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2018 Buick Enclave Avenir Review: Performance, Features & First Drive

Buick Enclave Avenir Review | Luxury Meets Functionality | MotorVero

Buick Enclave Avenir: Redefining Luxury in the SUV Segment

Buick Enclave Avenir

The Avenir Difference: Buick's Premium Sub-Brand

MotorVero takes an exclusive look at Buick's bold move into the luxury market with its Avenir sub-brand, starting with the impressive Enclave Avenir. This premium variant elevates the standard Enclave with sophisticated design elements and upscale features that rival established luxury brands.

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Exterior Enhancements That Command Attention

 luxury SUV

The Enclave Avenir distinguishes itself with several exclusive styling cues:

  • Signature dark-tinted 3D mesh grille with integrated winged design
  • Unique 20-inch polished aluminum wheels with Avenir badging
  • Premium LED lighting elements with distinctive daytime running lights
  • Exclusive color options including White Frost Tricoat and Dark Moon Blue Metallic


Interior Refinement: Where Luxury Meets Practicality

Step inside the Enclave Avenir and you're greeted by an environment that challenges conventional perceptions of Buick interiors. The cabin showcases:

Premium Materials Throughout

  • Perforated leather upholstery with Avenir embroidery
  • Authentic open-pore wood trim with seamless color transitions
  • Piano-black accents on console and touchpoints
  • QuietTuning technology for exceptional noise isolation
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Thoughtful Technology Integration

The Enclave Avenir features Buick's latest infotainment system with some notable improvements:

  • 8-inch frameless touchscreen with improved resolution
  • Intuitive interface with customizable home screen
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
  • Available 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot


Family-Focused Functionality

What sets the Enclave Avenir apart from competitors is its blend of luxury and practical family-friendly features:

Enhanced Seating Flexibility

The second-row seating system represents a significant improvement over the standard Enclave:

  • Extended sliding track for greater legroom adjustment
  • Innovative tilt-and-slide function works with installed child seats
  • One-touch entry system for third-row access
  • Heated outboard second-row seats
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Third-Row Comfort Considerations

While the third row offers respectable space for the segment, there are some compromises:

  • Added USB charging ports (now totaling six throughout cabin)
  • Seat height remains low, potentially causing thigh support issues
  • Improved headroom compared to previous generation
  • Standard rear climate controls with independent settings


Driving Experience and Performance

The Enclave Avenir shares its powertrain with the standard model but adds subtle refinements:

Engine 3.6L V6 with direct injection
Horsepower 310 hp @ 6,800 rpm
Torque 266 lb-ft @ 2,800 rpm
Transmission 9-speed automatic
Drivetrain Front-wheel drive (AWD available)

Ride Quality and Handling

The Avenir benefits from several chassis enhancements:

  • Revised suspension tuning for improved ride comfort
  • Standard active noise cancellation
  • Available adaptive damping system
  • Improved steering feel over standard Enclave

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Competitive Positioning and Value Proposition

The Enclave Avenir occupies an interesting space in the market, offering near-luxury features at a more accessible price point than European rivals:

Key Competitors

  • Acura MDX Advance Package
  • Lincoln Nautilus Reserve
  • Volvo XC90 T5 Momentum
  • Infiniti QX60 Luxe

Pricing Strategy

While exact pricing wasn't available at launch, industry analysts predict:

  • Expected to command a $4,000-$6,000 premium over top Enclave trim
  • Positioned below comparable European luxury models
  • Strong value in terms of standard features
  • Competitive lease options expected

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Final Verdict: Who Should Consider the Enclave Avenir?

After extensive evaluation, MotorVero concludes the Enclave Avenir makes the most sense for:

  • Luxury-seeking buyers who want to avoid premium brand markups
  • Families needing premium features with practical functionality
  • Current Buick owners looking to upgrade within the brand
  • Value-conscious shoppers comparing features per dollar

The Enclave Avenir successfully elevates the Buick brand while maintaining the practical attributes that made the standard Enclave popular. Its success will ultimately depend on how aggressively Buick prices it relative to both mainstream and luxury competitors.

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Last Updated On Aug, 30-2025

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