SUVs overtook minivans as the people-mover of choice a long time ago, but there are still plenty of posh minivan options out there. Unfortunately, not all of them are available on our shores. This Buick minivan could give high-end versions of the Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, and Chrysler Pacifica a run for their money if it were offered in the United States, though.
Buick calls its refreshed GL6 a multi-purpose vehicle, a more palatable term for minivan. Whatever you want to call it, this Buick features plenty of tech goodies. It comes with two connected widescreen displays—kind of like what Mercedes offers in its luxury vehicles. The Buick’s instrument cluster is fully digital, while the touchscreen infotainment system offers a split display setup so you can handle functions such as media and navigation at the same time. Over-the-air updates ensure the infotainment system stays up to date. The GL6 also enables enhanced voice recognition and cloud-based data sharing.
Along with its nice screens, Buick’s minivan boasts chrome trim and cushy seats. A panoramic sunroof comes standard, complementing rear privacy glass. A surround-sound audio system is also on tap. Buick notes the six-seater has more than 40 storage cubbies throughout the cabin, too.
Some minivans are getting serious about gasoline-electric hybrid technology, with Chrysler offering the Pacifica with a plug-in hybrid powertrain and Toyota exclusively selling the Sienna as a hybrid. But the GL6 takes a middle approach with its “mild-hybrid” tech. A turbocharged 1.3-liter engine works with a 48-volt electrical system to limit unnecessary fuel consumption.
The 2021 Buick GL6 goes on sale in China later this month. Alas, we don’t expect to see it reach our shores anytime soon.
