While North America prepares for the hot 2018 Buick Regal GS, Buick’s healthiest market—China—will soon be graced with a greener Regal.
Alongside the reveal of the Chinese-spec Regal GS, which uses the old Regal’s 2.0-liter turbocharged LTG four-cylinder engine, Buick also announced a Regal Hybrid will join the nameplate’s lineup. The variant was mentioned only in passing and was referred to as forthcoming.
However, Buick did provide a few nuggets of information surrounding the Regal Hybrid. When it launches, it will arrive with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine paired to GM’s electronically-controlled, intelligent-variable transmission. Additionally, the Buick Regal Hybrid will be “supported by an industry-leading high-performance lithium-ion battery pack.” Further details are unavailable at this time.
Buick also sells the LaCrosse with a hybrid variant in China. It also uses an identical 1.8-liter hybrid powertrain; alas, the hybrid powertrain is not available in North America. Instead, Buick announced a 2.5-liter four-cylinder eAssist engine will become the standard powertrain with the 2018 Buick LaCrosse. Previously, the LaCrosse was only available with a 3.6-liter LGX V6 engine. In turn, the starting price drops nearly $3,000.
The 2018 Buick Regal Sportback and TourX launch this fall in the United States, but it remains to be seen if similar hybridization will make its way to North American shores.
Comments
This 2018 Buick Regal Hybrid sounds almost like a deconstructed Chevy Volt and has a mild hybrid battery powered electric motor paired with a 1.8L naturally aspirated 4-cyl gas engine while the specifics are not spelled out; it would be great if the electric motor kicks in first to give good acceleration before the gas motor kicks in with the electric motor providing extra boost for acceleration or passing like INDY’s car push to pass as the electric motor would dump 5-10 seconds of power.
So it would have the same hybrid powertrain as the Malibu?
I’m only considering the new Regal if they offer a hybrid for late 2018 or early 2019 model years. I have a 4 year old Mazda6, and I love it. Great mileage, and great handling, the poor-man’s BMW.
However, with all the driving I do for work, a hybrid more than pencils now. However, if it’s overpriced or doesn’t even show up, then the forthcoming Skyactiv Mazda engines and transmission look to be pushing a Mazda6 into low-40’s on the highway, and at least 30 in town. I’ll probably just stay home with Mazda if no hybrid Regal arrives…
@Mark Have you considered a Malibu Hybrid? It’s literally the same car as the Regal?