GM Prices Buick Encore

General Motors announced Thursday that the Buick Encore will cost customers $24, 950 when the car finally arrives sometime in 2013.

With the introduction of the small luxury crossover, it is clear that GM is attempting to get a head start on what appears to be a growing U.S. market for small premium crossovers.

The only company that could potentially rival the new Buick would be the recently launched BMW X1 and the Mini Countryman. The BMW X1 is currently cost more money at $31, 545, while the Countryman is slightly cheaper than the Buick at $22,450.

"Encore opens the Buick brand to new groups of customers with a compelling blend of luxury, utility and efficiency," said Tony DiSalle, vice president of Buick Marketing to the Associated Press. "It's versatile shape, agile size and available all-wheel drive invite owners to live active lifestyles while enjoying Buick's signature style, comfort and refinement."

The Encore features luxury touches like optional heated steering wheel and a standard 7-inch touch-screen infotainment system. Standard features will include Quiet Tuning with Bose Active Noise Cancellation, a rearview camera and a seven-inch, full-color display radio with Intellilink connectivity. Four options will be available in the series, including an Encore with the Convenience Group which will add dual-zone climate control, a 120-volt outlet, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, fog lights, and a remote start option. This version will cost $25,760. An Encore with the Leather Group will cost $27, 460 and includes everything the base model and Convenience Group options do along with heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, as well as driver seat memory functions.

GM is expecting the Encore to be the crossover equivalent of the Vernao compact sedan. The Verano is priced above mainstream cars of the same size, but below luxury rivals like BMW. Through August 25,104 Vernao cars have been sold, which have drastically exceeded all expectations GM had for the series.