Behold the 2018 Buick Regal: largely analogous to the 2017 Opel Insignia and 2018 Holden Commodore, the new Regal has re-designed and re-engineered from the ground up to be longer, lighter, and more technologically-advanced than its predecessor.
While the last-generation model was available only in a single four-door sedan body style, the all-new Buick Regal is available in two body styles: a four-door liftback sedan and a five-door wagon. It’s worth noting that the while the new Regal Sportback looks like a sedan, it actually features a trick liftback rear door that makes it more utilitarian than a traditional sedan, with 31.5 cubic feet of cargo space – double that of the outgoing, conventional Regal Sedan.
2018 Buick Regal Sportback
The exterior appearance is striking thanks to a sporty, athletic stance emphasized by a wheelbase that spans 111.4 inches (2,831 mm), up 3.6 inches (92 mm) over its predecessor. Also contributing to the more athletic proportions is a front overhang that has been reduced by 1.2 inches (30 mm).
2018 Buick Regal TourX
Meanwhile, the Regal Wagon — officially known as the Regal TourX — is the space champion, with a cumulative trunk volume of and incredible 73.5 cubic feet of storage with the 60/40 rear splitting second row folded down. That’s more than the Volvo V60 Cross Country, Audi A4 allroad and Subaru Outback. Aside from being 3 inches longer than the Regal Sportback, it also rides a little higher and features body cladding to denote its go-anywhere personality.
2018 Buick Regal TourX Interior
Thanks to GM’s new E2 platform, the new Regal is as light as 3,748 pounds in FWD Sportback guise. It will be powered by GM’s ubiquitous 2.0-liter LTG making 250 horses and 260 pound-feet of torque in FWD form, while AWD models boast 295 pound-feet of torque. In the Sedan Sportback, power is sent to the front wheels via GM’s new 9-speed automatic transmission by default, while an 8-speed transmission with torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive is optional. AWD with the 8-speed automatic and the higher torque output is standard on the Regal TourX.
2018 Buick Regal Sportback Interior
Buick lists standard equipment on every 2018 Regal Sportback to include push-button start and entry, Hill Start Assist, 10 air bags, universal home remote and heated side mirrors. Additionally, a new “Active Hood” safety feature in the name of pedestrian safety. This feature senses the imminent impact of a pedestrian between 16-30 mph and uses a pyrotechnic actuator to lift the back of the hood up about 4 inches to lessen the impact and potentially reduce injury, according to Buick.
2018 Buick Regal Active Hood
Every 2018 Buick Regal, including the Sportback and TourX, also comes equipped with an OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot and five years of the OnStar Basic Plan, as well as the myBuick app with OnStar Smart Driver, an opt-in service designed to help Buick owners maximize their vehicle’s overall performance and become better drivers.
A 7-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is standard, while an 8-inch system with navigation is optional. Bose premium audio is also available.
The all-new Regal will make its public debut at the 2017 New York International Auto Show next week. It will be assembled in Germany.
[nggallery id=886] [nggallery id=887]
Comments
Are LED headlights std or available?
LED daytime running lights (with the wing-shaped bar) are standard. Full LED headlights are optional.
Long-term, will it be Opel or Buick who gets the signature wing shaped headlamps and front facada?
I believe it was originally an Opel cue?
To me it looks like Avista/Avenir. Did Opel do those?
I remember my parents visiting me in a LaCrosse a while back (2 or 3 years ago) and the wing shape was already there. I hope Buick gets to keep ti.
Opel did a nice job. Regal makes Buick competitive with Acura, Lincoln and some of the Lexus range.
Looks great.
Man, I really like the Tour X — looks sharp, modern and functional. I know it’s not a “halo” car, but it fits the image that Buick wants to go with its midsize & aup vehicles — upscale families with kids/grandkids (see that Enclave ad with the kids with the tuba).
If that Tour X is priced right, I think it will do well, sales wise. Not *that* well b/c it seems that wagons are not a big seller in the U.S. (no matter how much auto enthusiast sites like them), but it should all be incremental (e.g,. not taking away from either the Envision or LaCrosse), so that’s a real plus.
Can’t say much about the “Sportback” version — it’s a sedan and that’s just not where the market is going. The pictures really don’t show it off (dark color on dark background doesn’t tell you much). They don’t even show the rear seats/cargo room, which I assume is the big selling point for the hatch in the first place. Still, Buick needs a midsize offering and this will do.
Separate question: what’s the reasoning behind the plastic cladding around the tires? To me it looks a bit cheap, but I know the Audi (which is not cheap) also has them, so there must be some benefit or appeal. Does it make it more rugged or something?
I really liked the Pics of the Insignia wagon without the plastic fender treatment. I’m trying to let it sink in to see if I can get accustomed to them……but at first glance, I was turned off.
More rugged and gives it that off road/adventure feel so it doesn’t look just like a wagon. Showed the room mate and she thought it was a Volvo Nicely done
Yep, Volvo comes to mind. Nice, inoffensive, upscale, but not attention grabbing. The old Regal GS made me think of Audi or BMW. The styling was more passionate and sporty.
