2008 Buick Enclave Features and Specifications

A big bod is needed to comfortably carry eight people, which all three Lambda 'utes will do, when configured with 60/40 split-folding bench seats in the two back rows. With one hand, the middle-row seat's bottom cushion flips up as the whole seatback rolls forward to provide a wide path into the rear seat. It can then be positioned anywhere along the track to apportion legroom and cargo space as needed. Buick claims the third row will boast best-in-class space among the crossovers. The concept car features the optional captain's chairs, though the elaborate rear center consoles and wooden tray tables aren't likely to reach production.

Most of the rest of the interior design should survive to the showroom, including the copious wood-tone trim on the dash and door panels and the brushed-aluminum accent rings and strips. Keep your fingers crossed for the light-up door-sill plates, though they're a long shot too. Interior design director Michael Burton says his team was aiming for a private-jet ambiance (hence the four separate DVD players and screens, including one that doubles as the front-passenger vanity mirror--none of which will see production as shown). The form language evokes a time when Buicks were highly expressive and aspirational, and blends vaguely art-deco semi-circular elements with high-tech execution (like electroluminescent lighting). The overall effect is dramatic, sumptuous, and considerably more appealing than any Buick in recent memory.

The Lambda crossovers were conceived to provide the passenger and cargo space Americans want (either 148 cubic feet of people room or 117 cubes for cargo with all the seats down) in a lighter, more fuel-efficient package. Toward that end, they'll all launch with a 3.6-liter DOHC V-6, expected to make 270 horsepower in the Buick. Teamed with a new six-speed automatic and front- or on-demand all-wheel drive, the Saturn is already rated at 24-25 mpg on the highway--two to four mpg better than a Tahoe with the cylinder-deactivating V-8 engine. Hence no V-8 will be available at launch, though a small-block would likely fit.

A brief drive in the concept car revealed nothing useful about ride, handling, or performance, but gave an accurate feel for the package. Visibility in all directions is excellent from the front and middle row seats, though the driver doesn't get much of a look at the hood, which may make it hard to judge when parking in tight quarters. Ride height is also just about right--up far enough to see through or over most traffic, down low enough for most adults to slide easily into the seat.

Buick is also sure to apply its full arsenal of sound-deadening gear to the Enclave, in pursuit of a Lexus-like library-quiet ambience. With a little luck, that plus the Enclave's sumptuous accommodations and sleek style will be sufficient to lure the neo-AARPers Buick covets.