“Segment leader” is a term Buick tossed around often during my two days with the 2017 Buick LaCrosse, and those are bold words for a contested class which borderlines on upscale and attainable luxury. It’s a tough, yet flourishing market and Buick has managed to sell to 350,000 customers looking for just that.
I had reasonable expectations of the 2017 LaCrosse as I landed in Portland, Oregon. After digesting oodles of information during Buick’s briefings on its reworked chassis, its 3.6-liter LGX V6 (which was engineered from the beginning to support stop-start) and interior awash with premium textures and materials, I knew it was going to be a solid car. But segment leader? That’s bold, Buick.
I’m trying to convey that Buick, in the highest of ways, feels it has undoubtedly crafted a winning recipe here. So, has it?
A Tale Of Two Buicks
I chose a Quicksilver Metallic LaCrosse to begin my morning with the car, which featured the 20-inch wheel package complete with a five-link rear suspension and Continuously Variable Suspension with HiPer Strut, a front-wheel drive exclusive when paired with said 20-inch wheels and tires.
It’s important to note there are two very distinct flavors of LaCrosse this time around. The 20-inch wheels and tires are more of the “enthusiast” pairing, combined to create greater capability in the twisty roads I took out to Astoria, Oregon on the coast. I use the word “enthusiast” lightly because this is no Camaro. But, this also isn’t your grandfather’s floating-on-clouds sedan, either. The 18-inch wheel and tire combo is a different vehicle entirely. More on that later.
I found the 2017 LaCrosse to be surprisingly capable when pushed harder on some intense corners through Oregon’s wilderness; this is also a place where shoulders don’t exist. If you have an oopsie, you’re in a ditch. Or over a cliff. Nothing positive.
Its big car size felt utterly shrunken from behind the driver’s seat, something I very much appreciated. Here, I also tried the LaCrosse’s new sport mode, complete with Buick’s first application of steering wheel mounted paddle shifters. Surprisingly, the steering weighted itself accordingly. Maybe more so than I would have liked, but it didn’t feel unnecessarily heavy either. Sport mode also held the eight-speed automatic’s gear selection slightly longer.
Now, before we move into how the eight-speed and 3.6-liter LGX V6 get along, let’s touch on the 18-inch equipped car.
After hours with the 20-inch equipped car, I found the 18-inch wheels and tires made for a stark difference in the car’s behavior. I chose an Ebony Twilight Metallic LaCrosse, complete with all-wheel drive, which still retains the CDC system and five-link rear suspension.
Immediately, the car made it known it did not like being pushed through the corners as the 20-inch tires and wheels did. So, this car was a fun sucker? Yes. But, that’s not the point of this pairing. That’s really not the point of this segment, either.
Buick dropped the 19-inch wheel option for this generation and tailored the 18-inch wheels and tires for customers only concerned with getting from point A to B in the smoothest, quietest way possible. And that’s fine, because it was whisper quiet, smooth and very comfortable.
Portland’s relatively dry surfaces really didn’t showcase the latest all-wheel drive system, but I’m sure it helped when I attempting to push the LaCrosse in ways it didn’t want with a package engineered for comfort. It still stuck me to the road in a predictable manner every time.
On A Refrigerator-Sized Diet
But, the suspensions can’t take all the credit for the LaCrosse’s tame driving dynamics. Buick engineers dropped 300 pounds from the car, equivalent to one standard-issue Kenmore refrigerator. What does that do combined with very premium suspension components? Very good things.
Acceleration is quick, with the eight-speed dropping gears in a jiffy upon increased throttle input, and quickly selecting the highest gear once again for fuel economy. Once again, GM shows it knows how to tune its in-house eight-speed. Not once was I bothered by the transmission on the hunt for a gear or anything of the like.
The 3.6-liter V6 offers up 310 hp and 282 lb-ft of torque, which when combined with the car’s weight loss, only helps make the nearly 3,600 pound LaCrosse seem even more snappy. And then there’s the undefeatable stop-start system. Buick was adamant in noting this will be the best system on the market. From my experience, the brand has told no lie.
It’s butter smooth at a stop light, and half the time I forgot the LaCrosse was equipped with such a system. Only the tachometer needle reminded me the engine was off. Start-ups were silky, too, as the V6 came to life each time, and the system never felt intrusive in the slightest. It doesn’t need a defeat button. I said it.
Storage, Style, Ergonomics And Stupid Comfy Seats
So, for all the good found on the engineering side of things, the design and materials must be a weak spot, right? I’m happy to report it isn’t.
