Test drive Buick Envision PLUS: The weak lie flat, the strong change
Chinese brand hybrid SUVs (including plug-in hybrids and range-extended) currently have two dense price bands:
One is the 120,000-180,000 yuan market, and the other is the 250,000-300,000 yuan market. Chinese brands, with their economic advantage primarily based on comprehensive energy consumption, have put pressure on the low and top trims of traditional fuel joint venture brand SUVs from both ends.
The impact at the lower end is the most intense, pulling the joint venture threshold directly from 200,000 to around 150,000 yuan. The impact at the top is also very critical, with the higher-end segment of leading joint venture mid-size SUVs facing more challenges from new force models such as the Ideal L6 and the Enovate M7.
And the strong leaders, without exception, have all proclaimed "oil and electricity share intelligence."
The German brand's all-new generation model I tested ten days ago was like this, and the Buick Encore PLUS I tested last week was the same.The current German and American car systems, which are brave in transformation, have a more enterprising spirit than the Japanese system that is reducing prices.
The logic here is that there will always be a portion of people who continue to choose traditional fuel vehicles, and this group of people often start from the needs of a long life cycle and believe that fuel vehicles are more reliable. However, this also puts forward a new requirement - a longer life cycle requires the product to have as good a user experience as possible, and the configuration should be as high as possible, especially fuel vehicle users also hope to have intelligence that can keep up with the trend of the times - although, this kind of intelligence may not be the same as refrigerators and color TVs.
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So, let's see how the new generation of Angkewei PLUS chooses to change today.
First is the subversive feeling of appearance. I didn't expect that Angkewei PLUS would use the PURE Design pure design concept. The relatively young front face makes Angkewei PLUS transition from a mature middle-aged luxury feeling to a young luxury feeling, which also means that the audience will be updated.The larger body, combined with the mountain range grille, gives it a more aggressive aura despite having a similar grille to other models. The adaptive matrix headlights feature a split design, complemented by blade-like lines, transforming the once representative American luxury of the Buick Envision into a sporty style with a sharp, flattened edge.
The side profile of the vehicle remains imposing, with a wheelbase that exceeds 2.8 meters, second only to the five-seat version of the Highlander. At this size, new force models like the Ideal L6 and the AITO M7 often appear bulky and dull due to a lack of design elements. However, the Buick Envision PLUS is large yet refined, with complex waistlines and door panel lines that fluctuate, along with essential chrome decorations. To be honest, after seeing too much of the minimalist style from new forces, the traditional brands' designs may have a better grasp of a sense of luxury.
In terms of details, this Avenir version of the test drive model is equipped with not only side badges but also Continental PC6 self-sealing tires.
The rear is highlighted by a stretched light strip that emphasizes the width of the body, and the large rear window also gives a sense of luxury. The trunk is neatly large and wide, practical enough for use.The changes in the interior are as revolutionary as those in the exterior. The 30-inch integrated arc 6K screen currently appears in high-end Buick models and all-new Cadillac models, and this change has also significantly altered the structure of the interior instrument panel of the Encore PLUS. Along with this comes a more streamlined and three-dimensional "tailoring" of the instrument panel, which visually appears more sporty.
The blue top covering and perforated color-changing leather belong to the premium features of the Avenir model. The exquisiteness of the interior decorations extends even to the top anchor points of the seat belts. The seating experience in the Avenir model is quite impressive; this is a seat design that, without pursuing the size of space occupation, is solely oriented towards comfort. The dual-hardness foaming takes into account both the sinking feeling of a sofa and the support needed for long-distance travel.
In fact, seats have always been one of the major challenges for new force models. NIO spent five years before using its self-developed seat platform in the second generation of models, solving the ergonomic issues that were criticized by the first generation of car owners. Even after the mid-cycle refresh, the comfort of the seat frame of the Denza D9 still cannot compete with the newly launched GL8 plug-in hybrid.A few days ago, I tried a model from a certain Chinese brand that claims to "trounce joint ventures at 200,000 yuan," but I could never find a comfortable point for the lumbar support adjustment. However, during the same period over the past ten days, I continuously experienced the seats of a new German model and the Buick Envision PLUS, and their comfort is truly commendable.
It has to be said that the basic product strength of joint venture models is very profound. The PPT comparisons of new car companies in terms of power data, fuel consumption data, and feature stacking can easily create illusions for consumers.
This is because many subtle but critical experiences cannot be reflected in numbers.
Specifically, for the Avenir model of the Buick Envision PLUS, the seat design is more aesthetically sophisticated than its peers in the SUV category. For instance, its Moli leather upholstery undergoes 38 processing steps from raw hide to finished product, restoring the soft and comfortable natural touch of cowhide. Additionally, the 3D mesh composite layer between the seat surface and the foam enhances surface support, resistance to wrinkling, durability, and breathability.
So, both visually and tactilely, my impression is that it has surpassed its class at a price point of over 200,000 yuan.Additionally, the key second row section of the Envision PLUS does not cater to the dual needs of five and seven seats, and there is no need to develop it for two impact tests. Therefore, the seat position is calibrated solely based on the comfort of the second row. The new model has adjusted the backrest angle of the second-row seats by 2 degrees, increased the cushion length by 20mm, and reduced the floor height by 50mm. This set of data is something that plug-in hybrid or extended-range models, which need to cram batteries into the chassis, cannot achieve. You can only understand it by trying it in person. At a price of over 200,000, the advantage of traditional fuel SUVs in rear comfort is significant.
Finally, in terms of dynamics, the 2.0T+9AT+48V mild hybrid remains unchanged. There is a brief electrical sensation at startup, and the acceleration at medium and low speeds is smooth and uniform. With a deeper throttle opening and acceleration in the mid to high range, you can feel a delicate and pleasant engine sound—despite it being a four-cylinder engine, the sound optimization is very satisfying.
After the rise of the new energy wave, the low-power 2.0T can no longer be defined as "adequate." I believe that the high-power 2.0T of the Envision PLUS is truly adequate, with 174kW and 350N·m being a very qualified but normal power data for today. An acceleration of 8.1 seconds per 100 kilometers is not fast but also not sluggish. The timely four-wheel drive is very important for self-driving tours. Since fuel vehicles in 2024 are meant to accompany families for more years, the timely four-wheel drive's consideration for fuel consumption and icy road conditions allows for more peace of mind during every trip.
The chassis tuning has the resilience we are familiar with in high-end fuel vehicles. It handles small bumps steadily, large bumps without shaking, and corners without swaying. The overall stability is comfortable and composed, while also accommodating the control pleasure when driving alone.The intelligent driving aspect has a bit of a gap compared to the new forces, but the LCC intelligent lane centering assistance has been upgraded with a congestion assistance feature. The vehicle actively maintains a centered lane position within a speed range of 0-80 km/h. In urban areas with heavy traffic, this can alleviate the fatigue of driving, which can be considered as addressing most of the essential needs for intelligent driving. If in the future, traditional fuel vehicles, SUVs priced at over 200,000, could offer high-speed NOA (Navigation on Autopilot), I would not ask for more.
Conclusion by the driver:
No matter how popular new energy vehicles become, there will always be people who buy fuel vehicles.
The fuel SUVs that can remain in the mid-size SUV market must be all-round warriors, ensuring that consumers do not have to compromise on other aspects for the sake of fuel. Once a choice is made, my advice is to commit to the purchase. A comfortable, intelligent, and luxurious five-seater vehicle that can take the whole family on a worry-free trip, with comfort permeating specific usage scenarios and details.It is perhaps the optimal emotional value they can bring to people.
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