When Buick introduced the Buick Avenir concept at the Detroit Auto Show , most enthusiasts, including some of us here at Top Speed , began fantasizing about a flagship sedan the Electra and Park Avenue come to mind that would finally give the brand a weapon for the luxury market. There is some good news though. Its expressive design represents a break from convention and highlights the progressiveness in all new Buick models," said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Buick. The horizontal trim sits a tad lower, while the rim is thicker above the emblem.
The V-shaped bottom is smoother, while the extremities are sharper. Buick used a similar design in the s and s. The rear fascia is a significant departure from the previous model, boasting a more refined and modern look.
The chrome inserts, however, were retained around the taillights, which are smaller and extend into the trunk lid. Because the wheelbase has been stretched by 2. The roofline sits 1. Larger, inch rims are available as an option. The wrap-around dashboard is more stylish and feels luxurious thanks to a combination of horizontal and curvy lines, the big chuck of wood on the passenger side, and fine chrome trim.
Arguably the most impressive feature is the "floating" center console, which is mostly covered in wood and leather. The console is wide and tall, similar to those seen in much bigger sedans. With the redesigned dashboard also comes a new center stack.
Various buttons and knobs fill the space between the screen and the shifter, but the area is less cluttered compared to the previous model. The new cabin also sports more attention to detail and includes softer materials on nearly every surface. Depending on the trim level, the LaCrosse comes with French stitching on the seats and instrument panel, aluminum sill plates, and wood trim. Legroom has increased in the rear, while access to the rear seats are easier due to the new doors that open wider.
The trunk offers about seven percent more storage space than the current model, and was configured to accommodate four golf bags. Tech-wise, the LaCrosse is packed with communication and convenience features. The features allow drivers to select smartphone apps through the touchscreen interface and many of them can be controlled via voice commands through a button on the steering wheel.
The LaCrosse also features a more quiet cabin thanks to standard Active Noise Cancellation and other updates. The sedan received new acoustic wheelhouse liners, acoustic-laminated windshield and front side windows, triple-sealed doors, and improved body noise-path sealing.
Additionally, the Windshield wipers sit below the hood line to reduce wind noise. Under the hood, the new LaCrosse hides a 3. Liz Wetzel, Buick's director of interior design, said the goal was to maximize the use of premium leather and other materials with gauges and controls arranged in a simple, intuitive manner.
The car features electronic precision shifting with paddle shifters that drivers can manipulate from the steering wheel. Chief engineer Jeff Yanssens said the weight reduction was a collective effort that included designers, power train and manufacturing engineers. The LaCrosse power train also includes GM's Active Fuel Management that deactivates two cylinders at lower speeds, and what Yanssens called a "seamless" stop-start capability that will contribute improved fuel economy.
Standard safety features include 10 air bags, anti-lock brakes with traction control, tire pressure monitor, daytime running lights, lane departure warning, forward collision alert, front pedestrian braking, automatic park assist and advanced adaptive cruise control.
There will also be the teen driver feature that debuted on the Chevrolet Malibu. This technology mutes the stereo system until all occupants' seat belts are fastened. Some information may no longer be current. I sat in the passenger seat of the new Buick LaCrosse and asked the driver to turn on the engine, to start the air conditioning. She said the engine was running already. Not a sound could be heard; not a vibration felt.
She must have been mistaken. The engine must have shut itself off while we waited. I touched the front dash and felt for vibration, and there was nothing to be felt. The silence inside is deafening. Can a car be too comfy? The design is very handsome. The overall shape was heavily influenced by the Buick Avenir concept that debuted in The character line that runs along the side of the car, cutting through the first set of door handles before curving up and over the second, makes the profile a lot more interesting to look at.
This is luxury, not near-luxury. Throw in all-wheel drive, a strong horsepower 3. Handles how you expect.
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