I was pleasantly surprised in both cars how well thought out the interior design was. There are multilayered surfaces everywhere with French stitching to boot. Particularly, my Ebony Black 18-inch-wheel equipped LaCrosse with the Brandy-colored leather was delightful to look at. Visibility is excellent as well. The rear’s sloping roofline doesn’t obscure the driver’s rear outlook, and the B-pillar doesn’t give you a stern “no” every time you attempt to check for traffic.
And the seats, oh my, the seats. They’re incredibly comfortable.
Imagine your least favorite Buick from the 1990s. Great, now remember those cushy seats? They were unsupportive and looked awful in some ghastly color only the early ’90s could birth. The 2017 LaCrosse’s seats are those seats, except, they’re supportive, look fantastic and can massage the driver and passenger. There’s almost an indescribable sensation about how comfortable they were on a long drive; they’re cushioned perfectly in all the right places, but never unsupportive.
And The Verdict Is…
Buick wanted to engineer and design a segment leader. What defines a leader? It does everything better than anyone else. It’s no small feat, and the segment itself isn’t engineered to be an exciting one. But, somehow, Buick has developed a comfortable, yet slightly engaging package that is quiet, utilizes its performance well and wrapped it in an elegant, timeless looking design.
If it isn’t a segment leader, I think it’s pretty darn close to being one.
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Comments
Thanks for the article!
So, the engine horsepower and torque are even higher than was announced before (previously, power and torque were claimed to be 305 hp and 268 lb-ft for 3rd gen LaCrosse)?
Is it now really 310 hp and 282 lb-ft?
Very good, if that’s the case. Or maybe, because of the FWD it is actually 272 lb-ft, and not 282?
P.S. Anyway, slightly higher hp and torque ratings of LGX vs LFX shouldn’t surprise, because, if I’m not mistaken, new LGX has slightly higher displacement than LFX, LGX being in fact around 3.65 L.
TiGr1982,
These ratings are the official ones Buick supplied as of yesterday. They were actually just updated yesterday with the higher performance numbers!
Thank you for reading!
Cheers,
-Sean
Thanks!
BTW, for everyone interested, it looks that the fuel economy ratings of new LaCrosse were posted. For example, FWD LaCrosse ratings were posted as 21 mpg city and 31 mpg highway, giving 25 mpg combined (though they have the old picture corresponding to 2nd gen LaCrosse):
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/Find.do?action=sbs&id=37921
Regular gas (octane 87). Pretty good, in comparison with the previous 2nd gen 2016 FWD LaCrosse, which had ratings of 18/28 and combined 22 or 21 on the same website.
Thanks for that info. I see that Autoblog has included this information in their writeup today. Looks like 3mpg across the board for the FWD, not too bad.
its a vary bold design….. cushy seats are better then stiff hard seats…..the seats in the regal are awful there are so stiff its like sitting on a rock….the Lacrosse front seats are OK but the back ones are stiff……its like the back passengers suffer these days.
I was hoping for the avenir on an omega platform instead.
While not having a defeat button for the start-stop is a huge enthusiasm killer for me on this car, I still look forward to getting behind the wheel of one when it becomes available. I will still disagree that it doesn’t need the button, as there’s always a reason. Having an override to the auto headlights is a good example: It’s rarely used, but every now and then there are reasons and it’s nice that it’s there. While I do have some concern about drivability, as I’m quick off the line, I’m equally, or more concerned about reliability and longevity of parts. It’s just one (or hundreds) more things to break.
I am liking the dark brown dash on the interior pic above. That would make a nice interior color on its own without the light neutral seats. I’m still pretty bummed about the red seats not making it to market though.
Also, Buick keeps bragging about the weight loss. Don’t forget that the fuel tank has shrunk by nearly three gallons. I’m very curious to see the fuel economy numbers on this. I’m the kind of guy that gets range anxiety when the needle hits 1/4 tank (I could NEVER own an electric vehicle for this reason). The total range needs to be at least equal to the current model, but more range (by keeping the tank the same) would have been appreciated.
if you don’t like GM’s “Start-Stop” system , then you are not a driver worthy of a Buick car.
Not bad! The more I see the new LaCrosse, the more it grows on me in the looks department! Sometimes it’s good to have a solid, comfortable sedan to cruise around town and on the highway in! And this car looks to be the kind to do it in! But I still wish it were RWD with more of the Avenir’s styling! Nevertheless, this looks to be a solid sedan from Buick! I like it!
So basically the AWD LaCrosse is less fun to drive than the FWD LaCrosse?
