Buick Debuts All New LaCrosse

Many younger buyers today believe that Buick is the preferred brand of little old ladies everywhere, and as such would never consider any vehicle from the Trishield branded maker. Thats not so much a knock against Buick as an admission of fact, Buick’s own data reveals average buyer ages for their various vehicles to be as high as 70 years old. So why not just switch from making cars for old people to making cars for younger people? While its no easy task to switch your customer base overnight, Buick is doing just that with new models like the LaCrosse that debuted in Detroit last week.

While the LaCrosse name has been around for a few years now, this all new LaCrosse couldn’t be any more different from the old one. The new car is not only a major improvement over the last one, its a thoroughly competitive vehicle for the entry level luxury class. A completely new mechanical platform, modern styling, attractive interior, and the latest technology all come together to tempt away on-the-fence Lexus buyers.

Yes, Buick is being positioned as a real alternative to Lexus, all while making sure that it doesn’t step on any toes at Cadillac. So with a solid vehicle available this summer, and a brand strategy in place, the only misstep is the LaCrosse name. A 2008 concept car named Invicta previewed the look of the new LaCrosse, that showcar’s name would have been a much more fitting name given the car’s, and the brand’s, more focused mission.

The exterior of the car is elegant and flowing with a distinctive character line along each side that was once a signature Buick styling cue, the sweepspear. A relatively low coupe-ish roofline makes the car look both fresh, and familiar in a Lexus GS sort of way. Inside the car is an upscale and modern dash that uses dark wood to flow uninterrupted from door to door, a NAV screen and controls that sit low and flow into the center console, a steering wheel that is both sporty and elegant, and french stitched leather. Blue ambient lighting throughout the cabin looks great and is unique for the class.

The car is available with technology like Bluetooth, USB ports, navigation, rear DVD screens, adaptive lighting, blind spot alerts, and a rear view camera. Tech-fiends should feel right at home.

Powering the new LaCrosse is your choice between two modern, direct-injection engines. A 3.0 liter engine that makes 255hp/211lb-ft of torque, and a more powerful 3.6 liter engine that makes 280hp/261lb-ft of torque. Direct-injection technology makes the engines more fuel-efficient and cuts down on emissions.

Pricing hasn’t been released yet but expect it to be in line with the older model which started at about $34,000. An as new price in the low 30s is competitive for this class of vehicle but is a far better value if purchased private party. A three year old LaCrosse sells for about $12,000, a huge drop of 64% in only three years. The new car should fare better but not by much, these numbers don’t vary too wildly from one generation to the next.