Buick Reinvents Itself with Stylish New Envista Crossover

The sleek crossover Buick Envista was spotted earlier this year (2024), catching attention with its stylish hatchback design and coupe-like roofline. The modernized Buick tri-shield badge and the name Envista indicated a shift for Buick, traditionally seen as a retiree’s brand, towards a cooler, more contemporary image.

This transformation began with a sketch in 2018 by a Buick design team member, which caught the eye of Bob Boniface, Buick’s global design director. Boniface, known for reviving the fifth-generation Camaro and the Chevy Volt, turned this sketch into a clay model. When GM’s senior vice president of global design, Michael Simcoe, saw the model, it evolved into the Wildcat EV concept, a car that redefined Buick’s design language. The Wildcat EV’s sculpted surfaces and innovative design marked a departure from traditional Buick models, paving the way for the Envista.

GM’s new Design West building, which houses Buick’s brand studio and Chevrolet, GMC, and Cadillac, showcases this design evolution. The space features around 40 art installations by employees and includes the Buick Y-Job from 1938, the industry’s first concept car, highlighting Buick’s history of innovation. Despite advanced machinery, much of the design process, including the sculpting of clay models, remains a hands-on task, adding a unique depth to the projects.

The Wildcat EV concept and the Envista exemplify Buick’s new design philosophy, focusing on surfaces and forms rather than just lines and creases. Boniface explains that this approach, which manages visual mass by capturing light in specific ways, is more challenging but adds a human touch to the designs.

Buick has redefined its brand as “premium,” resulting in significant growth. In 2023, Buick’s sales increased by around 60%, with 70% of buyers new to the brand. The Envista attracts the youngest buyers in GM’s portfolio. GM president Mark Reuss, who has a personal connection to Buick, expressed excitement about the brand’s resurgence. His career began at GM as a transmission calibrator for Buick, and his father was once the general manager of Buick.

Buick’s fresh lineup, including the new three-row Enclave, marks a significant turnaround. The Envista, starting at $22,900* (excludes taxes and destination fees) with the top-tier Avenir trim at $28,600* (excludes taxes and destination fees), offers competitive pricing with refinement and quietness typically found in more expensive cars. While modest in power, its three-cylinder engine is adequate for city driving and avoids the typical whininess of smaller engines. With ample back seat space and cargo capacity, the Envista is a compelling option in its segment, rivaling models like the Mazda CX-30 with its modern infotainment system and value.

Buick, GM’s best-selling nameplate in China, now aims to reestablish its presence in the U.S., with the Envista leading the charge.

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