Buick Encore Plus 2025 28T FWD Platinum Vehicle Profile: Mid-Size SUV with 237hp, 9-Speed Auto & Quiet Cabin
Model Overview
Buick is General Motors' global brand, and SAIC-GM Buick is one of China's leading joint-venture brands. The Encore family, launched in 2014, has sold over 1.8 million units cumulatively and remains a mainstay of the mid- to upper-mid-size SUV segment.
The Encore Plus debuted globally in 2021, positioned between the Encore S and flagship luxury SUVs — a family flagship defined by "more space, more power, more refinement." The 2025 28T FWD Platinum launched in November 2024, carrying the family's winged grille and sculpted "sculpture aesthetics" body, with long hood, long rear overhang and long wheelbase for an elegant, sporty stance.
Built on GM's new-gen VIP intelligent electronic architecture, the Encore Plus supports full-vehicle OTA upgrades and pairs the 8th-gen Ecotec 2.0T variable-cylinder engine with the 9-speed HYDRA-MATIC automatic, with 48V mild hybrid as standard. As a GM global strategic model, it also anchors GM's upward push in China's mid-size SUV market, winning overseas buyers in the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Latin America with its space and balanced quality.
You can get a full look at the exterior and interior via the following video:
Basic Information
Model: Encore 2025 Encore Plus 28T FWD Platinum
Powertrain: Gasoline (turbocharged, 48V mild hybrid)
Engine: 2.0T inline-4 turbo (variable cylinder), 237hp, 174kW, peak torque 350N·m
Transmission: 9-speed automatic (HYDRA-MATIC), front-wheel drive
Fuel consumption: 7.99L/100km WLTC combined (official)
Top speed: 210 km/h
Official 0-100km/h: about 7.88 seconds
Dimensions (mm): 4822 × 1883 × 1695
Wheelbase (mm): 2833
Seats: 5 (5-door, 5-seat SUV)
Curb weight: 1770 kg
Max loaded weight: 2216 kg
Cargo volume: 475-1531 L
Fuel tank: 68 L
Tire size: 235/55 R18
Suspension: front MacPherson + rear multi-link independent
Brakes: front & rear ventilated discs, electronic parking brake
Fuel: 95-octane gasoline
Maintenance & Manufacturer Service Vehicle warranty: 3 years or 100,000 km (powertrain 3yr/100,000km) Cumulative 60,000-km maintenance estimated around 9732 RMB-equivalent, mid-range among joint-venture mid-size SUVs
Standard fit: 360° camera, transparent chassis, L2 driver assist, streaming rearview mirror, Qualcomm 8155 cockpit
Incentive Policies Incentives for gasoline vehicles vary by market based on purchase tax, emissions standards and certification. In China, the 2.0T displacement is outside purchase-tax relief; overseas markets require compliance with local emissions and environmental certification, with incentives varying by country (see table in Section 4).
Three Highlights & Three Caveats
Highlight 1: Class-leading space, roomy five-seater With a 4822mm body and a 2833mm wheelbase, the Encore Plus delivers true mid-size SUV room, a low floor and a flexible 475-1531L trunk — comfortable for a family of five on long trips.
Highlight 2: Confident 2.0T + 9AT powertrain The 8th-gen Ecotec 2.0T variable-cylinder turbo delivers 237hp and 350N·m via a 9-speed auto, with a standard 48V mild-hybrid system. It starts briskly in town and overtakes confidently on the highway, with an official 0-100km/h of about 7.88 seconds.
Highlight 3: Quiet cabin and balanced smart features Buick Quiet-tuning noise technology plus ANC active noise canceling keeps the cabin library-quiet; a Qualcomm 8155 cockpit, 360° camera, L2 driver assist, streaming rearview mirror and 12 speakers come standard — a class-leading equipment set.
Caveat 1: Higher fuel consumption The 2.0T and a hefty 1770kg curb weight yield official WLTC fuel of 7.99L/100km; real-world city fuel runs higher, and "high fuel use" is a frequent owner complaint.
Caveat 2: Occasional low-speed shift hesitancy The 9AT can feel slightly hesitant between 1st and 2nd gear in slow crawling, per some owner feedback.
Caveat 3: Ownership cost and emissions thresholds It requires 95-octane gasoline, raising running costs; some overseas markets tax higher-displacement ICEs more heavily, so check local emissions and purchase-tax rules.
Ownership Costs & Service
Warranty The model carries a 3-year/100,000-km whole-vehicle warranty (whichever comes first), covering major components including the powertrain — comparable to its Japanese and German joint-venture peers.
