BMW X3 VS. Buick Envision Essence
Our BMW X3 VS. Buick Envision Essence page will pit these two luxury SUVs head to head. All the facts and figures you need to research the best model for you will be right here, in one convenient place. Griffin Buick GMC, your Buick dealership near Charlotte, believes in helping our customers make the best choice. So let us do the legwork for you on your research journey. Scroll below to see how these vehicles compare and give us a call.
BMW X3 VS. Buick Envision Essence: An Overview
Before we dive into the little details, let's take a look at the big picture, so that we know exactly what we're comparing. On the one hand, you've got a BMW, with a legacy of European luxury and racing pedigree behind it. On the other hand, we've got Buick. Nope! It wasn't who you thought it was. Buick has produced luxury vehicles driven by state officials and royalty throughout the world. Both brands cater to high-end customers. Both brands offer SUVs that can support numerous accessories and lifestyle pursuits. Both BMW & the Buick SUV offer drivers stylish designs to help you stand up and be recognized. But which one is right for you? Let's continue.
BMW X3 VS. Buick Envision Essence: Power
For 2021, Buick offers all Envision trims with a confident 2.0l turbocharged 4cyl engine that produces 228 horsepower. This engine comes paired with a quick-shifting 9-speed transmission. FWD is standard, and AWD is available as an option. The BMW gives you a slight bump in power, but you lose a cruising gear.
They offer 248 horsepower, courtesy of a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that mates to an 8-speed automatic transmission. RWD is standard on the X3, and AWD is also made available. Slight differences separate both vehicles in this category. However, it should be noted that the FWD system of the Buick is considered to be a traction enhancement over the beamer's RWD. The BMW offers additional power on the X3 m40i variant to the tune of 382 horses. But, BMW also knows from its racing heritage that the cost of speed, well, costs more. In this case, it's the customer that will pay for it.
BMW X3 VS. Buick Envision Essence: Luxury
Plainly, you won't be disappointed in either SUV. Though, center-dash controls have been the same in BMWs since the late '80s. This feels a bit dated to us. The center stack on the Envision favors the driver, and the sleek infotainment screen is seamlessly integrated into the dash. It should be noted here, too, that the X3 has its infotainment screen obstructing your forward view. Many of our customers have told us that this created visibility issues. Outside of this, you'll find a host of options in either vehicle that should cater to the most demanding driver. Similarities include:
- Fine leather leating
- Leather-wrapped steering
- Numerous color options
- Heated, Cooled, & Massage functions
- Smartphone connectivity
- Power liftgates and keyless operation
- Open-aired glass roofs
And more. Perhaps something to give the Buick Envision interior an edge over the BMWs is that it offers an available quilted leather seating package that is a hallmark of luxurious motoring. The BMW does not offer the more luxurious quilted seating with softer leather.
BMW X3 VS. Buick Envision Essence: Pricing
This category illustrates some of the more glaring differences between these two luxury rivals. You can hop into a Buick Envision Essence for a starting price of $36,995 MSRP.1 Hop into the comparable trim in the X3 and expect a price starting $45,995 MSRP.1
Now, you would think that you are getting more since you are paying more for the X3, but that couldn't be further from the truth. For instance, the X3 gives you emergency braking, forward collision warning, and lane-departure warning as standard safety. The Buick Envision offers the following in all models: emergency braking, high beam assist, forward collision warning, lane change, and blind zone alerts, lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist, rear traffic detection, rear park assist, and follow distance indicators. Add all of those safety systems to your X3, and see the BMW X3 price add up, too.
BMW X3 VS. Buick Envision Essence: FAQs
There are plenty of details left to cover, though, as a Buick store, you can probably guess where our loyalties are. We'll take an unconventional approach and break down a few key questions we hear about the BMW, and then wrap up with some essential Envision questions:
Are BMW X3s reliable?
According to RepairPal.com, the X3 has a reliability rating of only 2.5/5.0. This puts the X3 next to last on the list of 11 luxury makes. RepairPal further cites annual maintenance costs at $1,034, which is a high cost of ownership on top of an already high monthly payment.
How much does the BMW X3 cost?
The entry point to the X3 lineup starts at $43,000 MSRP.1 Depending on your final configuration, you can see your final MSRP increase by about 50%.
Is the Buick Envision a reliable car?
Sure is! Made by America's oldest automobile manufacturer, we know a thing or two about lasting qualities. According to USNEWS, the Envision beats the X3 on many fronts, including reliability.
Which Buick Envision has leather seats?
The Buick Envision Essence introduces leather seating into the Envision nameplate. The Avenir also has leather seats but in a quilted pattern with a finer hide. Continue to upgrade with heated and cooled seats as well as massage function.
Skip the Bimmer. Cost of ownership is high. Reliability is questionable. Value seems sparse. Grab any of our Buick Envision lease deals near Charlotte and make the most of every moment.
BMW X3 VS. Buick Envision Essence: Recap
We hope that you've found our BMW X3 VS. Buick Envision Essence page helpful and that it paints a clearer picture of what to expect as you get closer to sliding behind the wheel of your next luxury SUV. Our sales associates are ready to help answer any remaining questions, and if you'd like, they can bring a Buick Envision for sale near Charlotte right to your door for inspection. The luxury SUV market is a great one to shop. But from a quality standpoint, make sure you get what you're paying for!
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| Tuesday | 7:30AM - 6:00PM |
| Wednesday | 7:30AM - 6:00PM |
| Thursday | 7:30AM - 6:00PM |
| Friday | 7:30AM - 6:00PM |
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| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | 7:30AM - 6:00PM |
| Tuesday | 7:30AM - 6:00PM |
| Wednesday | 7:30AM - 6:00PM |
| Thursday | 7:30AM - 7:00PM |
| Friday | 7:30AM - 6:00PM |
| Saturday | 8:00AM - 1:00PM |
| Sunday | Closed |