Recently, the Buick Encore and new 2020 Buick Encore GX were unveiled at the Shanghai Auto Show to give us a look at a longer wheelbase model of the smallest model of the Buick lineup. When this model hit the stage, the desire was that this new model and the longer one would both make their way to the US to be sold and now we’re being told they will. It’s time to rejoice, especially if you want a premium compact SUV to drive because the new Encore is on its way and will give you a Buick model you can enjoy driving every day.
Buick is Using Mirror Markets
Two of the largest automotive markets in the world are found in North America and China. The Buick brand has become one of the most popular brands in China and has created a new lineup strategy that’s going to be used in the US as well. For example, the Verano that we had here is solid in China as the Excelle, Excelle GT, and Excelle GX with the GX model being the wagon version of the sedan. This means they can offer three variations of a vehicle on the same platform to make sure we have more choices and the right vehicle for the job.
Strangely Different Platforms in the 2020 Buick Encore
The new Buick Encore pair actually use two different platforms for the models that are being built. The Encore we currently drive makes use of the Gamma II platform that’s used for the Opel/Vauxhall Mokka. The newer version of the Encore, that’s going to be used in China as well, rides on the new Global Emerging Markets (GEM) platform from GM. The Encore GX rides on the Vehicle Strategy Set-Front (VSS-F) platform which is new for the market to give us a small SUV that we’re sure to love.
How Will the Encore GX Fit In?
Right now, the Buick lineup is running on the magic number of three SUVs that bring you a model in each of the categories you expect, subcompact, compact, and crossover to give you the choices you’re looking for. The new Buick Encore GX is a model that will slot between the standard Encore and the Envision to be a great choice for you. This means we can have four choices instead of three when it comes to the Buick brand, but if the Chinese model comes to the US, the three will quickly expand to nine.
The 2020 Buick Encore Success Continues
The Buick Encore has been one of the most popular models offered in the market for a long time. In fact, this SUV sold 93,073 units last year which was 47 percent of the overall brand sales. We expect the Encore GX to increase that number as the small model that will fit below the Envision to be the right choice when you want a longer wheelbase that can offer you the drive you’re looking for with a bit more size than the standard Encore model.
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