The mainstream midsize vehicle segment has heated up over the last few years, with existing stalwarts becoming stronger and several shining stars emerging to take a piece of the 2.2-million vehicle per year segment. In that regard, Chevrolet knows that it needs the 2016 Malibu to be a success in order to return Chevy to the car game and bolster sales.
Luckily, the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu seems to (mostly) have everything it needs to return as a competitive alternative in the crowded mid-size sedan segment. Part of the new formula is saying goodbye to the LTZ trim level, and welcoming the new Premier trim to take over the Malibu’s fully-loaded duties.
The move is similar to Ford introducing the Titanium trim on its high-end vehicles, ushering in the most luxurious features we’ve seen in a Chevrolet Malibu to date while conveying its purpose much better than LTZ. The more we think about it, the more we realize that the trim provides a feeling of distance from the base L, better LS, and even better LT counterparts.
Specifically, the Malibu Premier trim level brings with it the following equipment:
- An eight-inch MyLink infotainment unit with navigation
- Heated and ventilated front seats, with the ventilated feature being a first for Malibu
- Wireless phone charging
Going forward, look for Chevrolet to replace the LTZ trim with the new Limited badge wherever on its future vehicle launches.
Comments
Should done away with L and had, LS-LT-LTZ-Premiere.
My thoughts exactly. Where did L even come from all of a sudden? I always liked the LTZ trim, even added the badges to my LT.
lolwut
Came across a guy in the Fall while I was hunting. His Ram was stuck, one rear wheel was just given’r and spitting a mud rooster tail as he dug in deeper. It very clearly had a 4×4 bade on the tailgate, I suggested he put it in 4Lo “it’s only two wheel man, that’s just a chrome sticker” he said.
Why try and up-model your vehicle?
In my case, I wanted an (Impala) LTZ to start with, but also wanted a bench seat inside, something GM wouldn’t let me do in the LTZ. So, I loaded up an LT to the max (sunroof, bose, spoiler, foglamps, larger V6, duals, etc) then added the 18″ LTZ spec wheels, auto dim mirror, badging… I even bought the chrome door handles before deciding that I preferred body colored and resold them. Besides not having leather seats (which I didn’t really care about anyway), it has become an LTZ …at least until I go to trade it in and only get LT value for it.
LOL at putting 4×4 badges on a 2WD though, I could have just as easily cloned an Impala SS, but I would have really felt like a poseur without the V8 under the hood …and besides I really liked the LTZ wheels.
Here’s where “L” came from:
http://gmauthority.com/blog/2015/02/2016-equinox-reconfigures-trim-levels-by-adding-new-l-model/
So, what does Buick do to differentiate a Regal from a Malibu Premiere?
Are the trucks going to get the “premiere” badge too? I guess it’s a good choice, titanium has a nice ring to it while premiere will have to grow on us.
Buick differentiates the Regal from the Malibu premier with haladex awd, higher quality interior and better features. The GS trim outshines the Malibu premium any day.
That’s not a good thing given the tough competition Malibu is up against.
The Buick should be better with the higher price point. The GS is $42K now and should present a better interior.
But the new Malibu will see major changes in fit, finish and quality. It will be on par and better than most in it’s class.
One can not and GM should not let Buick and Chevy be compared as they are in two different segments. Moving forward it is GM’s mission to make Buick the model to fill the gap between Chevy and Cadillac. In other words they are to go after Acura, Lexus, Infinity and what ever Lincoln brings to the table.
The name changes here should not be an issue if the product is right. A good car can sell any name but a bad car can not support even the best name.
I agree with the first poster that Chevy should have kept the current trim designation of LS-LT-LTZ and added Premiere as a range topping trim. I don’t like the base L trim designation. It sounds genetic and could be mistaken for a Leather model (aka Accord EX-L) or a LWB model (aka A8 L).
For the trucks, Chevy has LS-LT-LTZ-and High Country trim levels. Why not do the same with the cars.
LTZ has become a widely accepted and understood trim level among customers and it actually carries cachet!
LS = base model
LT = popularly optioned model
LTZ = luxury model
Premiere = fully loaded with lavish options (real wood and metal, LED headlights, massaging seats, huge wheels and brakes, pano roof, sumptuous leather, rear DVD screens, etc)
This whole idea, seems like a huge reach to me. We are GM Lovers, and our newest automobile, is a gorgeous 2011 Chevy Malibu LTZ…and we love it. One of the things we enjoy most, is the powerful, yet economical V-6 Engine, which sadly, is no longer available. Yes, the Malibu could have a few more amenities, such as a power passenger seat, with lumbar, a rear armrest, HID head lights, LED tail lights, and Navigation…But all of that could be offered in a ‘Premium Package’ option, and Keeping the respected LTZ designation. I am truck shopping at the moment, for a new GM 1500 series Double Cab…I have been leaning to the sportier Chevy Silverado LTZ, with All the Options…but if Chevy is going to Drop the LTZ designation for Premier, then that will make my decision, very easy, I will be ordering a 2015, or possibly a 2016 GMC Sierra SLT Double Cab, with every available amenity added to it…I would order a Denali, but it is Not available in the Double Cab anymore. Thanks for listening. Premier?? Wasn’t that a big Lincoln sedan, long ago??
What does it matter if Chevy calls it Premier or LTZ? It’s the same thing.
I think the bigger thing would be to more clearly badge the car for if it is a 1LTZ and a 2 LTZ. I don’t really care but if they are going to have versions inside of versions it needs to be clear.