Maintenance cost The 2.0T engine requires 95-octane gasoline; routine small services (oil + filter) are mid-range among joint-venture mid-size SUVs, roughly every 10,000 km or 12 months. Cumulative 60,000-km maintenance is estimated around 9732 RMB-equivalent.
Fuel cost (global average estimate) Using the official WLTC figure of 7.99L/100km, about 15,000 km/year translates to roughly 1,199L of fuel annually. At a world-average gasoline price of about 1.42 USD/L (Global Petrol Prices 2026 Q2), that is approximately 1,703 USD per year. In higher-priced fuel markets, large-displacement vehicles feel the pinch more.
Incentive policy comparison (selected countries)
|
Country/Region
|
Policy highlights
|
Notes
|
|
China
|
Purchase tax by displacement; some phased relief for 2.0T
|
Some provinces offer trade-in subsidies
|
|
Europe (varies)
|
CO₂-based taxation/incentives on gasoline vehicles
|
Higher taxes on high-emission models
|
|
Emerging SEA markets
|
Fuel-vehicle tariffs plus emission incentives
|
Some encourage local production
|
|
Middle East/Africa
|
Lower fuel prices reduce gasoline mobility costs
|
Differing electricity/fuel cost structures
|
Competitors Comparison
Against the VW Tayron, Tiguan L and Ford Edge L, the Encore Plus's core differentiators are:
-
Strong engine: The Encore Plus's 2.0T 237hp/350N·m trails only the Edge L's 252hp/378N·m; the Tayron and Tiguan L use 1.5T 160hp/250N·m units, a clear step down in power.
-
Transmission grade: The Encore Plus uses a 9-speed auto; the Tayron/Tiguan L use 7-speed DCT and the Edge L an 8-speed auto — the 9AT favors smoothness and durability.
-
Size & space: The Encore Plus's 2833mm wheelbase sits mid-pack (Edge L 2950mm longest, Tayron 2731mm shortest), with a wide 1883mm body for strong lateral room.
-
Fuel-economy split: The Tayron (6.57L) and Tiguan L (6.38L) are most efficient, the Encore Plus (7.99L) mid-pack, and the Edge L (8.91L) highest — the two 2.0T models trade economy for power.
Full configuration comparison
|
Dimension
|
Encore Plus 28T FWD Platinum
|
VW Tayron 300TSI FWD
|
VW Tiguan L 300TSI FWD Smart
|
Ford Edge L 2.0T EcoBoost AWD 5-Seat
|
|
Class
|
Mid-size SUV
|
Mid-size SUV
|
Mid-size SUV
|
Mid-size SUV
|
|
Fuel type
|
Gasoline
|
Gasoline
|
Gasoline
|
Gasoline
|
|
Engine
|
2.0T 237hp I4
|
1.5T 160hp I4
|
1.5T 160hp I4
|
2.0T 252hp I4
|
|
Max power (kW)
|
174
|
118
|
118
|
185
|
|
Peak torque (N·m)
|
350
|
250
|
250
|
378
|
|
Transmission
|
9-speed auto
|
7-speed DCT
|
7-speed DCT
|
8-speed auto
|
|
Drive
|
Front-wheel
|
Front-wheel
|
Front-wheel
|
All-wheel (on-demand)
|
|
AWD type
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
On-demand AWD
|
|
Top speed (km/h)
|
210
|
200
|
200
|
193
|
|
WLTC fuel (L/100km)
|
7.99
|
6.57
|
6.38
|
8.91
|
|
Dimensions (mm)
|
4822x1883x1695
|
4593x1860x1665
|
4735x1842x1682
|
5000x1961x1773
|
|
Wheelbase (mm)
|
2833
|
2731
|
2791
|
2950
|
|
Seats
|
5
|
5
|
5
|
5
|
|
Curb weight (kg)
|
1770
|
1632
|
1605
|
2003
|
|
Cargo (L)
|
475-1531
|
506-1590
|
471-1696
|
969-2876
|
|
Fuel tank (L)
|
68
|
60
|
60
|
75
|
|
Tire size
|
235/55 R18
|
235/55 R18
|
235/55 R18
|
255/60 R19
|
|
Fuel grade
|
95-octane
|
92-octane
|
92-octane
|
92-octane
|
|
Suspension
|
MacPherson + multi-link
|
MacPherson + multi-link
|
MacPherson + multi-link
|
MacPherson + multi-link
|
|
Parking brake
|
Electronic
|
Electronic
|
Electronic
|
Electronic
|
|
Driver assist
|
L2
|
L1
|
L1/L2
|
L2
|
|
Cruise
|
Full-speed ACC
|
Adaptive cruise
|
Adaptive cruise
|
Full-speed ACC
|
|
Camera
|
360° + transparent chassis
|
360°
|
Reversing camera
|
Reversing camera
|
|
Cockpit
|
Qualcomm 8155 smart
|
Smart system
|
Smart system
|
SYNC smart system
