The Enclave shares its basic platform with the Saturn Outlook and the GMC Acadia, but that’s where the similarity ends. It’s aimed at the upper segment of the crossover market — Acura MDX, Lexus RX, Mercedes-Benz R 350, Volvo XC90 and Chrysler Aspen.

Currently, there are two models — the base CX and upscale CXL. Both come with standard front-wheel drive and optional All-Wheel Drive (AWD). No hybrid or diesel version is planned.

Walkaround: The exterior of the new Buick Enclave is right at home in the same showroom as Buick’s latest-generation sedans, the LaCrosse and Lucerne.

The body is anything but an SUV box, sporting welcome curves from every angle. The roof and side windows feature a decreasing front to rear sweep, accented by chrome roof rails tailored to the roof’s curvature. All front lighting utilizes clear lenses, with everything under the bumper simple and clean, showcasing the massive vertical bar grille. Meanwhile, the classic portholes just scream, “Buick.”

Standard rubber is big, fat 18-inchers on seven-spoke alloy wheels, with optional 19 and 20-inchers adding visual clout.

The top-hinged, standard power tailgate accentuates the large, convex-shaped rear glass, which extends beyond the sheetmetal into the rear opening. Additionally, there’s wide-screen taillight and a diffuser panel under the rear bumper showcasing chrome-tipped dual exhausts.

Interior: The cabin is what sets the Buick Enclave apart from other crossovers. It features real wood, a double-wave dashboard and instrument cluster with chrome-ringed white-on-black instrumentation illuminated in GM’s soft blue-green. The layout is typical GM, featuring a large navigation screen positioned low enough to be shaded, yet high enough to be viewed without distraction. Sound and climate controls were mounted on the leather and mahogany steering wheel on our test version CXL. One tip off to just who this vehicle is aimed at was the far left floor dead pedal especially designed for women wearing high-heels.

Seating is comfortable and supportive, with an eight-way power bucket seat for the driver and four-way power bucket for the front passenger. Since the Enclave can accommodate seven or eight passengers, buyers have two seating configuration options: The standard seven-passenger, 2-2-3 seating scheme uses second-row captain’s chairs that slide and allow easy, third row entry. There’s also an optional floor console for storage and 12-volt power. The eight passenger, 2-3-3 seating scheme utilizes a second-row bench seat.

There’s lots of storage and cargo room — 19 cubic feet inside the liftgate behind the third row, 66 cubic feet with the third row seats down, and 115 cubic feet with both rows folded. The passenger seat also folds over for extra-long cargo. There’s storage on top of the dash for sunglasses, iPods, and phones, and another 4 cubic feet under the rear cargo floor. Counting door pockets, under-seat areas, and built-in storage, the Enclave boasts 24 storage areas.

Standard safety features include GM’s OnStar emergency communication system (with turn-by-turn navigation), StabiliTrak electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, and traction control. The Enclave boasts five-star front and side crash ratings and a four-star rollover ranking from the federal government.

Options: The $925 Luxury Package includes heated outside power folding mirrors with turn-signal repeaters, steerable headlamps, tilt and telescope steering, and a 110-volt power outlet. The Driver Confidence package ($520) includes remote engine start, ultrasonic rear parking assist, and heated washer fluid. Other options include a power sunroof with a second-row skylight ($1300); chromed aluminum 19-inch wheels ($1495), and metallic clearcoat paint ($170). Also available is a 4,500 pound trailer towing package ($350), power sunroof ($800), fog lamps ($115), cargo cover ($50), cargo divider, chrome trim package, and a 6CD upgrade ($295).

Naturally, there’s entertainment: $980 buys a 6CD changer, MP3 player, rear seat audio, and Bose speakers. For $3025, add a DVD touch-screen navigation system and backup camera to the first package. There’s also a Panasonic DVD rear-entertainment system and XM satellite radio available.

Under The Hood: The Buick Enclave comes equipped with GM’s new high-feature 3.6-liter V6, that’s married to a six-speed automatic transmission. It does the 0–60 drill in 8.2 seconds — not bad for moving 5000 pounds. Its special gearing delivers rapid acceleration, yet in sixth gear overdrive, the engine loafs at highway cruising speeds.

EPA fuel economy estimates are 16/City and 22/Highway under the stringent new test procedures.

Behind The Wheel: The Enclave is extremely comfortable and very quiet. Buick has succeeded in quieting down the engine, transmission, AWD system, and tires. The sophisticated front and rear suspension, and the steering are isolated from the cabin, with sound-deadening materials in the floor, pillars and doors. In lab tests, the Enclave is quieter than its Lexus, Mercedes, Volvo and Acura competitors. Cell phone calls and conversations between first-row and third-row occupants were all carried on in normal speaking tones at 70-plus mph.

The suspension is very sophisticated, offering sharper steering and handling than what we’ve come to expect from this class of vehicle. The rear suspension is especially complex, and designed to work well with or without the rear-drive portion of the AWD system.

The full-time AWD operates automatically, adjusting to road speed, throttle position and the relative speeds of each of the four tires, wet or dry. Normally, it’s biased 90/10 front/rear torque split, usually operating between 40/60 and 60/40 for most driving, but can divert 100 percent of available torque to the rear wheels if necessary.

Whines: None

Bottom Line: If you’re in the market for a luxurious family vehicle, the 2008 Buick Enclave deserves your attention. Quite simply, in my view, it’s by far the best Buick ever built.