Buick is aiming its new concept vehicle directly at Chinese buyers. The Envision SUV is a plug-in hybrid that Buick describes as using 'forward-looking and people oriented technology to change people's perceptions of SUVs'.

Four-wheel drive will be standard for the production version of the Envision, which also comes with electromagnetic suspension and a chassis combining carbon fibre, magnesium and aluminium to keep weight down.

A 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine is used along with an electric motor, driving through an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Along with regenerative charging of the Envision's lithium-ion batteries, it can also be charged by plugging the car into the mains.

The concept sits on 22-inch alloy wheels, but production models will use 18-inch wheels as standard. Buick says the style of the Envision has multiple ridges to give it a layered look that diffuses the size and scale of a more traditional SUV.

Inside, Buick has styled the cabin with inspiration from sailing yachts, while a flat load floor helps with versatility. The dashboard uses 3D displays projected onto the windscreen, while cameras eliminate blind spots when passing other vehicles.

Buick has not confirmed when the production version of the Envision will go on sale in China, but it's expected to be around late 2012.