2021 Buick Enspire From EV Concept to Compact Crossover
The Enspire concept drew a lot of attention when General Motors presented it more than a year ago. However, things have changed since, in many ways. First of all, this was supposed to be an all-electric crossover. But, the latest spy photos are showing a vehicle with a conventional drivetrain. The 2021 Buick Enspire should take the position between Envision and Encore, as a small crossover SUV. This class is becoming more and more popular. The Nissan Rogue Sport is a pioneer in this class and Chevy Trailblazer is another cool model coming out next season.
Well, fans still hope to see the 2021 Buick Enspire with the EV. However, it seems the electric drivetrain won’t be available in the US until 2022. Big electrification is expected, as GM announced. The first vehicles with all-electric motors will be Hummer truck and Chevy Bolt EUV. Plus, Cadillac Lyriq is official and the Enspire was another zero-emission model. However, the concept debuted in China. Such vehicles are more and more popular in this part of the world, so the 2021 Enspire EV is possible for certain markets.
2021 Buick Enspire Concept
The Enspire concept debuted in China, at Beijing Auto Show. We were enthusiastic about it. Now, 30 months later, the vehicle is still not in production. But, the time changes and we could see the EV at dealerships soon. At the premiere, we could hear that company is aiming to deliver an electric crossover with a range of 370 miles. Not only back then, but also now, it was an enthusiastic project. Only large SUVs can cover such a distance. In the same segment, rivals will usually go 200-250 miles between recharges.
Meanwhile, the company modified the concept and it seems like we won’t see it as the EV, but the conventional crossover SUV. But, the prototype has shown us a few inspiring details that could be used on the new model. For example, a broad grille and LED headlights are definitely something that could make the 2021 Buick Enspire flawless. Even the electric model used huge intakes, although it doesn’t need it for cooling. But, visually, it is a great move. The floating roof is being a popular design solution nowadays, and it will come back for the production model of Enspire.
The company didn’t unveil too many details about the interior. General Motors is calling it “surround skyline”. A lot of advanced features will be there if the Enspire remains the EV. Still, the Buick brand is more luxurious than Chevy and GMC, so fans can expect upscale materials and hi-tech accessories.
Spy Photos
A year and a half after the concept’s debut, the first details about the production version leaked. Plus, the company started running tests on this crossover. Spy photographers were ready and we have the first spy photos of the 2021 Buick Enspire. The test mule is much smaller than the concept and the prototype is not an EV! Being positioned between compact and subcompact crossovers means the Enspire could use a 2.0-liter turbo engine with 235 horsepower. It is also used by Cadillac XT4 and two vehicles will share the same platform. Well, Caddie is going to be a bit more luxurious. There are also a few other rumors about a possible drivetrain for the upcoming Buick vehicle, and the only notable vote is about the hybrid configuration.
Our Electric Future is Now
The 2021 Buick Enspire was spied a year ago. Meanwhile, General Motors announced a new way of thinking. “Our electric future is now” quote can indicate that Enspire EV is still possible. But, the compact crossover is not announced yet, while Hummer electric truck ad is already out. Cadillac Lyriq concept is also about to underpin large SUVs. Still, GM will need an electric crossover to face the competition.
2021 Buick Enspire Expectations
From this point of view, the 2021 Buick Enspire will be a big disappointment. The small crossover is not something buyers were expecting. Even if it gets an electric drivetrain, fans were keener on the large SUV with extended range. Downsizing is not going to be accepted. Also, Chevy Trailblazer will be a crossover between compact and subcompact segments and another vehicle in the same class would be only a competition. Big decisions are ahead of General Motors and it seems that the COVID-19 outburst slowed down the development of the 2021 Enspire.
2021 Buick Enspire Release Date and Prices
The crossover will unlikely appear by the end of 2020. The new concept can debut next season, the one with conventional powertrains. But, the question is – what is going to happen with the EV we saw in China? Spending so much time and money on an idea and not give it a chance is not the greatest move GM has pulled. But, we believe the nameplate will be used for something special in the future.
