DETROIT – When the all-new 2008 Buick Enclave luxury crossover sport utility vehicle arrives in dealerships early this summer, it will come equipped with a long list of standard equipment, a suite of owner services and a price unmatched in the segment.

The front-wheel-drive Enclave CX starts at $32,790, while the all-wheel-drive model starts at $34,790. The front-wheel-drive Enclave CXL begins at $34,990, while the all-wheel-drive version starts at $36,990. Prices include a $735 destination charge.

“Enclave is a segment-busting luxury crossover that best defines the new face of Buick,” said Steve Shannon, Buick general manager. “Its gorgeous design, high-tech features, functionality and roominess, coupled with a quiet and refined ride, put us in a great position to attract new customers.”

Loaded with standard equipment

Buick’s first luxury crossover SUV is equipped with a long list of standard equipment and technologies that are uncommon for vehicles at Enclave’s introductory price.

A new, 275-horsepower 3.6L V-6 powertrain featuring variable valve timing (VVT) powers the Enclave. The sophisticated dual-overhead camshaft engine is mated to Buick’s first six-speed automatic transmission.

Enclave offers a spacious cabin, with a standard seven-passenger seating configuration, second-row Smart Slide captain’s chairs and a third-row seat that can accommodate three adults. With Smart Slide, occupants have quick and effortless access to Enclave’s third row.

Other standard features include:

• Xenon high-intensity discharge headlamps with automatic headlamp control
• Heated, power outside mirrors with integrated turn signals
• Power rear liftgate with remote
• Leather-wrapped, genuine Mahogany wood steering wheel with tilt and telescoping steering column
• Variable-assist power steering
• AM/FM stereo with single-CD player, Radio Data System display, MP3 capability, six speakers and speed-compensated radio volume
• Tiffany-style analog clock
• Tri-zone automatic climate control
• Remote keyless entry
• XM Satellite Radio (includes three-month subscription)
• Dual chrome exhaust
• Reading lamps in all three rows

GM engineered the Enclave to be the quietest crossover on the road. Buick’s standard QuietTuning initiative, an engineering approach to reduce, block and absorb unwanted noise from entering the interior cabin, yields a library-quiet drive experience for all passengers whether they are seated in the front or third row.

All Enclave models come equipped with six standard air bags, including dual-stage frontal air bags, roof rail head curtain air bags for all three seating rows, and thorax side air bags for first-row seats. Other standard safety features include four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with rollover mitigation technology, tire pressure monitoring system and traction control.

For added confidence and convenience, all Enclave models come standard with the industry’s best coverage and a suite of owner services, including a four-year/50,000-mile vehicle warranty, a five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, and OnStar with Turn-By-Turn voice-activated navigation and one-year Directions & Connections Plan.

Comprehensive features

A host of innovative features adds to the Enclave’s standout position, including an adjustable front-row center console armrest with multiple storage capabilities, an optional second-row center storage console that unfolds to contribute to a flat load floor when the seats are folded (available late summer), a large storage area with an integrated well behind the third row, and third-row seat bolsters for added comfort. The seat bolsters deflate when folded to allow a flat load floor.

Optional equipment includes a second-row 60/40 split-folding bench seat for eight-passenger configuration, 18-inch machine-finish aluminum wheels on CX models and 19-inch chrome aluminum wheels on CXL models. A rear-seat DVD system, an in-dash voice activated navigation system with back-up camera; a large, power-operated sunroof with second-row skylight; a rear cargo net and shade; and a heavy-duty trailering package (up to 4,500 pounds maximum towing capacity) are available on all models.

A Driver Confidence Package is also available on all models and includes rear parking assist, remote starting capability and heated windshield washer fluid. Enclave CXL buyers can select the Luxury Package, which adds articulating front headlamps, power tilt and telescoping steering wheel and power folding outside mirrors. Four optional audio and entertainment packages, eight exterior and three interior colors are also available.

That's about what I was expecting it to start at with all those features. I think it should do pretty well.

Much cheaper than I thought for all the equipment they have thrown in.

That's not bad... although it's $2800 more than the Acadia, you do get Xenons and a power liftgate, which are worth $850 in the GMC.

Sounds great to me. Like others have said, with all that stuff standard AND the best looks of the bunch, it should do very well. Can't wait to see them in person, and drive one, but until then an Acadia or Outlook should satisfy my interest.

looks like this car is going to be a hit...

That's not bad... although it's $2800 more than the Acadia, you do get Xenons and a power liftgate, which are worth $850 in the GMC.

Not to mention the Enclave looks better and way upscale than the Acadia.

I almost thought it would follow the $2,000 extra pricing as employed by Outlook and Acadia, but that's not bad pricing-its bigger than its closest rival, the Chrysler Pacifica. Can't wait to see this thing!

looks like this car is going to be a hit...

That is what I thought it would be too. That is about 2 or 3 more grand than I want to spend. Acutually I hope the Torrent GXP in FWD with no options is less than 30K.

I just realized this price is fantastic. An Acadia SLT 1 4SA with XM, power liftgate, and heated washer fluid is $36594. That does include a 6-disc CD changer and 10 speaker sound system, which is $870, but you don't get Xenons ($500 and only available if you get the SLT 2 which is $38304) and you only get a 6-way power driver's seat and 2-way power passenger seat. I'd say a loaded Enclave won't be any more expensive than a loaded Acadia, so it really comes down to whichever style the buyer likes more, I guess.

This thing is gonna sell like mad. I can't wait to hear people start eating their words about Buick when it becomes plainer than day that a whole range of people drive them, not just 70-year old men.

I hope I can get my parents (mom in particular) into one when their current lease is up. Enclave rocks!

Sexy crossover at a reasonable price... too bad the motor is mopunted

sideways & it sends all or the majority of its power to the front wheels.

Sexy crossover at a reasonable price... too bad the motor is mopunted

sideways & it sends all or the majority of its power to the front wheels.

Actually, that's a good thing for this type of vehicle..more weight over the front wheels should give it better traction...and it's more space-efficient so it can have a flat(er) floor.

Edited January 22, 200719 yr by moltar

I just realized this price is fantastic. An Acadia SLT 1 4SA with XM, power liftgate, and heated washer fluid is $36594. That does include a 6-disc CD changer and 10 speaker sound system, which is $870, but you don't get Xenons ($500 and only available if you get the SLT 2 which is $38304) and you only get a 6-way power driver's seat and 2-way power passenger seat. I'd say a loaded Enclave won't be any more expensive than a loaded Acadia, so it really comes down to whichever style the buyer likes more, I guess.

Add in the fact that Enclave looks better/more upscale and has more engineering refinement.

From what I've read, all three of these (Enclave,Outlook,Acadia) sound like excellent vehicles..I saw an Outlook briefly in traffic last week...I can't wait to see all 3 in person. Judging just by the pics, the Enclave is my favorite, I like the curvy styling and interior details...