Buick today launched its new Encore series, which includes the all-new Encore small SUV and Encore GX compact SUV, in China.
The Encore, Buick’s first SUV built in China, originally went on sale in 2012. The long-wheelbase Encore GX is a new addition to the family, positioned between the smaller Encore and the larger Envision.
The launch of the all-new Encore and Encore GX is part of Buick’s plan to introduce eight new and refreshed products this year and more than 20 new and refreshed models between 2019 and 2023 in China.
“Buick has been at the forefront of delivering innovative models with electrification, connectivity, intelligence and sharing to match consumer preferences in China,” said Molly Peck, executive director of Buick for SAIC-GM.
“The arrival of the all-new Encore and Encore GX, followed by the all-new Enclave later this year, will complement the popular Envision,” she added. “It will give Buick a strong presence across small, compact, midsize and large SUVs in its largest market – strengthening the brand’s overall competitiveness in one of the most competitive segments.”
Encore
The all-new Encore small SUV has a length of 4,295 mm, width of 1,798 mm, height of 1,616 mm and wheelbase of 2,570 mm. Front and rear passenger space has been significantly improved. The upgraded interior also has 20 cleverly designed storage spaces to meet the needs of all users.
Customers have a choice of GM’s eighth-generation Ecotec 1.3T intelligent direct injection turbocharged engine mated with a new continuously variable transmission (CVT) or Ecotec 1.0T engine mated with a six-speed Dynamic Start/Stop Shift (DSS) transmission. The 1.0T engine delivers maximum power of 92 kW and maximum torque of 180 Nm, resulting in fuel consumption of 5.5 liters per 100 km. Both engines comply with the China 6-B emission standard.
As a model targeted at China’s internet generation, the all-new Encore adopts Buick’s eConnect 2.0 connectivity technology. It offers smart navigation, entertainment, music, news, real-time weather and traffic through in-vehicle apps. It also supports over-the-air (OTA) updates, Super ID, Apple CarPlay and Baidu CarLife. Customers can enjoy 24G of free 4G LTE data service every year for the entire life of the vehicle.
The all-new Encore is available in four variants with five exterior colors, priced between RMB 125,900 and RMB 155,900.
Encore GX
The Encore GX has a length of 4,463 mm, width of 1,813 mm, height of 1,653 mm and wheelbase of 2,640 mm, providing an especially roomy interior with 1,415 liters of space.
Like the all-new Encore, the Encore GX also adopts GM eighth-generation Ecotec engines that meet China’s latest emission standard. Its Ecotec 1.3T engine delivers maximum power of 121 kW @ 5,600 rpm and maximum torque of 240 Nm between 1,500 and 4,000 rpm. The fuel economy of the Encore GX is as low as 5.9 liters per 100 km.
Buyers similarly have a choice of a new nine-speed Hydra-Matic transmission or a new continuously variable transmission (CVT). The nine-speed transmission’s all-wheel-drive (AWD) system can manually switch between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. This enables it to handle different road conditions while providing a balance between dynamic performance, handling and fuel efficiency.
The Encore GX is designed to meet the China New Car Assessment Program (C-NCAP) maximum five-star safety standard. All variants come with an array of advanced technologies that include Bosch's Electronic Stability Program (ESP), E-boost electronic power brakes, Hill Start Assist (HSA), Rollover Mitigation (ROM), the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and a reverse camera.
Adding to its superior safety, the Encore GX is also available with pedestrian detection (PD), collision mitigation braking (CMB), lane keep assist (LKA), Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Lane Change Alert (LCA) and 18-inch Continental tires.
Available in four variants with seven exterior colors, the Encore GX is priced between RMB 155,900 and RMB 185,900.
Both the all-new Encore and the Encore GX are covered by SAIC-GM’s new quality assurance warranty of eight years or 160,000 km for major components, including the engine and transmission.