Curtnik,
No, that’s not the case. My 18-inch LaCrosse happened to have AWD, and the 18-inch package features a very different feel just in the tires and wheels themselves. It’s geared for comfort. The 20-inch package I drove was FWD and included the HiPer Strut up front.
Basically, it all means this: 18-inch package is a quiet comfortable cruiser. The 20-inch package is for those looking for a little more enthusiasm in their drive, and it sacrifices some quietness for it. AWD is available on both wheel and tire packages.
Cheers,
-Sean
This is definitely not your fathers Buick . I think the design of the exterior is shapely and looks like nothing else in the segment . The front clip has hints of the Avenir and the waterfall grill was tamed down enough to showcase the horizontal bar and full color emblem . Nice .
As far as the interior , I think it’s the best GM offers on any car they build . Even better than the CT6 .
With a new Continental coming from Ford and the new G-90 from Genesis and the K900 from Kia this is the segment Buick will do battle in , and sounds like they have the goods to compete with .
It will be interesting to see how Buick advertises the car and what demographic they are aiming for .
Having never owned a Buick this car is one I wouldn’t be ashamed to own . I’ve driven the CT6 and liked everything about it , but I want to get behind the wheel of the LaCrosse for a comparison and maybe the G90 too .
Please don’t mix LaCrosse with G90 or K900, or CT6. LaCrosse is an awesome car in its own class, but LaCrosse is not like Kia’s RWD K900, new Genesis G90 or even G80 (known as Genesis sedan before).
If you take KIA, LaCrosse is one class lower in ranks than K900, and actually competes with FWD V6 Kia Cadenza (though I think new LaCrosse is really better than current Cadenza). LaCrosse is FWD (or FWD-biased AWD), has V6 and costs way less than more luxurious RWD K900 with available V8. Same story with RWD or RWD-biased G90, G80 and CT6 (except CT6 does not have V8 yet, but it has twin turbo V6 instead, which LaCrosse doesn’t and won’t).
Not sure how new Continental would fare – probably, closer to CT6, than to LaCrosse.
Is that real wood on the dash? Looks a little shiny
the Lacrosse isn’t your father’s Buick.
.. especially since my Dad drove Cadillacs…
Disappointed in the exterior styling. I lease a 2016 LaCrosse and have owned/leased many Buicks over the past 35 years (somewhere around 20 – I lose count). Will probably look elsewhere next time around.
Exterior styling is subjective, but the new 3rd gen 2017 LaCrosse has at least way better out-of-the-cabin visibility, than your 2nd gen 2016 LaCrosse (I personally drive 2nd gen 2010 LaCrosse, which is the same body as your 2016, so I know what I’m talking about).
how’s that shifter? how does it work? is it confusing?
kurtb,
It’s pretty great actually. The ergonomics of it are dead on, and the motion between selecting gears doesn’t feel cheap. It took a few operations to get used to it, but it was very simple. Plus, there’s a bunch of storage space underneath the area now.
Cheers,
-Sean
Well, I didn’t think it was pretty great. I hated the thing. Can’t see traditional Buick buyers liking it.
It was designed for a younger market. GM has left behind all there traditional buyers going after a new market demographic the youngsters.
I am trying hard to find a GM car that would suit my tastes but cant find any. I am forced to buy older used cars until this phase that GM is going through is over.
When will I be able to test drive one? Brick’s website indicated a July 2016 date, but it looks like they are delayed. Any idea when these will be on dealer lots?
My GM dealer says they will never stock it. It is going to be on order only. No test drive in my area
When is GM going to give us a real full size car? This is a midsize that barely reaches the full size mark in size.
The only people finding this car large are people used to small cars and have never driven a large car in their life.
I think that full size cars would sell better if they would be larger. I feel that many feel that there is simply not enough space in modern “full size” sedans, and choose a cuv/suv instead. Indeed, head room and trunk space could be improved upon by upping the size just a bit more.
So is there real wood available in this car or not?
Doesn’t look like it at the moment. I’m hoping that since Buick pulled somewhat of a bait and switch on interior colors by not giving us the red leather that was in all of the initial photos, that it will be reserved for an ultra lux package to be introduced at a later date. Currently the ultra lux includes the sangria leather and real wood trim, and not much else (Premium models already have perforated/ventilated seats, and the choccohino interior available at no extra cost includes the sueded headliner)
The argument whether the FWD might be more fun than the AWD sounds similar to the comments given to Cadillac’s CT6 as the front-wheel-drive base version is lighter and more responsive while the all-wheel-drive doesn’t have the horsepower to take advantage of what the car is capable of; if this was yesteryear.. the 2017 Buick LaCrosse AWD would have had a turbocharged LGX 3.6L V6 that was good for at least 400 hp and this would have been a perfect match.
