- Buick showed off one teaser image of its upcoming Encore crossover, which will be unveiled next month in Detroit.
- The automaker says it will reveal one teaser photo each week on its Facebook page.
- The Encore's sizing and pricing aren't known, except that it will be smaller and less expensive than the Enclave.
The growing Buick brand is adding a small crossover to its lineup next year. That's the latest from General Motors, who says the 2013 Buick Encore will be slowly revealed in a series of Facebook teaser photos ahead of its debut at next month's North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
The first photo, recently released at www.facebook.com/buick, shows the Encore's headlight and Buick's distinctive "waterfall" grille, but little else. Later photos will surely provide clues on the crossover's sizing, which is under heavy speculation from many industry observers. While some believe the Encore is a midsize crossover like the Acura MDX, Lexus RX350 and Mercedes ML-Class, others believe it's more likely to be a smaller SUV poised to face off against the Acura RDX, BMW X3 and Mercedes GLK.
Although Buick hasn't confirmed the Encore's size, the automaker did announce it will be a five-passenger crossover, implying that it's smaller than the existing seven-passenger Enclave SUV. Since the Enclave starts around $37,000, the Encore's base price will likely be in the low- to mid-$30,000 range when it goes on sale next year.
Buick announced few other details about the Encore, saying only that the crossover features "contemporary styling, signature QuietTuning technology, and a host of features and amenities customers expect from Buicks today." In addition to the weekly photo unveiling, Buick noted more details will be released when the Encore is shown in Detroit on January 10.
Nonetheless, the Encore is joining a rapidly expanding lineup that's transforming Buick from a staid upscale automaker into one of today's up-and-coming premium brands. In addition to the recent debut of all-new LaCrosse and Regal sedans, Buick will soon release its upscale Verano compact, which is described as its smallest model in more than a decade. The automaker also recently released the sporty Regal GS sedan, whose high-performance 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder was named to the coveted list of Ward's 10 Best Engines for 2011.
What it means to you:
If you're shopping for a small or midsize crossover, it may be worth waiting for the Encore's January debut before making a decision.
