When we spoke with Molly Peck, Buick head marketing gal, at the 2015 North American International Auto Show she described Buick moving forward as “affordable luxury.” We don’t know what kind of magic Buick designers and bean counters are working to keep things affordable, but we’re pretty impressed with how the next-generation, 2017 Buick LaCrosse is shaping up.
Steering News posted photos of the 2017 LaCrosse snapped in China, and the photographer was able to get up close and personal with the new sheetmetal. One thing is apparent at first glance, the rear is in for a major makeover.
New L-shaped taillights don the rear, making up a revised rear clip totally, taking inspiration from the latest Opel rears, no doubt. Plenty of Chevrolet Impala can be seen in the side profile, but we’ll reserve judgement for a later date, and not go crazy with blurry spy photos.
The front shows a revised Buick waterfall grille, looking more sleek and angular. Buick Avenir was a driving force up front it seems, and we won’t complain in the slightest about that.
Inside is where things are really spruced up. The current LaCrosse’s interior isn’t a bad place to be, but it could use some love. Here, things looks very refined, and that new gear selector looks awfully similar to what a nine-speed transmission unit may use. General Motors is currently leading development on a nine-speed automatic transmission for future front-wheel drive applications, while Ford develops a ten-speed unit for rear-wheel drive vehicles.
Head on over to the link here, check out the shots, and bring it back in to let us know what you think so far.
Comments
Note market changes also need to be accounted for.
Hey Sean,
Love this site but wanted to share something. I find many stories wish to offer pictures, discuss pictures, but don’t actually include them. If it’s a thing where you don’t feel it’s right to steal the glory of the page which does have the pictures, I wish said link was provided prominently within the first paragraph instead of timidly in last.
If we’re using this thread to ask for things, could you make your top banner permanent or stop it from appearing constantly any time I scroll up or even touch my track pad? The thing is constantly “flashing” on and off and it’s really irritating.
Enjoy the site otherwise.
The inside looks like it has a family thing going on with the just shown Verano. They both have instrument panels that look a lot alike.
I’ve been trying to wait to evaluate the Lacrosse as my next car, was really hoping it would have come along as a 2016 model. So far, I love the exterior shape which also appears to offer better visibility and a bigger trunk. I’m not sure I love the L-shaped tail lights and there seems to be an extra body crease on the rear quarter, but not a deal breaker. Inside, the big high console is my biggest concern (but doesn’t look any worse than the current model). As someone that’s used to and prefers bench seat cars, the most important thing is for me to find a comfortable driving position without my right leg touching the dash/console (the current Lacrosse and XTS fail at this, while the Impala passes). I would prefer the cup holders to be side-by-side with the shifter centered, though the storage cubby beneath is a nice touch. I also hope that there is a brushed dash or less wood (plood?) interior option, as I’d probably spray paint over all of the wood trim – just a personal preference. Overall, about what I expected so far, but extremely concerned that they are going to force start-stop on this without an button to disable/override, which will be a deal breaker for me.
the inside hasn’t changed much from the current modal….my biggest disappointment are the A-pillars and dashboard ….they look pretty much the same….. thick and webby on the bottom….some areas on the new Lacrosse are stale inside and out.
the new Lacrosse looks leaner, sleeker and bold on the outside… of course the new one looks better than the current one.
If GM installed the new 5ET50 EDU (electric Drive Unit) from the 2016 Volt and Hybrid Malibu on this car and call it the Buick Electra, it will be a hit and I woll buy it!!
This same article provided at the link also has a related story about the Verano being spied in Chicago. Silver in color and emblems covered up. It is the same as the new Chinese one. Dare I say that we can probably bet it will be ours also. CHECK IT OUT EVERYBODY.
I’ll hold judgment until we see it later this year at auto shows. I’m giving this strong consideration for my next car, but after seeing the Avenir, I feel disappointed.
I like the new console very much, instrument panel looks sleeker, but if that is faux wood, it’s a major mistake. The front end looks very promising, but I hope the car looks less like an Impala in profile than it appears to in the photo.
I am so looking forward to the 2017 new Lacrosse but will be very disappointed if
it’s not offered in Front Wheel drive only.
My decision on whether to buy this vehicle is really quite simple, I will buy it if they include an interior option without the faux wood; if on other hand the faux wood interior is the only option I’ll look elsewhere.