The Buick LaCrosse debuts at the Los Angeles Auto Show carrying a rather familiar vibe.
Offered exclusively at launch with a 3.5-litre V6 – which produces 305hp and 363 Nm (268 lb-ft) of torque – the Buick LaCrosse is GM’s way of covering the near-luxury mid-size market.
Based on the P2XX platform, GM’s new global midsize platform, the vehicle comes with a weight loss of 300 pounds (136kg) over the previous generation thanks to lighter, high-strength steels used in its construction.
Mind you, weight shedding wasn’t the only performance thing Buick’s engineers addressed, as the car new model now comes with a five-link setup rear suspension system, complemented by HiPer Strut front suspension and – optional – electronically controlled air dampers, for various driving mods (ranging from “Touring” to “Sport”).
Style-wise, it’s obvious that the new LaCrosse borrowed most of its lines from the Avenir concept, although the final product looks closer to Opel’s design language, rather than an original approach. In the end, Buick chose to play it safe, going for the classic, traditional style – for which the car maker is known for.
The cabin doesn’t astound either, keeping a simple layout garnished with leather and wood trims – exactly what you would expect for this type of automobile. Even so, Buick is ready to offer a heads-up display and heated front seats with massage function.
The Buick LaCrosse will go on sale next summer as a 2017MY.
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