The automotive landscape is shifting, and the all-new 2024 Buick Enclave Avenir has arrived to challenge the established order of luxury SUVs. We took this American contender onto British roads to see if its bold redesign and premium promises translate into a compelling drive.
First Impressions: A Design Revolution
Gone is the conservative styling of old. The new Enclave Avenir makes a dramatic statement with a bolder, more aggressive front grille and sleek, modern lines. It’s a design that confidently bridges the gap between traditional American grandeur and contemporary European elegance, ensuring it turns heads for all the right reasons.
A Cabin That Prioritises Opulence
Step inside, and the ‘Avenir’ badge justifies itself immediately. The cabin is a sanctuary of high-quality materials, including supple leather upholstery, authentic open-pore wood trim, and soft-touch surfaces throughout. The new, massive panoramic infotainment screen is the centrepiece, offering crisp graphics and intuitive controls.
Space & Practicality
True to its American roots, the Enclave is cavernous. The three-row configuration offers genuine comfort for seven adults, a rarity in this class. With all seats upright, boot space remains generous, and folding the rear rows flat creates a veritable cargo van—perfect for family holidays or a big trip to the garden centre.
On The Road: Refinement Over Sportiness
Powered by a familiar 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the Enclave delivers adequate power for confident motorway cruising and overtaking. The driving experience is tuned for supreme comfort; the ride is exceptionally smooth, effortlessly soaking up Britain's often challenging road surfaces.
This is not an SUV for the thrill-seeker. The steering is light and isolated, emphasising easy manoeuvrability over sporty feedback. It’s a vehicle designed to cosset its occupants in serene silence, making long journeys a genuinely relaxing affair.
Tech & Safety Suite
The Enclave Avenir comes loaded with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance systems as standard. Features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automated emergency braking work seamlessly to reduce driver fatigue and enhance safety on busy British roads.
Verdict: A compelling alternative
The 2024 Buick Enclave Avenir successfully redefines the brand for a new era. It combines jaw-dropping design, a sumptuous and tech-heavy interior, and unparalleled space into a compelling package. While it may lack the dynamic edge of some German rivals, its focus on comfort, luxury, and practicality makes it a surprisingly attractive proposition for British families seeking a distinctive and highly capable premium SUV.