The CT6 is not FWD. It is only available in RWD or AWD.
Excellent review, Sean.
If on the market for an affordable luxury, this car will be on my short list.
Great car for 32000$ dollars. I expect more engine choices. What about the trunk volume it looks a little small to my eyes.
The trunk is now said to have 15 cu.ft. of volume (instead of just 13.3 cu.ft in previous 2010-2016 LaCrosse) and it is now said to be more convenient than before.
15 cu. ft. is still not that much, especially when you consider that even a Sonic sedan has 14.9, and the Impala has 18.6, plus factor in that the hinges will be intruding into that space when the decklid is closed. I have not had issue with the trunk in the current model being inconvenient besides the fact that it doesn’t accommodate the amount of luggage I desire to take on a trip. Buick dropped the ball here, they took one of the biggest complaints of the current/old car, and barely moved the needle. The 2017 lacrosse continues to have a smaller trunk than every other sedan in its class.
I agree, the trunk is still a weak point for LaCrosse. I “play tetris” myself few times a year trying to put all the needed stuff in my 2nd gen 2010 LaCrosse trunk during family road trips. I always succeeded so far, but it took me some additional time to figure out “what better goes where” to utilize the whole available volume. They designed LaCrosse for China, in the first place, and, somehow, trunk volume does not matter in China that much. Same thing, only slightly better, with the new 3rd gen LaCrosse.
And, surprisingly, if one takes a look, it’s the same thing with all the current Cadillac sedans (except only XTS) – their trunk volume is not up to their overall size. It’s a pity. Sometimes I thought maybe I should have bought Taurus or Impala for the sake of bigger trunk volume alone.
The trunk space has been a disappointment for me since they redesigned the cars. I dont have a CUV or SUV and really dont like driving them as they drive like a truck and while the full size sedans are shrinking I find myself designed out of the market
It’s still not that bad; Some of full size sedans still do have (more or less) large trunk:
GM cars: Impala, XTS
Ford cars: Taurus, MKS
Impala cabin design is clearly not for a mature family driver I have rented it twice already to allow it a chance to grow on me but it hasn’t not to mention the trunk is shy in space compared to 1990 models.
The XTS I haven’t been able to test drive one. Both GM dealers in my area dont stock them. They must be ordered no test drive or look see before you order besides I am not a fan of Cadillac styling.
Something that I have discovered after test driving a CT6 and seeing the pics of the LaCrosse”s beautiful interior is a albeit small item that is missing that other luxury brands have that add just that little touch of class is an
analog clock ! My ol’ SRX has one and the Escalade does too . It is also not in the new XT5 .
Now I know this a very minor thing , but an elegant time piece incorporated in the dash adds that extra touch .
Just my $0.02 .
its vary disappointing that the CT6 only has a 15 cu..ft trunk and the ct6 is 7 inches longer than the Lacrosse…..it Cadillac RWD cars that the worst interior and cargo space.
How does the ride comfort of the 2017 with 18-inch wheels compare to the ride comfort of the 2016 model in terms of harshness, absorption of bumps and isolation from road irregularities?
Similar question as others. What SPECIFICALLY is the comfort and NVH tradeoff with the 20″ wheel and adaptive supsenssion? Where does the penalty show up most? Is some of the noise due to the AWD system, not the tires? For me I want both worlds -a least somewhat engaging drive on local roads, but above all sedate sedan cruising – train on rails kind of ride- on the highway. That’s the whole point of this kind of car.
JeffS,
I would say if you’re looking for engagement and comfort, the 20-inch wheel package accomplishes both superbly. It was evident jumping from the 20-inch package to the 18-inch package the latter was geared for just comfort, no real engagement. The 20-inch wheel and adaptive suspension weren’t rough or noisy, but the system communicated with the driver more than the 18-inch variant.
I hope that helps.
Cheers,
-Sean
Very helpful. I’m excited about this car…So far it is not easy to actually find the 20″ package in dealer inventory but it sounds like I definitely need to target a way to test drive different combinations.
Similar question as others. What SPECIFICALLY is the comfort and NVH tradeoff with the 20″ wheel and adaptive suspension? Where does the penalty show up most? Is some of the noise due to the AWD system, not the tires? For me I want both worlds -a least somewhat engaging drive on local roads, but above all sedate sedan cruising – train on rails kind of ride- on the highway. That’s the whole point of this kind of car.