2008 Buick Enclave Cross-over
Buick says its new Enclave crossover vehicle will capture luxury-seeking
buyers looking for sleek style in an eight-passenger package.
The front-wheel-drive Enclave CX starts at $32,790, while the all-wheel-drive
model starts at $34,790.
The front-wheel-drive Enclave CXL begins at $34,990, while the all-wheel-drive
version starts at $36,990.
Buick calls the Enclave its first luxury crossover SUV. Before it, the brand
offered a truck-based Rainier sport-ute, which shared its underpinnings with the
Chevrolet TrailBlazer, and a Rendezvous crossover that shared underpinnings with
the Pontiac Aztek. The new Enclave shares its mechanicals with the upcoming
Saturn Outlook and GMC Acadia.
When it arrives in showrooms in the summer the Enclave will be offered in two
editions, CX and CXL. Both will be powered by GM's 3.6-liter V-6, a dual
overhead-cam engine with variable valve timing, 275 horsepower, and 251
pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission will be the only
gearbox offered, while buyers will get a choice of front- or all-wheel drive.
The Enclave's chassis consists of a unibody structure with independent
suspension at all four corners. Steering is through a variable-effort, power
rack-and-pinion setup, and the standard anti-lock brakes are assisted by stock
18-inch wheels and tires; 19-inchers and 20-inchers are available. With the
proper equipment the Enclave can tow 4500 pounds.
Other standard safety features are stability control with rollover mitigation,
tire pressure monitors, traction control, and six airbags including three-row
curtain airbags.
Buick promises that the Enclave will offer world-class interior refinement and
refinements, in a package larger than vehicles like the Lexus RX350, Audi Q7,
and Acura MDX. With all but its front two seats folded down the Enclave has
116.2 cubic feet of cargo space -- more than any of those competitors, which all
have less than 85 cubic feet of cargo space.
The traditional GM brand also says the Enclave's flexibility will be attractive
to shoppers conditioned to upscale Acura and Lexus utes. The second-row seats in
particular have been adapted for all sorts of people- and cargo-carrying duties.
They flip and fold flat for cargo, and slide far forward to allow easier access
to the adult-sized third-row seat, Buick claims. The second-row captain's chairs
can be swapped for a bench seat for eight-passenger capacity; the
seven-passenger version has a console between the second-row seats. All Enclaves
have more than two-dozen storage cubbies throughout the vehicle for secure
stowage.
Standard and optional features will include a rear backup camera; a power
liftgate; touch-screen DVD navigation; Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist; power
tilt and telescoping steering wheel; a Bose 5.1 ten-speaker surround sound
system; a rear-seat DVD entertainment system; a sunroof; XM satellite radio; and
OnStar with Turn-By-Turn voice-activated navigation.
The Enclave goes on sale in the summer of 2007 as a 2008 model.
Base price: $28,500 (est.)
Engine: 3.6-liter V-6, 275 hp/251 lb-ft
Transmission: Six-speed automatic, front- or all-wheel drive
Length x width x height: 201.8 x 79.0 x 72.2 in
Wheelbase: 118.9 in
Curb weight: 4780-4985 lb
Fuel economy (EPA city/hwy): N/A
Major standard features: 18-inch wheels, high-intensity discharge headlamps;
tire pressure monitors; OnStar
Safety features: Anti-lock brakes, stability and traction control; dual front,
side, and curtain airbags
Warranty: Four years/50,000 miles