Sunday, May 3, 2020

Buick updates Encore sub-compact luxury crossover with new GX ST model


A few years ago, Buick (and GM) took a leap and brought a new, Korean-made, smaller crossover into the US market with the intro of the Encore. Pundits and automotive insiders thought Buick was crazy, until they sold as many as they could produce. Seems folks wanted a little luxury with their small CUVs. Worked for Mini right? Soon, just about everyone had a "sub-compact" luxury crossover offering. But Buick's Encore was still (relatively) popular. For 2020, Buick has added a new model to the recently updated Encore with the addition of the GX ST. The Encore GX ST is meant to add a sporting flair to the littlest Buick and it does. The new Encore is more attractive and the black ST accents go well with the more sculptural design. Engines include the standard 1.2-liter turbo or the premium 1.3-liter turbo engine with the larger engine delivering up to 155 horsepower, 174 ft-lbs. of torque and offer a GM-estimated 31 mpg combined. FWD (front-wheel-drive) models will come with a CVT (continuously-variable-transmission) and 1.3-liter models equipped with AWD (all-wheel-drive) will be fitted with GM's nine-speed automatic. Yeah efficiency is in, drag racing is out. Most of GM's suite of safety- and technology-equipment will be either standard or available as an option (see press release after the "read more" jump). Buick's new Encore GX ST is an attractive option for those of who want a little lux in our mini-sized rides. The new Encore should be at your local Buick dealer now, Covid-19 allowing.

Source: Pics and press release courtesy of Buick.






Buick’s Encore GX offers safety, convenience and functionality important to today’s SUV buyers
Sport Touring package gives owners distinctive, exclusive design features

The new Encore GX grows Buick’s SUV portfolio, as the brand strengthens its focus on beautiful, premium SUVs. The Encore GX offers safety technologies, driver assistance and convenience features, functionality and style tailored around the size and space preferences of today’s small and compact SUV buyers.

“Premium SUV buyers are looking for features that fit their lifestyle priorities, and Buick is giving customers more segment choices with our new Encore GX,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president, Global Buick and GMC. “As we look to the future of Buick, and customer demand trends, our four-SUV portfolio puts us in a strong competitive position across the most popular SUV segments.”

More safety and connectivity features
The Encore GX will offer a suite of standard and available safety and driver assistance technologies and features that are typically offered in larger, more expensive vehicles. These six safety technologies* will be standard on all trim levels:
  • Forward Collision Alert
  • Automatic Emergency Braking
  • Front Pedestrian Braking
  • Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
  • Following Distance Indicator
  • IntelliBeam headlamps with automatically-adjusting high/low beams
Some of the available safety and driver assistance technologies and features for the Encore GX will include:
  • Rear Park Assist*
  • Rear Cross Traffic Alert*
  • Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert*
  • Rear Camera Mirror*, provides a wide, less obstructed rear view while parking and driving
  • Hands-Free Power Liftgate with logo projection, one of only two vehicles within the compact SUV segment to offer this feature
  • Adaptive Cruise Control – Camera* (camera-based)
  • Head-Up Display
  • Automatic Parking Assist with Braking*
  • High Definition Surround Vision* camera system
The Encore GX will have the latest in infotainment and connectivity, such as Apple CarPlay1, Android Auto2, available wireless charging3 and Bluetooth pairing4, which will allow up to two phones to be paired at the same time. The Encore GX will also support SiriusXM’s next generation audio entertainment platform, SiriusXM with 360L5, which combines satellite and streaming to deliver more channels, plus access to both live and on demand shows and musical performances. This gives drivers and their passengers more control over what they listen to and when and improves listeners’ ability to discover more great content across SiriusXM.

Style and functionality

Aldred added, “Filling the spot between the smaller Encore and the larger Envision and Enclave models, the Encore GX is another proof point that Buick is The Premium SUV Brand. Just as we did with the Enclave in 2008 and the Encore in 2013, we identified a growing market niche and moved quickly to introduce a new vehicle to fill it.”

