I love driving and planning road trips — put me behind the wheel of a luxury vehicle and the destination becomes secondary. Recently I spent a few delightful days exploring Los Angeles in the 2018 Buick Enclave Avenir, and the experience satisfied every driving wish. This mid-sized SUV combines graceful curves with an all-wheel-drive system, delivering a ride that felt sleek, quiet, and confident.
The name “Avenir” translates to “future,” and the vehicle’s design and features convey that futuristic vibe. A wide array of advanced safety technologies adds peace of mind, such as a 360-degree rear-view camera system and a driver-seat vibration alert that signals when the vehicle is too close to an obstacle on either side. Inside, Buick’s QuietTuning technology creates a calm, cabin-like atmosphere that isolates passengers from road noise. Practical tech comforts include a built-in WiFi hotspot and an air ionizer designed to reduce airborne contaminants for cleaner air inside the cabin.
During my visit I met Christine Cheng, Global Buick Advanced Design Manager, who led the team responsible for the Avenir’s styling and interior architecture. Cheng explained that the vehicle’s design priorities were safety, efficiency, and structural strength. Under the hood is a 3.6-liter V6 paired with stop/start technology and a nine-speed automatic transmission, producing 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque — numbers that translate into confident acceleration and smooth highway performance. The Enclave Avenir also offers convenient features such as power-folding, full-size third-row seating, deep dry in-floor storage, heated and ventilated seats, and Buick’s most advanced signature exterior lighting with more than 100 LEDs for distinctive presence at night.
Navigation and connectivity are seamless thanks to an in-dash, frameless 8-inch touchscreen that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Buick’s OnStar services. OnStar adds layers of useful safety and convenience, including Automatic Crash Response, Emergency Services, Crisis Assist, and Roadside Assistance. A simple press of the blue OnStar button connects the driver to an advisor for turn-by-turn directions, which is reassuring even if you don’t need the help. Overall, the Enclave Avenir blends practical family-friendly utility with luxury amenities and advanced technology to create a refined, capable driving experience.