2018 Buick Enclave Avenir test drive...
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,475
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From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
No. The Enclave comes from the same platform as the Lacrosse. I was talking about the Regal.
I was replying to a reference to it, but can't find the initial post any more...perhaps it was deleted.
Did you get my later question about the red warning lights on the test-drive?
(check post #15).
Last edited by mmarshall; Dec 21, 2017 at 06:15 AM.
Aron that's not true (just fake wood and chrome for thousands) the Avenir has features like adapting suspension not available on lower trims. From Buick...
- Avenir Technology Package is available on Avenir and includes Adaptive Full-Speed Cruise Control with Stop/Go, Front Automatic Braking, a Premium Suspension Package and Continuously Variable Real Time Damping
yes there's no mention of regal in this thread which is why i was confused, besides it being completely irrelevant.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,475
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From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
So basically this Avenir thing is like the GMC Denali, a clever way to get you to pay a few thousand dollars more for a bit of chrome trim, big wheels, and fake wood. At least with the Denali you get the big 6.2 liter V8 vs the standard 5.3 V8 in your regular Suburban/Yukon/Tahoe/Silverado/Sierra. The Avenir line, looks like they're selling the same engines as the base models.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,475
Likes: 252
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
OK...I thought he was referring to the big V8 Denali. You're right...there is a smaller Acadia Denali too. Yes....like the Avenir, it is a trim level.
Sorry, Aron, if I misunderstood your post.
Lead Lap
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 4,892
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From: Virginia
So basically this Avenir thing is like the GMC Denali, a clever way to get you to pay a few thousand dollars more for a bit of chrome trim, big wheels, and fake wood. At least with the Denali you get the big 6.2 liter V8 vs the standard 5.3 V8 in your regular Suburban/Yukon/Tahoe/Silverado/Sierra. The Avenir line, looks like they're selling the same engines as the base models.
Jeep is starting to have similar success with "Overland" and "Trailhawk" for the various Jeep model lines.
Avenir is definitely trying to establish this for the Buick brand. Does it have enough differentiation and pop that consumers are looking for? Not sure yet.
High Country is the Chevrolet attempt.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 12,559
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From: Illinois
The Denali trim level has definitely established itself on GMC vehicles. I was surprised to see the Acadia outsells the Enclave by over 2 to 1 (YTD 100k +32% vs. 43k -10%). Buick needs the Avenir trim to catch on.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2011
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From: ON/NY
The Denali trim is nice. I believe it was first to market back in 97 or 98? Kinda like a pebble beach edition Lexus. I remember the first Yukon Denali, such a cool idea. The came Escalade or perhaps they both came at the same time.I honestly doubt the Avenir trim will catch on. The Buick models are selling for 25% off on rebate, it tells me they are priced to high. So now they have another higher priced trim? And Buick was pretty much forced to lower the starting price of the LaCrosse out of the gate. Buick should of built that two door Abenir to help with the brand.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,475
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From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
Here in America, of course, the small Encore SUV pretty much carries the brand's banner.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Oct 2015
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From: CA
The Denali trim is nice. I believe it was first to market back in 97 or 98? Kinda like a pebble beach edition Lexus. I remember the first Yukon Denali, such a cool idea. The came Escalade or perhaps they both came at the same time.I honestly doubt the Avenir trim will catch on. The Buick models are selling for 25% off on rebate, it tells me they are priced to high. So now they have another higher priced trim? And Buick was pretty much forced to lower the starting price of the LaCrosse out of the gate. Buick should of built that two door Abenir to help with the brand.
All vehicles are over priced, but GM is a master at it.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Southeastern PA
While I respect your view on it, I'm going to disagree. I'm not a big fan of rain-sensors myself. First, if the sensors mess up during an automated car wash, it can cause real problems (some vehicles have an on/off switch for that to disable the system). Second, it's fine if the glass is otherwise clean, with only water droplets on it....it won't harm the glass. But, if, as with many windshields most of the time, you have got even small amounts of dust, dirt, salt, small tree/branch droppings, bird/insect-droppings, etc, on it, and then a few raindrops fall and trigger the sensors, those sensors will start rubbing and abrading the dirt and contaminents against the glass as the wipers start going back and forth. The result can be fine arc-shaped lines and scratches to appear in the glass...which gradually build up with time. That's also why it's important to replace wiper blades regularly, to have good rubber on the blades that has not deteriorated and become abrasive.
You don't like rain sensing wipers--no problem--turn them to off.
