What Is It?
Buick Enclave
What's Special About It?
Introduced in a flurry of smoke, flowing drapery and partially bare bosoms, Buick's Enclave luxury SUV concept is an expression of the company's craftsmanship, comfort and technical sophistication. It's also a sneak peek at the production version of the Enclave crossover, which is expected to go on sale in 2007, replacing the Rendezvous and Rainier.
Buick says the production version of the vehicle will deliver the build quality of a Gibson Les Paul guitar, the technology of an Apple iPod and the precision of a Cannondale time trial bicycle. Until then, however, the Enclave is an exquisite piece of show-car craftsmanship with some fairly good ideas rolled into a package that's pleasing to the eye — if you're into that kind of thing.
Enclave's exterior styling is dominated by the wide stance and massive 21-inch wheels. The hood forms a V-shape between the grille and front fenders and is trimmed with portholes similar to those on the Lucerne sedan.
Inside, there are six seats arranged in three rows. There's a large sunroof which extends between the first and third-row seats. The Enclave's heritage forward interior design theme combines round gauges, wood and leather trim and numerous amenities into the style of classic Buicks.
Enclave is being developed on GM's new Lambda vehicle architecture. It rides on a 119-inch wheelbase which makes it longer than an Acura MDX but shorter than a Mercedes-Benz R-Class. Power comes from a 270-hp, 3.6-liter V6 with dual-overhead camshafts and variable valve timing. A six-speed automatic transmission drives all four wheels.
What's Edmunds' Take?
The world needs another crossover SUV like Detroit needs another nasty winter. Even so, the Enclave is among the nicest we've seen. And if Buick can price it between its Asian and German competition it might very well find its own niche. — Josh Jacquot
Buick Enclave
What's Special About It?
Introduced in a flurry of smoke, flowing drapery and partially bare bosoms, Buick's Enclave luxury SUV concept is an expression of the company's craftsmanship, comfort and technical sophistication. It's also a sneak peek at the production version of the Enclave crossover, which is expected to go on sale in 2007, replacing the Rendezvous and Rainier.
Buick says the production version of the vehicle will deliver the build quality of a Gibson Les Paul guitar, the technology of an Apple iPod and the precision of a Cannondale time trial bicycle. Until then, however, the Enclave is an exquisite piece of show-car craftsmanship with some fairly good ideas rolled into a package that's pleasing to the eye — if you're into that kind of thing.
Enclave's exterior styling is dominated by the wide stance and massive 21-inch wheels. The hood forms a V-shape between the grille and front fenders and is trimmed with portholes similar to those on the Lucerne sedan.
Inside, there are six seats arranged in three rows. There's a large sunroof which extends between the first and third-row seats. The Enclave's heritage forward interior design theme combines round gauges, wood and leather trim and numerous amenities into the style of classic Buicks.
Enclave is being developed on GM's new Lambda vehicle architecture. It rides on a 119-inch wheelbase which makes it longer than an Acura MDX but shorter than a Mercedes-Benz R-Class. Power comes from a 270-hp, 3.6-liter V6 with dual-overhead camshafts and variable valve timing. A six-speed automatic transmission drives all four wheels.
What's Edmunds' Take?
The world needs another crossover SUV like Detroit needs another nasty winter. Even so, the Enclave is among the nicest we've seen. And if Buick can price it between its Asian and German competition it might very well find its own niche. — Josh Jacquot
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