For “off road use”. It prevents the paint from getting chipped and what not. Frankly I think it is ugly. I hope there is a body color option. If not you can always get them painted.
I’d rather they be offered as a dealer installed option. Audi loses Allroad sales because people refuse to pay the $1,500 premium to paint over the cladding they don’t want on the car.
There is no benefit or appeal IMO. Just the opposite — they’re a liability and ugly. This car will get no more chips than any other, and these aren’t on all other cars, so clearly unnecessary. They will require special care as they fade and deteriorate over time, and will make waxing more difficult since wax will cause a haze on this material. These are only offered because some bone-headed marketing folks think they make the car look rugged and that US customers want rugged. Subaru is the recognized king of wagons, and they wisely offer the cladding as an option. Buick would be wise to learn from them. Audi and Volvo lose customers due to the cladding.
Can’t wait to see what the GS has in store. Really hoping for over 300hp.
I’m hoping for a 6 speed manual, but I’m not holding my breath since it was taken away from us on the last gen.
Increasing the ride height for the wagon is a good move. Maybe an inch or two?
Love the idea of more AWD wagons in the market. Photos look pretty sharp. A little concerned about dimensions though. A CNET article says it’s 196 inches. That’s 1.5 feet longer than the BMW wagon, and 3 inches longer than the new GMC Acadia. Too much car?
These two look really good and should do well I think.
The V6 will only be available on the GS. All Regals will be built at Russelsheim along side their Opel twins.
Can’t wait for Buick to drop a 3.6L V6 TT into the sedan with AWD and torque vectoring. A few sport suspension tricks then…look out GTRs!
Unfortunately it won’t be the twin turbo. The GS will have the LGX 3.6 and come with the twin clutch AWD.
Halo or Limited model perhaps?
Is there going to be a Regal Grand Sport version like the Open and Vauxhall Insignia models? The Sportsback model has been detuned with the difference in wheels and fog lamps so it seems. Also, I thought the Buick was going have to be a Sports TourX (Tourer) model, but from the specs and the photos, the TourX is a country version. I’m really confused.
I think the Regal is by far the best car in its segment, i would lobe tk own one…but did anyone notice the absents of ventiports. I sorta miss them.
I’m glad that the ports are gone. I would have loved them had they served as more than decorative.
You can buy them. They are applied with glue.
I’ll take a station wagon any day over another horrific looking crossover. These cars look great and I think they will sell well. I am liking those LED headlights. I believe those are the new ones Opel designed.
Gosh darn the Regal is going to be sexy as heck. I’d seriously drive this thing and feel like a boss. I’m picturing myself on the 405 freeway on a sunny breezy day, in slow traffic, windows down, sunroof open, and Tears for Fears – Everybody Wants to Rule the World blasting on the Bose premium audio sound system. I’d be the king of the freeway in that instance.
I want a Regal; I bet it’s going to have great road presence. Lexus/Acura/BMW 3 Series blown the heck out.
I was hoping for a Harman / Kardon system. I have yet to come across a Bose system I liked.
My 2011 Regal was also built in Germany. It does not have remote start. But when production moved to Canada in 2012 it was an option. I know remote starters are illegal in Germany so I hope it’s something that is available this go around.
All in all I like the sportback and wagon. One of them could possibly be my next car.
Will cornering lights be an option?
So no air conditioned front seats and no Paddle Shifters. Both of which are available in the Opel Insignia. I am so sick and tired of GM not always going ALL IN on all their products. Inexcusable for those two features to be missing on an all new product from the ground up. I mean the Toyota Camry has been offering Paddle Shifters for year snow and Buick’s “Sporty Offering” doesn’t offer them. Crazy!!!
That’s unacceptable and potentially a deal breaker for me now. But will remain hopeful as we get closer to launch.
Ventilated seats will likely be an option as part of a premium/luxury package.
When Opel released their initial photos of the Insignia sportback with the sports trim (19″ or 20″ rims, LP tires) the car looked sharp, a killer actually, ready to take on the likes of Audi and BMW. So now Buick comes along last night and shows the most mundane looking Regal. A disappointment. Wheels look too small, blah looking color (and I like blue) with that parchment interior. Not a very good intro IMO. The car deserves better. Yes, the Regal GS will make up for the short-comings of this, but still think they missed the boat.
The Tour X will capture those looking for a CUV-type vehicle. I’m sorry that Buick does not appear to be willing to sell the estate (station wagon) version. The Tour X will fit into the AllRoad type who want AWD and the appearance of an off-road vehicle.
Yeah Buick played it safe with the Tour X…still geared more toward a CUV than a station wagon.
I’m kind of disappointed with it.
I agree that there is a real disconnect between what was unveiled yesterday to the Opel and Vauxhall Insignia Grand Sport models. Both are real eye candy and led me to believe that’s what to expect in the Regal. I’ve been expecting to see this at the unveiling only to be let down. In fact, I look at the YouTube videos of both and the Vauxhall web site and can’t believe GM decided to water down the Regal. My only guess (and hope) is that GM decided to unveil a base model to maybe get some buzz about the new design in general and that it will market and produce upscale versions including a Grand Sport at auto shows this year and for sale in dealer showrooms. I want to buy a Regal Grand Sport instead of being forced to buy (and waste money) on a German or Japanese car.
