Enclave ushers in the arrival of Buick’s new luxury sub-brand

Buick has undergone major changes in the past decade or so, as the brand continues to try to revamp its image. Gone are the days when Buick’s were mostly considered as something driven by people’s grandparents, as nowadays the company is capable of competing with all the top car manufacturers in terms of style, safety, performance and choice. The company’s new rebranding looks set to take another huge leap forward in 2018 with the release of the new Buick Enclave Avenir luxury mid-sized crossover.

Announced at the 2017 New York International Auto Show, Avenir is Buick’s new top-of-the-line trim level designed for the growing number of car buyers looking for a more affordable alternative to other high-priced luxury brands. The announcement was met with much fanfare, as it should allow customers to enjoy a huge range of top-end, premium features without the premium price tag.

Although the Avenir package is undoubtedly the standout, the entire 2018 Enclave line has been completely redesigned to increase both performance and visual appeal. With a sleek, lower roofline, brand new lighting system and longer wheelbase, the 2018 Enclave’s redesigned aesthetic is sure to make it appeal to an even wider demographic. As well, despite what you may think from looking at its sleek new exterior, none of the changes required sacrificing interior space.

In fact, the 2018 Enclave also features a redesigned seven-seat interior that provides a 10 percent increase in total interior volume over the previous year’s model, and with the rear two rows of seats folded down, drivers can take advantage of a total cargo capacity of up to 97.6 cubic feet.

Improvements were also made under the hood to ensure the 2018 Enclave also has improved power and performance. Whereas the 2017 model is limited to a maximum of 288 horsepower, Buick improved the Enclave’s 3.6-liter V6 engine to increase its total output to 302 horsepower.

Although the Avenir sub-brand was originally unveiled as part of a concept car in 2015, the 2018 Enclave Avenir marks the first time it will be available to the general public. Still, if the previews are anything to go by, it won’t be long before the Avenir package is available on most, if not all of Buick models.

Drivers who choose the Enclave Avenir will benefit from stylish 20-inch aluminum rims instead of the standard 18-inch rims, as well as the model’s signature black mesh grill and five premium paint colors. On the inside, the Enclave Avenir is available in choice of Chestnut or Ebony premium upholstery complete with contrast stitching and piping. Other signature features include embroidered headrests, special Avenir floor mats and a wood-accented steering wheel.

Of course, all Enclave’s also benefit from Buick’s fantastic safety features, including 17 different sensors that ensure you remain safe on the road. All of this seems to ensure that the 2018 Enclave and the new Avenir sub-brand are will help push Buick even further towards its goal of becoming America’s top car brand.