The Buick Brand Has Us Excited for the First Time in Awhile
Years ago, Buick was an icon of American auto manufacturers. With models like the Riviera coupe and GSX muscle car, the company produced cars that were elegant and fast. Yet, in recent times, its vehicles haven’t had the same energy.
Recently, Buick’s had a lineup of unappealing SUVs, and after the cancellation of several sedans and cars, there’s been little in the way of news and announcements. However, the brand’s finally making moves, and we’re excited about what the future holds. Let’s review Buick’s new direction and what consumers can expect in the next few years.
Buick’s new branding and design
Central to any automotive brand is its overall feel and personality. A big part of that is branding, logos, and design language. Recently, Buick has set a new tone for the years ahead.
Starting with its corporate logo, Buick shows a more contemporary look. The classic company badge—cascading red, white, and blue shields—looks more at home on a 1960s luxury coupe. However, the new logo’s lined-up chiseled shields look modern and sleek.
Meanwhile, the new 2024 Buick Envista shows the company’s move toward a new design language. The crossover uses signature wing lighting front and rear, with slit-like headlamps and taillights. A large mesh grille looks off a European sports sedan. Taut proportions and a low roofline create an athletic feel. As the company says, “Evista rounds out Buick’s North American portfolio with an approachable yet high-end offering.”
The starting point for this new look is the Buick Wildcat EV concept car. Long and lean, the show vehicle looks like a muscular animal on the prowl. Bright aluminum highlights add panache, while aerodynamic vents hint at its performance. Check-mark lighting front and rear serves as a key aspect of the bodywork. Lastly, a trapezoidal grille show this cat’s ready to run.
Upcoming Buick models set a new path forward
GM Authority reports Buick will introduce five new U.S. models over the next 18 months. Each uses the Wildcat’s signature design elements, giving the brand a new personality. Meanwhile, Buick’s current lineup is getting refreshed and redesigned with new looks and features.
Featuring a value-focused price and sports sedan dynamics, the 2024 Buick Envista crossover is affordable and unique. Despite its reasonable $23,495 MSRP (plus destination), the Envista feels and drives like an SUV costing thousands more. Inside, quality materials and elegant design set the tone. A turbo 1.2-liter three-cylinder brings spirited performance and an estimated 30 mpg combined.
The newly refreshed 2024 Buick Encore GX is a subcompact SUV with upscale looks and features. Starting at $25,600 (plus destination), this sporty crossover has seating for five, a high-quality interior, and gets 31 mpg highway (FWD models). Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, and wireless device charging keeps phones topped off on the go.
Next is the upcoming and refreshed 2024 Buick Envision, a compact SUV with GM’s Super Cruise driving assistance technology. On more than 400,000 miles of U.S. roads, drivers can enjoy hands-free driving, making any trip enjoyable and safe. Besides that, the Envision brings style on par with high-priced European SUVs and a refined driving experience.
The next-gen, redesigned 2025 Buick Enclave crossover is another upcoming model. However, there’s not much info currently available, with only some speculation from GM Authority.
Lastly is the first true and new future Buick model we know about. That’s the all-electric 2025 Buick Electra E5 crossover featuring GM’s Ultium battery technology and propulsion system for leading-edge EV performance. More details should become available as the release date gets closer.
The American automaker’s plans for an all-electric model range by 2030
Despite its new and exciting gas-powered designs, Buick plans an all-electric lineup by 2030. That goes with General Motors’ electrified and zero-emissions portfolio plans.
The first Buick EV, the Electra E5, will hit the U.S. market in 2024. Like all upcoming Buick models, it will incorporate the Wildcat concept car’s futuristic details and dramatic feel. Additionally, it’s the first Buick to use the Electra nameplate since its predecessor was retired in the early 1990s. Moving forward, the Electra name will be featured on all the brand’s electric cars.
With the company’s new offerings, there’s genuine excitement surrounding Buick. With the Wildcat EV concept car leading the way, new and future Buicks have style for miles and technology to match. As the brand moves toward an all-electric future, the Electra E5 SUV is the first in a line of Ultium-based EVs. The American automaker just keeps building momentum. That’s a positive for the automotive landscape and GM’s future.
