Full-size luxury sedan returns

Buick LaCross is bridge between mass-market, more expensive brand.

Buick’s rebirth as a premium General Motors brand received a big boost with last year’s introduction of the redesigned, next-generation LaCrosse full-size sedan, including new styling, technology and luxury amenities.

This car is aimed at professionals in their 30s who are looking for a bridge between a mass-market sedan like a Honda Accord and a more-expensive luxury brand such as BMW or Mercedes.

That has been the goal since the first modern version of the LaCrosse went on sale in 2009, and it has been a great success so far, with about 1 million of the LaCrosse sold since the 2009 rollout.

For 2018, now in its second year, this latest iteration of the LaCrosse starts at $29,565 (plus $925 freight) for the base 1SV model, and ranges as high as $38,665 for the top-ofthe-line Premium model (before options).

Buick says the redesign last year gave the LaCrosse the “new face of Buick,” including a new, larger signature waterfall grille with the return of the three-color Buick shield – red, silver and blue –and such features as high-intensity discharge headlights, LED signature lighting, and LED taillights.

For 2018, there is a new standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an eAssist light electrification system as the standard power on the LaCrosse. With a six-speed automatic transmission, it brings GM-estimated fuel-economy ratings of 25 mpg city/35 highway/29 combined.

A new nine-speed automatic transmission comes with the optional 3.6-liter V-6 engine ($2,500 extra), which is available with allwheel drive ($2,200) on the top two trim levels.

The V-6 produces 310 horsepower and 282 foot-pounds of torque. EPA ratings are 21 mpg city/30 highway/24 combined for front-drive V-6 models; all-wheel drive lowers that a bit, to 20 city/29 highway/23 combined.

Four trim levels are offered, starting with the base LaCrosse (frontwheel drive only), followed by the Preferred ($33,665, front drive only); Essence ($36,365, front drive, I-4); and the Premium ($38.665, frontwheel drive; $43,425, all-wheel drive and V-6). Not a full-blown hybrid system like that of the Toyota Avalon Hybrid, the eAssist provides a power boost from a small electric

motor and onboard battery pack for start-up, and adds torque for passing and uphill freeway ramps. It also helps boost fuel efficiency.

The system includes regenerative braking, which diverts some of the energy normally lost during braking or coasting back to the lithium-ion battery pack through a motor/generator. It also has upper and lower aero shutters to reduce drag for enhanced efficiency.

Our test vehicle was the Premium front-drive model with the V-6 engine ($2.500) in the Quicksilver Metallic exterior color ($395 extra), and the Ebony interior with perforated leather seats.

The Premium comes with the best interior, with the perforated leather upholstery and a new, standard lumbar massage feature (great for an aching back).

Outside and inside, the LaCrosse also is elegant without any hint of overdoing it, and we found the front bucket seats to be among the most comfortable we’ve tested among sedans in this class, and even above.

With last year’s remake, the LaCrosse is longer, lower and wider than before, and about 300 pounds lighter, which GM attributes to the use of high-strength steels.

Fuel efficiency is enhanced by the automatic stop/start system, which shuts off the engine at stoplights and restarts it when the driver lifts the foot off the brake pedal; and the Active Fuel Management system on the V-6, which cuts the engine down to four cylinders during level highway cruising.

Among standard safety features are 10 air bags, including knee air bags for the driver and front passenger; and a standard rear-vision camera system.

Forward Collision Alert and Following Distance Indicator are standard on Premium models, along with the Safety Alert Seat, which pulse-vibrates to warn the driver of a possible impending forward collision or rear cross-traffic event, such as when backing out of a driveway into traffic. We also had ultrasonic rear park assist.

With options and freight, the total sticker price of our V-6 Premium front-drive LaCrosse was $47,350, which brought us a wellequipped, beautiful luxury sedan with lots of curb appeal, plenty of power, and numerous high-tech safety and connectivity features.

BUICK The 2018 Buick LaCrosse is aimed at professionals in their 30s who are looking for a bridge between a mass-market sedan like a Honda Accord and a more-expensive luxury brand such as BMW or Mercedes.