2017 Buick LaCrosse Hybrid Electric Vehicle Makes World Debut In China
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The 2017 Buick LaCrosse Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) has made its world debut in China, and aims to be one of the most fuel efficient full size vehicles that has ever emerged out of the Buick portfolio. The new LaCrosse HEV can be found at the Buick stand at Auto China 2016 in Beijing, which begins on April 25. Beijing is home to roughly 20 million people.
“GM’s leadership in electrification technologies, now and in the future, are coming to Buick in China,” said Larry Nitz, GM executive director of Global Propulsion Systems, at the event. “In fact, over the next five years, we will roll out more than 10 new energy vehicles in China, including several models for Buick. That includes full hybrids, plug-in hybrids and extended-range electric vehicles.”
Sounds like the General will be quite busy over the next five years. But before we get caught up in the excitement of what may come, let’s take a look at what we have at the moment.
The LaCrosse HEV offers a fuel economy of 4.7L/100 km, which is directly converted to 60 mpg. That’s undeniably great mileage for a full-sized luxury sedan. The 2017 LaCrosse HEV is powered by a 1.8L SIDI engine that’s paired with an electric variable transmission and a 1.5-kWh high-performance lithium battery unit. Innovative features include an electronic climate control compressor, electronic power steering, exhaust thermal energy recycling, and an active grille that opens and closes, all work to maximize efficiency.
All these green goodies translate into a 35 percent decrease in fuel consumption when compared to the current/outgoing LaCrosse eAssist. On the performance end, the new LaCrosse HEV is still able to get up to 60 miles per hour in a respectable 8.9 seconds. No, it’s not quick by any means, but you normally do not buy an HEV to go fast.
The car is a major component of SAIC-GM’s Drive to Green strategy and can be identified by the all-new “Buick Blue” logo, next to the rear taillight. We expect more details, such as pricing, to be announced soon. As for a North American confirmation, well, we await that also.
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This is what many would buy if it was offered in the U.S. right now. When will it arrive? Is it based on the Chevy Malibu Hybrid?
GMAuthority, the conversion factor between L/100 KM and MPG with USA gallon is 235:
USA_MPG = 235/(L_FOR_100KM)
So, combined 4.7 L/100KM is 50 MPG (235/4.7), and not 60 MPG, if you mean USA MPG.
It would be 60 MPG only with UK Gallon, because UK Gallon is 1.2 USA Gallon.
All these ridiculous units from wooden pirate ship with sails 17th century times…
This 3rd gen LaCrosse Hybrid is probably based on Chevy Malibu Hybrid. What strikes me that the average combined fuel consumption of 4.7 L/100 KM (it is 50 USA mpg, not 60 mpg, see above) is even better than that of new Malibu Hybrid, which is 46 USA mpg combined on fueleconomy.gov, which turns out to be 5.1 L/100 KM.
This looks unrealistic because LaCrosse weighs more than Malibu anyway, unless some smart things for LaCrosse are done which are not there for Malibu, or just the fuel consumption ratings differ in China vs USA.
This LaCrosse Hybrid will be good, IF the trunk is not too penalized because of the hybrid powertrain battery residing there, as is often the case with hybrid sedans.
If they managed this time to make an even and flat battery at the bottom of the trunk which does not mess up the trunk space (like it’s the case in 2nd gen LaCrosse eAssist), then I’ll be the first to applaud them.
I would love to see Buick offer some HEVs in North America. However with gas prices being what it is, seems more buyers are interested in SUVs than hybrids or electrics.
Damn why are US and Canadian car buyers so short sighted? I can’t wait to see the screaming once oil prices skyrocket.
Well, I believe, everyone buying the V6 LaCrosse will be able to afford the associated fuel costs, since any LaCrosse of recent vintage is by no means a budgetary vehicle (especially taking into account the fact that any LaCrosse eats regular 87 gas).
However, generally, I agree with you – it would be nice to go hybrid way and save on fuel.
Besides, if one goes hybrid, one may have to less frequently visit gas stations, thus saving one’s time.
I see a lot of new Lexus ES300h on the streets of Toronto, for example. Looks like an efficient choice for commute in a big city versus usual ES350, because V6 can really “stretch its legs” and distinguish itself from the hybrid in terms of performance only on the highway, anyway, and in the city sluggish stop-and-go traffic V6 gives no actual advantage. Can’t say much about 2nd gen eAssist LaCrosses presence though, because they are virtually indistinguishable from usual gas LaCrosses (the only visual difference of eAssist from usual gas version is the vents on the back shelf of the cabin, which is hard to notice). There are some used ones on sale, so they do exist out there, but seem to be a rare animal – at least, in Canada.