While listening to Sirius-XM Electric Area with the bass up on its Harman Kardon sound system cruising down I-696, I realized that the 2011 Buick Regal Turbo is perhaps the farthest thing from what Buick has been known for over the past 20 years: something that a driving enthusiast would actually consider. And I’m not the only one.
While showing off the ride to a few of my friends — the age average of this group was probably 21 years old — they all came to the conclusion that they too could see themselves owning a Buick Regal Turbo based on their first impressions. And this was all before we went for a drive.
Before I get into how the car feels on the road, I have to note that the 2011 Buick Regal Turbo CXL starts at $29,220, and our tester featured the TO7 equipment package, which puts the final price at $34,910, not including the $750 destination charge. From a dimensions standpoint, the car is classified as a mid-sized vehicle. It weighs in at 3,600 pounds, stretches 190.2 inches in length with a 107.8 inch wheelbase, and stands 58.4 inches high. These specs are virtually identical to the Lexus ES, Volkswagen Passat, and Lincoln MKZ. Yet from an engine output standpoint, the Regal Turbo compares to smaller, sportier cars like the Audi A4 and Acura TSX. So, if you’re looking for a mirror rival to the Regal Turbo, have fun, because you’ll be looking far and wide to find a car that shares a similar price, size, power and demographics to the Regal Turbo.
From the outside, the Regal Turbo looks the same as the cheaper naturally aspirated model, save for the “T” badging next to the right rear taillight. Its Quicksilver Metallic paint and 19-inch wheels gave our tester a look that was clean and approachable, while still having an upscale and composed look about it that tells passers by that it’s no Camry. Humbly put, its modern looks are degrees more attractive than what you’d find from Lexus, Lincoln or Acura. The only disappointment in its design is that its a straight carbon copy of the Opel Insignia, which depending on your views on the whole badge-engineering thing, you may find yourself shaking your head. Though when I climbed inside the cockpit of my tester, I forgot about such trivial things, at least for a moment.
The interior of the Buick Regal Turbo is one of the cleanest looking cabins I’ve sat in, being able to figure out what mostly everything on the steering wheel and center console does at first glance, all while being tastefully accompanied with a glossy piano black trim. Yes, of course the Regal Turbo features the necessary heated front row leather seats, a color display satellite navigation system and USB port. But then there’s also a bangin’ 320 Watt 9-speaker Harman-Kardon sound system, a handy 120-volt power outlet and a fantastic Bluetooth system that a 3-year-old can learn to operate in a minute. But my favorite feature in the cabin had to be the knob and button cluster located just behind the shifter that allowed for easy and intuitive controls of the audio and navigation systems with minimal effort, and helped keep my focus on the ever-enjoyable driving.
This thing might not be a Cadillac CTS-V, but don’t take it for a slug. The 2.0-liter, 220 horsepower, 258 lbs.-ft. turbocharged ECOTEC four-pot will bring the Regal Turbo up to 60 miles per hour in as little as 7.5 seconds. Okay, so that’s actually pretty weak considering that’s the same time it takes a massive GMC Sierra 3500 HD to sprint to the same speed. Maybe it has something to do with the Regal Turbo’s very noticeable turbo lag, which could be managed to a degree by using the vehicles TAPshift system, allowing for manual changing of the gears. But was it still fun to drive? Yes.
Unlike the retired Regal Grand National of the 1980’s, the Regal Turbo can take a corner with enthusiasm, thanks to its MacPherson struts up front and 4-link suspension system in the back. Turn after turn, the Regal Turbo reminded me that the athleticism of a car cannot be solely based on straight-line speed anymore. And despite the slow 0-60 sprint, it really didn’t feel that slow, as the car becomes much more punchy when the turbo finally charges up at 2,000 RPM or so. It could be that the turbo lag had something to do with the fact that our tester was equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission, and not a more liberating manual, which is available. We’ll find out soon enough. This is also probably a good time to mention that the range-topping Regal GS, which launches this fall, promises more performance with increased horsepower, a six-speed manual and Brembo brake system.
With fuel economy becoming an ever more important priority, our tester is rated at 18 miles per gallon in the city and 28 on the highway. It was hard to touch a number like 30 MPG on the highway, but it should be easier with the manual version, which is rated at 20 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway. Still, 28 MPG isn’t bad for a 3,600 lb. turbocharged performance sedan. With that in mind, I have to say that the driving experience of the Regal Turbo made my smiles so affordable, I felt like I was stealing them from the gas-hog muscle car owner that can’t afford to fill his tank these days.
While the engine’s power was limited, it didn’t matter how fast I went. The Buick Regal Turbo didn’t complain. It remained stable, it remained poised, and it unapologetically proved to me that I was indeed driving a bona fide sport sedan. But that doesn’t mean the Regal Turbo can’t relax.
What I found to be one of the most interesting features on the Regal Turbo is its Interactive Driver Control System, which is Buick-talk for an adjustable steering and suspension system. The IDCS allows the driver to configure the ride, throttle and the steering to be softened and numbed like the *ahem* more traditional Buicks by pressing the Tour button on the center stack, or behave more like the autobahn-ready sport sedan that makes me happy by simply pushing the Sport button. Or it could be left in Standard mode. To note, the IDCS feature is perhaps the most overlooked among other reviews I’ve read on the Buick Regal Turbo, and it’s a shame because it allows the car to appeal to a very wide audience that a less sophisticated car could not manage. On top of that, Buick’s Phil Colley also told me that the car’s computer would adjust its ride and handling to reflect my driving habits if it had to. You could call it a “smart car,” but I wouldn’t for obvious reasons.
