At this point, the GM Authority team has spent a collective several weeks’ worth with the Buick Verano — and we’ve come to learn a thing or two about the small luxury sedan. And so, we’ve outlined the top five things we really, really like about the car:
The Silence
The Verano is quiet. And it’s meant to be that way. This certain quality may not be particularly appealing to automotive enthusiasts who love to hear the engine, its exhaust, and be connected to the road via other audible means. And that’s not the purpose of the Verano, at all. In fact, silence is a quality on which Lexus successfully built its brand — and the new, luxury-focused Buick is triumphantly re-building itself using the same values, while branding its silence as QuietTuning. Ultimately, there is tremendous value in a car that’s quiet and doesn’t allow all the negative elements of the outside environment, like rough roads, construction, and the idiots with gigantic mufflers, into the cabin. And in this regard, the Verano exceeds our expectations.
The Looks
The exterior styling of the Verano speaks for itself. It’s elegant, charming, and classy — not aggressive and filled with testosterone. And just like the silent demeanor of its cabin, the Verano has no need for brash design. Instead, the styling is understated and classy — perhaps much like its owners. And say what you will about the chrome accents above the tail lamps (aka ass-borows), but we love the blue translucent projector-beam headlamps.
The Ride & Handling
The Verano’s ride strikes the perfect balance between “soft-riding” and “planted”, with the latter depiction practically applying to all of GM’s Delta II-based vehicles. The Verano is not overly soft and cushy, like a couch on wheels, and it’s not rigidly harsh, like a thoroughbred performance machine; rather, it’s right in the middle. Add to that the car’s steering, which simply “feels right”, in layman’s terms, and we couldn’t ask more from the driving experience of a luxury vehicle with no grandiose sporting intentions… and that’s not to say that the Verano can’t be fun.
The Technology
We couldn’t ask for more of the IntelliLink infotainment system in the Verano: the seven-inch color LED setup looks great and does everything we ask it to — like initiate phone calls, select radio stations and even media from smartphones. My personal favorite is tuning to my own Stitcher station — all without picking up the phone by using two voice commands. And, of course, the fact that IntelliLink is standard on 2012 Veranos (and all 2013 Buicks), and that a back-up camera is part of the system for 2013 as well, is nice. While we’re at it, did we mention the 9-speaking Bose sound system? If not, here’s the verdict: it’s not a base-heavy, hard-hitting unit; but just as the exterior design is classy, so is the Bose system.
The Leather
If you’re lucky enough to get a Verano in the top-of-the-line Leather Equipment trim, then you’re in for a treat. The French-stitched leather is soft, luxurious, and comfortable. In fact, we’d even go so far as to call it leisurely — which fits, given that someone spent a significant amount of time optimizing the car’s seats for paramount comfort. What makes the chairs so great is their ability, thanks to thorough design, to keep pressure away in specific touch points that eventually lead to discomfort, otherwise known as hot spots.
And So It Was
All in all, these are the top five things we love about the Buick Verano. Some other items that didn’t make the list include the steering wheel (and its ability to head the driver’s hands on a cold winter morning), the wheels, as well as OnStar and the OnStar RemoteLink app. But all that is not to say that there isn’t a single element that we dislike about the car; in fact, an upcoming article will outline the things we would change about the compact luxury sedan.
In the meantime, do you think we left something off the list of things that you absolutely love about the Verano? Sound off in the comments!
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Comments
The price…
I don’t like the recycled Regal gauge cluster. It’s okay that they used it, but it would have been nice to have a different sate for the Verano. I can’t wait for the review of the turbo model.
One of my colleagues has a Verano and really likes it. Also, I haven’t heard many complaints from owners. In fact, I wouldn’t mind one myself.
After driving ATS, I still just love this car….Verano is A+ for the $$$$
I would like the Verano to be made to fit the same roof rack accessories that are designed for the Opel Astra. No one would want to scratch up their Buick, or ruin its look, with clips. I would not do that to a Chevrolet. This might entice me to buy a Buick sedan, though a true hatch would obviously be my strong preference.
I need to send you a pm or email, Alex.
Richard — alex at gmauthority dot com
I know you like BMW….they are so nice….would you get that over ATS?
Perhaps. It would be a tough choice, though.
Besides the qualitative and quantitate stuff, I also respect tradition — and appreciate the fact that BMW has been there for the last 20 years, building the cars for driving enthusiasts… while Cadillac is just now entering the fray — albeit with a competitive product.
I like all those things too Alex. What i don’t like? That stupid front plate indention. Ruins the entire car for me.
Not a fan of the eye-brow rear taillight enhancement.
Give me the Turbo and I am in!
thing i like about the verano is that it comes with a 6spd manual
Verano is super………………..I like the Cadillac styling better but, it is a lot of money. I see ATS has a subpar list of standards. I do not get the lack of rear camera or the empty black plastic panel with no fogs….looks cheap. If Cadillac can man it up a bit, that would be good. I suppose a lot of people will get Verano with the rave reviews you give it!
Alex……..sounds like over time you like the Verano? Sure lots of positive feedback from most everyone……I truly don;t get the spartan ATS…….odd really
I do, Dan. Not that I ever disliked it. 😉
Alex, I know you like Verano….probably better as more things are standard….would you buy ATS over top-of-line Verano turbo?
Depends on what I was looking for; a more coddling ride or one that’s more sporty.
Alex, I drove both…seems like Verano is smoother and quieter…also felt bigger inside….love the Cadillac but not sure…..still disappointed about lack of standards……do you think ATS will add more base features?
Aalso, still would prefer the coupe so I will wait for that, I think…..have you heard how sales are going for ATS?
I see 2.4 is being phased out as you said, Alex….when does Verano get the new 2.5??????
Danny, the 2.4 that’s being phased out is not the same engine as the 2.4 in the Verano, Equinox, etc. Take a look at the GM Authority engine guide:
gmauthority.com/blog/guides/engines
I did wonder….when will new engine show up???