Buick Envision Concept (2011)

Buick Envision Concept

The Buick Envision Concept vehicle, which represents a convergence of future ideas and technology for Buick in the market, made its global debut today in . It appeared on the Shanghai GM stand at Auto Shanghai 2011.

The Envision merges Buick's global design language with Chinese aesthetics for the SUV segment. Inheriting the essence of Buick's "fluid dynamics and peaceful comfort," it incorporates GM's world-leading PHEV plug-in hybrid system. Its forward-looking and people-oriented technology and equipment are destined to change people's perceptions of SUVs.

"The Envision was developed jointly by Shanghai GM and the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC)," said Shi Hong, Director of Buick Marketing at Shanghai GM. "It introduces the development direction for Buick's future SUV products for the market."

According to Ed Welburn, GM Vice President of Global Design, "The Envision has inherited Buick design DNA and taken the Buick global design language to a new height. It makes a significant statement for Buick styling and technology, and will influence upcoming models from the brand."

Design: Buick essence, futuristic language

Speed and power, lightness and strength, and elegance and foresight contrast with each other yet retain a sense of harmonious interplay in the Buick Envision. The design carries forward Buick's tradition of grand elegance, blending it with dynamic lines, sharp angles and curved shapes. Its dynamic coupe-like body and multifunctional space offer a hint of Buick SUVs to come for the Chinese market.

The Buick Envision features a two-layer traditional Buick waterfall grille, which regulates air intake to meet the demand of the power system and achieve optimized aerodynamic performance. The front-end design also incorporates Buick's tri-colored shield insignia, reinforcing the Buick Envision's refined and forceful sense of styling. Headlamps and fog lights are inspired by traditional Chinese patterns. Porcelain-like daytime LED lamps house five "Chinese pillar-like" LED bulbs for a reserved elegance with bright illumination.

Sharp lines start from above the headlamps, spreading out and submerging into the body of the vehicle. They reappear at the rear, running powerfully through the taillamps and showcasing the traditional Buick double sweep spear. Wheel arches above powerful-looking 22-inch tires offer a strong contrast. The one-piece roof is shaped like an arching bridge. It allows the continuous flowing side lines to form a graceful curve above the windows before being integrated in the back end. The Buick's rearview mirror and side window trims are lined up across from the A-pillar and C-pillar, serving as the perfect finishing touches for the side view of the vehicle. The Buick Envision has scissor-style doors with sensors, adding a sense of luxury while making entry and exit more convenient.

The Buick Envision has shed the chunky rear of traditional SUVs. Multiple ridge lines form layers like a modern sculpture. Slim, sharp porcelain-like taillamps are integrated with gleaming LED lights. The design is applied to the rear fog lights and exhaust as well. The ice-peak silver body color reflects the strong, athletic pose of the Envision.

The Buick Envision comes with 22-inch doubled-layered aluminum alloy wheels. Silicon sports tires feature an asymmetrical unidirectional tread. This reduces resistance, noise and energy consumption while ensuring the safety expected from an SUV.

The Buick Envision has a people-oriented, comfortable and high-tech interior. Buick's signature 360-degree all-around integrated design and unique asymmetric central console bring out the best in each other. The front cabin has the appearance of a floating sculpture. It achieves a perfect balance between physical comfort and aesthetics. Spiral gauges offer an exciting futuristic feeling.