A Breakdown of Buick’s Transformation into the Cool New Envista

Earlier this year (2024), a sleek new crossover on the road caught the world by storm with its clean yet intriguing design—a hatchback with stylish flair and a coupe-like roofline that stood out among typical crossovers. The badge revealed it was a Buick, featuring a modernized version of the brand’s signature tri-shield. Envista’s name was prominently displayed next to the badge, prompting the thought, “Since when did Buicks become cool?”

Buick, historically favored by retirees, has been undergoing a significant transformation. This evolution began with a sketch in 2018 from a Buick design team member, which caught the eye of Bob Boniface, Buick’s Global Design Director. Boniface, known for his work on the fifth-generation Camaro and the Chevy Volt, saw potential in the sketch. The sketch then transformed into a clay model, which impressed General Motors’ Senior Vice President of Global Design, Michael Simcoe. Originally intended as an internal design study, it evolved into the Wildcat EV concept—a striking vehicle that marked a new design direction for Buick. With its dynamic sculpted surfaces, the Wildcat EV embodied a fresh aesthetic far removed from the classic LeSabre, influencing the design of the Envista.

To delve deeper into Buick’s transformation, visiting GM’s new Design West building, home to Buick’s brand studio, was enlightening. This expansive space, an extension of Eero Saarinen’s original design, features around 40 art installations by current and former employees. The second floor houses the 1938 Buick Y-Job, the industry’s first concept car, highlighting Buick’s historical innovation.

Inside the design studios, several hundred yards long, humans and machines work together to mill and sculpt life-size clay models. Despite advanced automation, much of the design process, including clay sculpting, is still done by hand, adding depth and soul to the projects that computers alone cannot achieve.

This human touch is evident in the Wildcat EV concept and the Envista. Buick’s new design language emphasizes surface and forms over lines and creases. Bob Boniface explains that capturing light in a specific way and managing visual mass is more challenging than applying creases, yet it defines Buick’s contemporary aesthetic.

The Envista embodies this design philosophy, showcasing the brand’s commitment to design excellence. Described as “premium” by Buick, the brand’s identity could be seen as near-luxury or distinguished mass market. The results speak for themselves: in 2023, Buick saw a 60% year-over-year growth, with 70% of buyers new to the brand. The Envista attracts the youngest demographic in GM’s portfolio.

GM President Mark Reuss has a personal connection to Buick. He started his career at GM as a transmission calibrator for Buick in Flint, Michigan, and his father was also a former general manager of Buick. Reuss reminisces about his time working on various Buick models and expresses excitement about the brand’s resurgence. Buick will have one of the freshest lineups in the industry, including the new three-row Enclave.

Driving the Envista, the model that initially caught attention reveals its appeal. Priced competitively, starting at $22,900* (excludes taxes and destination fees), with the top Avenir trim at $28,600*, it offers the refinement and quietness of a much more expensive car. Its 3-cylinder engine, producing 136 horsepower, is sufficient for city driving without the whininess common in smaller engines. The backseat and cargo space are ample for its size, and parking in the city is effortless. While there are faster cars in this segment, few offer the Envista’s combination of comfort, style, and a robust modern infotainment system. The Mazda CX-30 is a close competitor, but the Envista may provide better value.

Buick remains GM’s best-selling nameplate in China, a status held since Pu Yi, the last emperor. However, experiencing the Envista affirms that Buick also has a significant place in the U.S. market.

Test-Drive Your 2024 Buick Envista at Southern Buick Greenbrier 

A beautiful 2024 Buick Envista is collecting dust just for you at Southern Buick GMC Greenbrier. If a commanding pickup is not your thing, then don’t fret. We offer a full selection of new vehicles or pre-owned options. Additionally, our passionate finance team will get you settled into a finance or lease plan that works for you rather than the other way around. However, if you are still getting ready for a seamless transition, we have the best professional technicians within our Buick GMC service department. Southern Buick GMC Greenbrier offers premium vehicles and services at your fingertips, with thousands of customers served in the Chesapeake area. We look forward to hearing from you and exceeding your expectations. 

Photo Source/Copyright: Buick