|
|
Digital cluster
|
Full LCD
|
10.25-in
|
10.25-in
|
Full LCD
|
|
Speakers
|
12
|
~8
|
~8
|
~7
|
|
Seats
|
Power + heating
|
Power/heating
|
Power
|
Power
|
|
Sunroof
|
Panoramic
|
Panoramic
|
Panoramic
|
Panoramic
|
|
Wireless charging
|
Standard
|
Some trims
|
Some trims
|
Standard
|
|
Streaming rearview mirror
|
Standard
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
Whole-vehicle warranty
|
3yr/100,000km
|
3yr/100,000km
|
3yr/100,000km
|
3yr/100,000km
|
|
Refueling
|
95-octane gasoline
|
92-octane gasoline
|
92-octane gasoline
|
92-octane gasoline
|
For a practical family buyer, the Encore Plus offers a balanced package — strong 2.0T power, a smooth 9AT, roomy 2833mm space, a quiet cabin and class-leading equipment.
The Tayron/Tiguan L win on fuel economy and light-footedness, and the Edge L on AWD and vast space; the Encore Plus is the balanced choice of "power + space + comfort." If you want a quiet, spacious, powerful joint-venture mid-size SUV, the Encore Plus 28T FWD Platinum is a compelling pick.
Expert Test Drive
Strengths
-
Confident, smooth power: the 2.0T variable-cylinder + 48V mild hybrid + 9AT starts briskly in town and overtakes easily on the highway.
-
Excellent quietness: Quiet-tuning noise tech and ANC keep the cabin hushed, with good wind and tire noise control at speed.
-
Spacious and comfortable: the 2833mm wheelbase gives roomy rear legroom and comfortable seats.
Weaknesses
-
Higher fuel use: the 2.0T consumes more in congested city driving; "high fuel" is a common owner complaint.
-
Occasional low-speed shift hesitancy: the 9AT can feel slightly hesitant when crawling in 1st-2nd gear.
-
Requires 95-octane fuel: running cost is higher than 92-octane competitors.
Test scenarios (data sources: professional reviews and long-term owner tests)
-
City commuting: the 2.0T starts briskly, the 48V mild hybrid smooths takeoffs; real city fuel measures around 9-11L/100km (source: owner fuel-recording platforms).
-
Highway: consumption of about 6.5-7.5L/100km with a quiet cabin; a full tank easily covers 800+ km for comfortable long trips (source: professional reviews and owner tests).
Real Owner Reviews
Positive feedback Space: Summary: large, roomy rear, family-friendly.
"The Encore's space is huge — you can cross your legs in the back, and the front is big and wide too, the body is long after all." (owner)
Power: Summary: the 2.0T accelerates quickly with ample grunt.
"The engine accelerates very fast, and with the automatic the power delivery is very smooth and ample." (owner)
Comfort / quiet: Summary: good insulation and a comfortable ride.
"The cabin insulation is good, it's quiet even at highway speeds — Buick really knows sound insulation." (owner)
Negative feedback
Fuel: Summary: high consumption, expensive for a big displacement.
"Fuel use really is high — over 10L in town commuting, unavoidable with a 2.0T." (owner)
Shifting: Summary: occasional low-speed jerkiness.
"There's a slight jerk between 1st and 2nd when crawling slowly, but it's smooth once up to speed." (owner)
Interior / details: Summary: some materials and details could be better.
"Some interior plastic parts feel cheap, and the center screen shows fingerprints easily, needing frequent wiping." (owner)
References
Global Petrol Prices (2026). World Average Energy Prices: Gasoline, Diesel, Electricity, USD. Retrieved from https://www.globalpetrolprices.com IEA. Global EV Policy Explorer. Retrieved from https://www.iea.org/data-and-statistics/data-tools/global-ev-policy-explorer SAIC-GM Buick Encore Plus official specs & configuration Technical specs and owner reviews compiled from public automotive information platforms
