Written by Marco Carvajal
Buick and GM
Buick is one of the brands owned by the large automobile group General Motors with headquarters in Detroit, Michigan, among other well known car brands like Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac. GM is the largest American car manufacturer.
Buick Envision
Buick is a premium brand, especially popular among older generations, however many of their new cars like the luxury compact crossover Envision, are appealing to younger car buyers by offering challenging driving dynamics, advanced technology, great connectivity and great interior acoustics.
The Envision is a global vehicle, it is produced in China by Shanghai GM. The Envision is sold in the U.S., China, Canada and Mexico.
2019 Envision
The Buick Envision 2019 is a modern, confident and responsive luxury compact crossover offering great features at every level. The Envision enjoys Buick’s signature luxury, quiet cabin that makes the ride more enjoyable, thanks to Buick’s great acoustics. The interior is luxury and feels premium, but especially very comfortable and practical. The Envision is a compact SUV but it has enough interior space for all the family, including good cargo space.
I am test driving the 2019 Buick Envision AWD Premium II, the top of the line.
Highlights of the 2019 Buick Envision AWD Premium II
- 2.0L Turbo 4-cylinder engine
- 252 hp @ 5500 rpm
- 295 lb-ft of torque @ 3000 rpm
- AWD
- 9-speed automatic transmission
- Bose 7 speakers Premium Audio
- Buick® Infotainment System with Navigation and 8″ diagonal color touch-screen
- 8-way power driver and front passenger seats
- 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot
- Heated and Cooled Front Seats
- 19″ aluminum wheels
- MPG 20 / 25 City / Highway
- Fuel Tank Capacity 17.3 gallons
Audio and Connectivity
The Envision provides great connectivity features to benefit drivers and passengers with a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot so everybody onboard can connect to the internet while enjoying the ride.
I am impressed with the quality of the 4G LTE Wi-Fi, it is fast and very easy to set up. The Envision hotspot supports up to seven devices connected at the same time.
Get Connected Access free during 10 years
Buick now offers three different ways to link to your connected Envision. Get Connected Access with 10 years of standard connectivity, which enables services such as Buick Smart Driver and Vehicle Diagnostics at no additional cost. You can add unlimited data for $25 x month.
For an additional fee you can also add Remote Access for $14.99 x month or $149 x year, or Unlimited Access for $39.99 per month to connect to more available features, such as remote vehicle start and unlimited 4G LTE Wi-Fi data.
The Envision Driver Information Center is very smart and displays fuel level, outside temperature, compass and other information about the interior and exterior.
The Buick Envision AWD Premium II comes standard with Buick Infotainment System with Navigation and 8″ diagonal color touch-screen. I like the Envision infotainment but I believe there is still room for improvement on the touch screen quality and also on a more intuitive set up and navigation menu.
As part of many great features, enjoy available wireless charging inside the pocket in front of the center console, to keep your compatible smartphone charged and keep the cabin cable free.
Teen Driver mode helps you monitor and coach your teen’s driving behavior. On the Envision you can set up a speed alert, audio volume limit and enable many available active safety features. Use the in-vehicle report card to track your teen’s performance and make sure everyone driving the Envision stays safe.
Boss Audio Quality
The audio quality of the Envision AWD Premium II, is also something that can impress the most demanding drivers.
The Premium II includes a Bose 7 speakers that provides clear, authentic acoustic reproduction with premium speakers positioned throughout the cabin. It sounds great!
Very high quality response with great low and high frequencies to enjoy FM or AM radio, media, sirius xm satellite radio, and other apps available.
Apple CarPlay compatibility to connect with iPhones, iPads or other Apple products. Also Android Auto compatibility to connect with compatible smartphones.
Trims
The Envision is offered in five different trim models.
- Envision 1sv
- Preferred
- Essence
- Premium
- Premium II
Standard features include 18-inch wheels, xenon headlights, fog lamps, a panoramic sunroof, a rear door for hands-free with adjustable opening heights, rear parking sensors. Also standard includes the OnStar service, with 4G LTE connection and a Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth, an 8-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smart phone integration, and a six-speaker sound system with satellite radio.
The Essence Trim adds three-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated steering wheel and memory in the driver’s seat.
The Premium model offers a 19-inch wheels, LED headlights, a larger information screen for the driver and a Bose premium seven-speaker audio system. The Premium II version adds automatic high beams, wireless charging, an automated parking system, a navigation system, a front viewing screen, an extendable thigh support for the driver’s seat and ventilated front seats.
The Premium II that I am test driving, is available only as AWD with a 2.0L Turbo 4-cylinder engine.
Pricing
The Envision 2019 is available with a starting price of $33,190 on the Envision 1sv and goes all the way up to $44,795 on the top of the line, the Premium II.
If we compare all the features included, quality, performance, beautiful exterior and luxury interior, the Premium II is a good buy at a price near $44K. Especially for those who know Buick well and understand all the quality, value, features and luxury included in the Envision.
