General Motors has just confirmed that next year the Buick Envision will arrive in the United States and be sold as a 2016 model.

The Envision has been manufactured in China since 2014 and when it becomes available in the US in mid-2016, GM will become the first American automaker to sell a car made in China in its home country. Initially, the General is expected to import between 30,000 and 40,000 units to test the waters.

When it does make the long journey across the North Pacific Ocean, the 2016 Buick Envision will be available solely with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 252 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Mated to that engine will be a six-speed automatic transmission sending power to all four wheels via an AWD system “borrowed” from the 2017 Cadillac XT5.

US customers will get a highly-spec version of the SUV. All models will come with an 8.0-inch IntelliLink infotainment system, a premium audio system from Bose, 19-inch aluminium wheels, heated seats as well as an automatic tailgate as standard.

General Motors has yet to announce local pricing for the Buick Envision but it has revealed its intention to rival the Lincoln MKC, Audi Q5 and Acura RDX. That means the Envision should start at around $30,000.

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