07:03 28-01-2026

Buick Envision could shift to D2 platform in next generation

General Motors is preparing the next generation of the Buick Envision for a major transformation. Following the announcement that production will move to the U.S. at the Fairfax plant, a key question has emerged: will the Envision remain on its current E2 architecture, or will GM return it to the D2 platform to unify it with the Chevrolet Equinox?

GM's Next Steps

The move of the Envision to the American facility marks a pivotal shift. Starting in mid-2027, the gasoline-powered Chevrolet Equinox, which still uses the D2 platform, will be produced on the same assembly line. For GM, this creates advantageous conditions: a unified architecture reduces costs, simplifies supply logistics, and speeds up production. This is why a return of the Envision to the D2 platform appears increasingly likely.

Why the E2 Platform Has Essentially Lost Its Purpose

The current generation Envision is the only remaining GM production vehicle on the E2 platform. Previously, it was used for the Buick Regal, Cadillac XT4, and Chevy Malibu, but all those models have been discontinued. Maintaining a full architecture for just one model makes little economic sense. Freeing up the E2 and transitioning to D2 allows GM to cut costs and restructure its lineup without unnecessary expenses.

Despite differences in wheelbase, the Envision and Equinox are very close in overall dimensions. The Equinox offers more passenger and cargo space, while the Envision provides more front headroom. A potential return to the D2 platform would simplify the technical aspects without requiring a radical change to the model's format. GM has not yet confirmed or denied a platform switch, but the logic of corporate processes speaks for itself.