After confirming that the Buick Envision is set to arrive in the US and be sold as a 2016 model, GM has started shipping the cars from China, which is where they also happen to be built.

A recent report suggested that initially, somewhere between 30,000 and 40,000 units were to be shipped over, which means these pictures probably represent a small part of that initial batch, heading out from the Yantai Port in Shandong Province.

The Envision will be sold across North America (US, Canada and Mexico), which are obviously the continent’s three largest markets.

Also, we know these cars are heading for the US because we can clearly see their orange indicators. Once there, customers will be able to enjoy the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine (only one available), good for 252 HP and 352 Nm (260 lb-ft) of torque – seen as how this isn’t a full-size SUV, this type of engine should suffice.

All models will feature the 8″ IntelliLink infotainment system, a Bose audio system, 19″ alloys, heated seats and an automatic tailgate as standard. Of course, these specs are quite different from the Chinese market model, which can be bought with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, good for only 170 HP.

The cars being shipped out only seem to have three colors between them – red, silver, brown. This means that they will most likely be used for media launches, press and customer test drives, and dealer introductions.

If priced as a premium product, the Buick Envision will have to battle against the likes of the Cadillac SRX, Acura RDX, Audi Q5, Lexus NX, BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Lincoln MKC and Volvo XC60.

Story references: carnewschina

PHOTO GALLERY