The Encore GX has a confident stance with a wide, modern grille and 18-inch aluminum wheels. Buyers can also enhance the look with the optional Sport Touring package. The Encore GX ST will have exclusive wheels, body-color surrounds and a distinctive black mesh grille with red accents connected through both the front and rear bumpers.

Inside, the Encore GX embodies the quality cabin experience that Buick customers expect, including the brand’s signature QuietTuning, which helps to minimize road noise inside the vehicle, as well as premium materials and available features, like leather-appointed seats, a heated steering wheel and an ionizing air filter.

The functional interior is designed to help you easily carry both passengers and cargo, with 94.3 cubic feet for passengers and 25.3 cubic feet for cargo6 behind the second row. The Encore GX will have a standard, adjustable two-stage load floor, giving owners the flexibility for either more under-floor storage or a cargo floor that is level with the folded seats, depending on their specific needs.

For even more flexibility, the Encore GX’s front passenger seat folds flat and the 40/60 folding second row is optimized with the narrower section behind the driver’s seat to better accommodate an 8-foot long object diagonally from the passenger seat to the rear driver’s side.

Performance
The Encore GX will come with either a standard 1.2L turbo or premium 1.3L turbo engine, and will deliver up to 155 horsepower, 174 ft-lbs. of torque and offer a GM-estimated 31 mpg combined (based on GM testing. Official EPA estimates not yet available).

In the front-wheel drive models, both engines will come with a standard Continuously Variable Transmission that helps maintain peak performance for responsive acceleration and the power to pass and merge into fast-moving traffic.

For all-wheel drive models, the 1.3L will be paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The AWD models will also have a disable switch, giving drivers the choice between AWD, when more traction is needed, or FWD, for improved fuel-economy when conditions allow.

The Encore GX arrives at Buick dealers across North America in early 2020.

Buick vehicles offer sculptural designs, refined performance, modern interiors and thoughtful personal technologies. Buick’s award-winning customer service and sales experience, along with the Avenir trim, the highest expression of Buick luxury, are attracting new buyers to experience Buick’s unique approach to attainable luxury. More information about Buick vehicles is available at buick.com.

*Safety or driver assistance features are no substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. The driver should remain attentive to traffic, surroundings and road conditions at all times. Visibility, weather and road conditions may affect feature performance. Read the vehicle Owner’s Manual for more important feature limitations and information.

1Apple CarPlay: Vehicle user interface is a product of Apple and its terms and privacy statements apply. Requires compatible iPhone and data plan rates apply. Apple CarPlay is a trademark of Apple Inc. Siri, iPhone and Apple Music are trademarks for Apple Inc, registered in the U.S. and other countries.
2Android Auto: Vehicle user interface is a product of Google and its terms and privacy statements apply. Requires the Android Auto app on Google Play and an Android compatible smartphone running AndroidTM 5.0 or higher. Data plan rates apply. Android Auto is a trademark of Google LLC.
3The system wirelessly charges one compatible mobile device. Some phones have built-in wireless charging technology and others require a special adaptor/back cover. To check for phone or other devise capability, see my Buick.com/learn or consult your carrier.
4Full Bluetooth feature functionality varies by device, model and software version.
5Some features, including steaming content and listening recommendations require GM connected vehicle services. For the full SiriusXM with 360L experience, a SiriusXM All Access Package is required. Connected vehicle services vary by vehicle model and require active service plan, working electrical system, cell reception and GPS signal. See onstar.com for details and limitations. If you decide to continue service after your trial subscription, your selected subscription plan will automatically renew thereafter. You will be charged at then-current rates. Fees and taxes apply. To cancel, you must call SiriusXM at 1-866-635-2349. See SiriusXM Customer Agreement for complete terms at siriusxm.com. All fees and programming subject to change. c2019 Sirius XM Radio Inc. All rights reserved.
6Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and distribution.

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