Launched in 2008 as a replacement for both the Rainier and Terraza, the Enclave helped Buick achieve record sales globally by becoming very popular in North America and China. After nearly ten years on the market, Buick redesigned the crossover from a clean sheet and gave it GM’s fresh 1XX platform and a brand-new V-6 engine. In addition to an array of new technology and features, the Enclave also became the first production Buick to wear the Avenir badge, which stands for the company's new luxury sub-brand.

Introduced at the 2017 New York Auto Show, the Enclave Avenir is more of a trim rather than a stand-alone model, being offered with exclusive features and additional standard equipment. In all, it's a fancier version of the regular Enclave that competes with range-topping versions of the Acura MDX and Lincoln MKX, and maybe even more affordable variants of the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC.

Continue reading to learn more about the Buick Enclave Avenir.

What makes the Buick Enclave Avenir Special?

The first thing that sets the Enclave Avenir apart from the regular crossover is the name. First used on a sedan concept car, Avenir now represents Buick's luxury sub-brand. The company describes it as "the highest expression of Buick luxury," which brings "unique styling cues and an extensive set of standard features and premium materials throughout the vehicle." While Avenir is not as luxurious as offerings from Cadillac or some of the premium German brands, most of the statement above is true, with many exclusive features being offered with the badge.

Design-wise, the Avenir package replaces the vertical-slat, "waterfall" grille of the regular SUV with a three-dimensional mesh grille. The same mesh can be found in the apron, instead of the standard vent with two horizontal bars. The front end look is completed by Buick's brand-new Evonik Acrylite headlamps. Although not exclusive to the Avenir, the bi-function LED units are standard on this model. These headlamps provide a distinctive light signature and also increase visibility during the night.

Buick also added a set of 20-inch aluminum wheels sporting a twin-six-spoke design and finished in pearl nickel. Unfortunately, the rims are the only design elements that set the Avenir's profile apart, while the rear section is identical to the standard model. Oh, there are five "premium" exterior colors to choose from.

Exterior comparison Enclave Avenir vs regular model.

Inside, the Avenir badge does nothing to change the overall design, but this is by no means unusual since Avenir works as a trim and not a separate model. But customers will get a bunch of exclusive features, starting with the Chestnut and Ebony upholstery with piping on the seats and contrast stitching. The crossover also comes with embroidered first-row headrests, Avenir floor-mats, a classy looking, wood-accented steering wheel, and Avenir-branded sill plates for all four doors.

The standard features list also includes heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, wireless charging, a dual moonroof, and an eight-inch instrument cluster display. The 360-degree surround vision camera system makes parking easier, while the rear camera mirror eliminates obstructions such as heads, headrests, or tall luggage in the trunk.

The hands-free power liftgate with a Buick tri-shield logo that illuminates the ground and power-folding third row are also standard. And yes, much like the regular Enclave, the Avenir provides seating for up to seven people.

On the other hand, the adaptive cruise control, full speed Forward Automatic Braking functions, the suspension with continuously variable real-time damping, and the intelligent AWD with active twin-clutch rear differential are optional. It's not that the Avenir doesn't have a comprehensive standard equipment package, but some of the features above would have made the Enclave a solid competitor in the luxury market if they were free of charge.

Not surprisingly, the Avenir gets its juice from the Enclave's standard drivetrain. The 3.6-liter V-6, shared with some Cadillac models, cranks out 302 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. That's more than the Acura MDX has to offer and on par with the base Lincoln MKX, but far behind the latter's EcoBoost option rated at 335 horses and 380 pound-feet.

Pricing for the Enclave Avenir is not yet available, but given that the standard SUV will cost at least $40,000 before options, the range-topping model could fetch close to $50,000.

Read our full review on the standard Buick Enclave here.