The GM Authority Bottom Line
Easily one of the most enjoyable mid-sized FWD sedans starting under $30,000. The 2011 Buick Regal Turbo graces the fine line between a premium sport sedan and mild luxury cruiser with solid performance, a versatile suspension system and refined technology that deserves the attention of the casual driver and enthusiasts alike.
Why You Would Buy One
- A great combination of performance and comfort for its price
- Awesome tech and audio features
Why You Wouldn’t
- Turbo lag, and just not enough power
- You’re holding out for the Regal GS
Comments
Nice review. It definitely seems a bit weak for my tastes, which is why I’m waiting on the GS to hit the market. One question about the interactive drive system. I have read elsewhere that you can also control engine parameters, not just the suspension and steering. Is there any truth to that? Again, excellent review and will definitely help me in my deciding factor on getting the GS.
Tim,
I did experience some differences in throttle response while fiddling with the IDCS, but it wasn’t as noticeable as much as the steering and suspension differences were.
need to change the fog light design……horizontal….
I agree!! The fog lights are very distracting from the overall beauty of the car. The GS’ front end is a lot better looking, but I’m just biased ‘cus I like aggressive styling.
Badge engineered? come on. Who cares if the same car is sold in Europe. Very few US buyers will know or even care. In fact it would probably a plus.
Agreed!!! The only downfall is we are getting the anemic engines. If GM kept the Insignia’s engines, then we could have possibly had a North American car of the year!! LOL!!!
This is a car that does not suffer from Badge engineering (outside of engines) It was 2009 European car of the year and won several 2011 NA car of the year awards (not the coveted MT but still) and is one of the best cars GM sells, and that’s saying a lot.
And just an FYI the IDCS does change shift points and gas pedal sensitivity.
I have 5500 miles on my 2011 Regal RL5 (NA) and I will be buying another one when my lease is up.
I agree. If say Chevy had a version of the Regal here (same skin and all), then that’s poor badge engineering. Since it will be the only model here in the states, it’s smart marketing and I for one am looking forward to getting one (GS). Oh, and I’m guessing Minoli was just having fun in the corners and didn’t really notice any change in throttle response. That’s understandable!!!
I replied to your comment above. I did notice the throttle changes… but yes, I was having fun with the corners 🙂
I have issues with the oil life remaining betwwen oil changes, I ‘ve been told to change at between 4 and 5000 miles and I have been hearing 10,000 which is correct. Why would GM put in a sensor that you can’t rely on to help you make a true decision on when to change the oil and filter.
Also, I’m not getting the MPG that I was told I would get with the 2011 Regal T-type, I’m averaging 24 MPG overall and was expecting 29 or 30. I know about the winteer blend of regular gasoline not being as effivcient for MPG, but I will see this summer since I just bought it last March.
I like the car overall, but I believe I spent too much money for a car that isn’t what I expected. If I continue to see the dissappointment in the milage with the rising gasoiline prices I definately will not be buying this car again or GM for that matter. In regard to their misrepresentation of this product…
You’re AVERAGING 24 MPG? That’s city and highway mileage combined? Sounds about where it’s supposed to be.
I’m not sure how you expect to average 29-30 MPG on a car which has a highway rating of 28 mpg (with the automatic) — I’d love to know the secret, though. Also, not sure how General Motors themselves misrepresented this product.
Hey Michael,
First of all who told to change the oil at 10k, unless it was a GM document or repesentative, you cant blame GM, I believe GM recommends 5k. I am assuming the dealer told you 10k, there both right. 5k is extremely recommended, but really unneccessary, todays modern engines dont really need 5k and 10k is pretty good.
As for fuel economy, the I believe the epa numbers are 18 cty and 28 highway and for the manual 20 city and 30 hwy, so even if you have the manual 24 mpg overall what you should have expected. If you believed otherwise or were mislead by the dealer or documentation/flyer you really only have yourself to blame. When buying a car, in terms of fuel economy, the only thing you believe is epa numbers or your own personal testing. I also find it hard to believe that you bought a regal turbo with fuel economy being a major concern. The regal turbo is not meant to be fuel efficient, you would have better luck with GM’s cars designed or fuel economy like the cruze and sonic. Also keep in mind that almost every car underperforms when it comes to stated fuel economy, recall the recent honda civic lawsuit.
You believe you spent too much money for it, well gues what, youre right, the regal turbo is many things, but a value is not one of them. You want a value, consider the buick verano or even the lacrosse.
I feel like you are going through buyers remorse right now and that typicall happens with every new car purchase that is over 25k and I feel for you. But quite frankly, you didnt do you homework or were mislead by someone you shouldnt have believed, and neither are good excuses when making such a big and important descision. Thats why I will NEVER buy a brand new car from the dealer even though, as a “car guy” I am much more informed than someone like the average buyer is. Always buy a secondhand one or two year old low mileage excellant car, you save money and have the option of selling it back if you dont like it without losing thousands in depreciation costs. Anyway thats a different topic.
Keep in mind that issues you are experiancing are not GM specific and they exist accross the industry so you cant really blame them.
Anyway, hope your issues are resolved and enjoy the parts of the car you do like.
Do you know if the monitor on the life of the oil is correct, is 10,000 a good point in which to change the oil and filter giving the computer is accutrate as to the oil life???