It’s true: I love to drive, and I adore planning road trips — put me behind the wheel of a luxury vehicle, and I don’t really care what the destination is or where in the world I am. All my driving wishes were fulfilled recently in Los Angeles, when I spent a few lovely days exploring the city in the new 2018 Buick Enclave Avenir. A mid-sized SUV with just the right number of racy curves, I found the all-wheel drive Avenir sleek, silent and sexy.

Translated, “avenir” means future, and vehicle details have an otherworldly ambience set within a landscape of advanced safety technology features offering an added sense of security. These include a 360-degree rear-view mirror that also acts as a camera, and a vibration system built into the driver’s seat that activates on the left or right when the car is too close to something. Within the luxurious interior, QuietTuning creates an oasis-like space regardless of exterior traffic noise, while techy comforts include a WiFi zone and an in-vehicle air ionizer system that produces negatively charged ions and attracts and reduces airborne contaminants and pollution.

While in Los Angeles, I got the chance to meet and hang out with Christine Cheng, Global Buick Advance design manager, who headed up the team of talented designers behind the Avenir’s engineering, sleek exterior and exceptionally comfortable and functional interior. Cheng explained to me how the entire design is based on safety, efficiency and strength, describing mechanics including a 3.6-liter V6 engine with stop/start technology, nine-speed automatic transmission, 310 horsepower and 266 ft-lbs. of torque. While trying to process all of that in context with the stellar driving experience, she pointed out other outstanding features including power-folding, full-sized third-row seating; 10-inch deep, dry in-floor storage; seat heaters and coolers; and the most advanced signature lighting technologies ever offered by Buick, with more than 100 exterior LEDs.

And though I never mind the adventures that result from getting a little bit lost, it was impossible to do thanks to the in-dash, frameless, 8-inch touchscreen equipped with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Buick’s signature OnStar services with navigation system. The OnStar service also includes Automatic Crash Response, Emergency Services, Crisis Assist, Roadside Assistance and other features. A simple push of a blue button even connects the driver directly to an OnStar advisor for turn-by-turn directions. While I didn’t need to use the service, it was comforting to know it was available.