avenir, including Adaptive Cruise Control and Enhanced Automatic Braking, which works even at high speeds with Forward Collision Alert to assist in avoiding and lessening the severity of a front-end collision. There is even HD Surround Vision for the clearest view of what is behind your vehicle while driving in reverse.
Experience the Buick Avenir for Yourself
Buick is a great brand to look into if you are looking for an affordable luxury SUV that is as refined and powerful as it is boldly beautiful. Advanced safety and driver-assistance technologies come standard with every model, as do premium features like Buick QuietTuning technology which allows you to focus on relishing in peace and quiet after a long day, listening to your favorite music, or enjoying conversations with those who matter most without interruptions from unwanted noises from outside.
But as rich as all Buick models are, for a top-of-the-line Buick, you are going to want to have your Buick dealer introduce you to their Avenir collection. The Buick Avenir line delivers the highest level of refinement in style, comfort, and technology while remaining an affordable option compared with similar luxury models from brands like Acura, INFINITI, and Lincoln. Buick Avenir models truly are too good to be true; you will just have to experience one for yourself to understand.