Pacific, I hear you.
I think there is potential for the Regal to have a slick GS version.
I still think that for the TourX could have been more sporty and lower.
HUD?
I highly expect that a HUD will be an option and standard on the Grand Sport variant which is what is marketed on the Opel and Vauxhall Insignia Grand Sport web sites.
looking good but too bad it will be made in Germany .
Regal is yet another reason why selling Opel was a poor choice. These are GMs best vehicles, superior to Chevrolet, and a global Opel with German roots would have been good for the General.
The 20% over lap justification was spin–this isn’t the case with Ford.
Regal makes me depressed. It trumps Lacrosse and Malibu.
This new regal have old regal cheap and ugly instrument clocks. gm dont know how build doday cars RIP Gm. glose this shop.
old insignia have 10 different 20 inc top design alloys now is one or two something alloys. gutting cost muhhaaaa – fukk this all.
The 2018 Buick Regal has a clean elegant shape which buyers should appreciate and it’s surprising that the base entry engine isn’t the LWC 200 horsepower 1.6L DOHC-4v 4-cyl turbo used in Buick’s Cascada.
old insignia have some ten 19 and 20 inc top design alloys- now only one boring 20 inc. alloys is so important. one old insignia 20 alloys is new buick lacrosse top alloys to
some alloys
https://twitter.com/opel
Why are the HVAC controls and dash mounted display off center from the center console? Wow this looks bad.
Watch this YouTube video and it shows just how good a Buick Regal could be.
Or this one
This is the Opel Vauxhall Insignia Grand Sport. Surely, GM can’t deny this from the US market:
Does anyone know if the 2018 Buick Regal Sportback will offer the following, either as standard or optional equipment?
1. 1. Heated Steering Wheel? 2. Heated Front and Rear Seats?
3. How many ways will the driver’s power seat be adjustable –
ie. – 6 way?, 8 way?, 10 way?, 12 way?, or ? way? Dual Power
Seats (driver and passenger), same adjustments both sides?
4. 2 way or 4 way lumbar adjustment for the driver’s seat?
5. Full length sunroof, or, front sunroof only?
I’m doing some long range planning for my next car purchase, and this info. as soon as possible would be helpful, thanks!
Honestly I would check back at a later date as these cars don’t really come until fall. Have you check the buick website first?
I expect these all to be options with an 8 way power driver’s seat, but this is an educated guess.
It looks nice, but it also looks like it could evolve into a boat. I drove a 2010 Malibu that I rented. It was a fine car but it was a boat, a huge boat. The thing I liked about the old Regal was that it wasn’t too big of a car, about the right size for me.
The Regal was a compact or near compact, whereas this looks midsized or near midsized. Meanwhile Buick is saying good by to the Verano. So it will have absolutely no presence in the compact size market segment.
This segues into what appears to be an even much bigger problem at GM: lack of interest in market share. I’ve spent the better part of 7 years living in East Asia. Let me tell you how they operate: market share is the golden ring. Nothing else matters, except making market share profitable. It is the marketing department’s job to define what will deliver market share, it is everyone else’s job to figure out how to make that profitable or at least break even.
Why is market share important?
Reason 1:
Well for East Asians, they have to provide life time employment guarantees. The only way to ensure that and a middle class way of life for their employees, now, 20 years from now and into retirement is to have market share. The employees know if they can drive costs down, they secure their economic future. Everyone is pulling in the same direction.
Reason 2:
Firms without market share are the most brittle. Look at what’s happening to Chrysler. They can’t design and make a profitable compact car. They can’t design and make a midsize car. They market a large car that is nearly 20 years old. They sell only trucks and SUVs. If energy becomes a market drive Chrysler will sink like the titanic.
Reason 3:
Stock markets place premiums on shares of companies that have larger shares of markets.
So here we have GM selling all of its market share in Europe because it couldn’t figure out how to make it profitable. Meanwhile they are rolling out their next great car, the new Buick Regal based entirely upon the European division’s design. The same unit that designs all of their successful cars – including the Cruise, the first generation of which involved loads of Opel designers working with the Koreans who built the car back in 2009. They only got around to replacing it this year. I have not seen any evidence that GM can make and design a successful car (not truck SUV or Crossover) without the significant help of Opel.
So yes, this looks like a nice car. But what about the luxury compact segment? What about market share more broadly. GM has the best engineers in the business. I’m not so sure about their management.
Well the Regal is supposed to be mid-sized instead of compact. Besides every mid-size are kinda “boat” as thats how it is with the honda accord
It’s unfortunate that we’re not getting the Insignia GS Sports Tourer since it looks similar to the new Porsche Panamera ports Turismo. Who wouldn’t want a Sports Tourer in the US?
http://www.porsche.com/microsite/panamera-sport-turismo/usa.aspx#home