After months of patiently waiting, we finally have a second-generation Buick Regal GS. And, as the internet often does, it spoiled many of the surprises Buick likely worked hard to keep under wrap. That’s not to say we’re disappointed, though.
The 2018 Buick Regal GS represents a major step forward from the previous-generation Regal GS—an adult hot-hatch, if you will. But, we want to hear from you: is the 2018 Regal GS hot or not?
Looking at the design, it’s sleek, elegant and portrays itself as properly sporty. It won’t be confused for a regular 2018 Buick Regal Sportback, but it isn’t too over the top at any point in time, either. A more aggressive front and rear fascia are present to spruce the exterior up while the side skirts add some dramatic flair to the car. We also really like the integrated spoiler that flows effortlessly with the hatchback.
It certainly looks like a proper American sport sedan, even if it does hail from Germany. However, the 3.6-liter LGX V6 engine is reserved only for North America and the Regal GS’ cousin, the Holden Commodore VXR. The Opel Insignia GSi features the Regal GS’ old 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
Enough from us, what do you think? Is the Regal GS a properly sporty follow-up act? Or has it fallen short in the design department? Vote in our poll and talk to us down below.
Comments
It’s hot! Love the N/A V6 but a delete option for all the nanny bits might bring the price down where I could afford one.
I agree, get rid of the nanny bits, does no one drive just for the joy of driving anymore? Sometimes I don’t even have the radio on.
I think everything about it is an improvement except the wheels and the front end (reminds me of the “catfish” look of the new Malibu—maybe to meet European pedestrian safety standards). The wheels on the previous generation Regal GS were very aggressive looking and absolutely made the car. These aren’t bad, but they’re not nearly as special. Depending on the size and offset, I’d probably buy a set of the old wheels to put on the new car.
I’m intrigued. I think it’s a good looking car.
I’ll be honest, I think the front is much improved but, like its predecessor, still seems soft, despite the giant ducts (which are complete overkill). They took a step backwards out back, and it’s now not only less distinguishable, but a bit of a mess (the curve of the integrated spoiler is at odds with the taillights for starters) . And the side profile now looks like somewhat of a cross between a Honda Accord and Chevy Cruze, with a fake window that’s obvious as can be tacked on for good measure.
I won’t say it’s “not” but it’s in no way memorable and is mediocre at very best as far as I’m concerned. I think people are getting excited about the high contrast photos and the fact it’s red.
What’s a fake window if you can see out of it? If you’re speaking about the black triangular shaped area that helps to allow the design curves to meet, I think it looks good. If you are talking about the small rectangular fixed glass window in front of that, it looks like it would allow the regular rear side window to go down all the way. Otherwise, the wheel well would obstruct that. As for looking soft, it doesn’t need to look like a Corvette, because after all it’s a Buick and it has Buick characteristics. It’s just a sport version of a mid-size luxury sedan. I like it. Personally, red is one of my least favorite colors, if not my very least favorite, so I think that most of us can see beyond that. Honestly, I’ve been waiting for the GS to appear and I’m not disappointed with it at all. And out of all of GM’s sedan offerings, I’d pick this car over any of the others. In fact, my only criticism of the Regal is that they didn’t opt for the 335hp version of the turbo 4 for the TourX. Just my 2 cents…
I have a 2017 Regal GS, and I love the body style. I guess I could live with the 2018 body style though. I’m anxious to see how it performs, what it’s 0-60 time is. I hope it is under 5 seconds
Given how it appears that both 2018 Toyota Camry and 2018 Honda Accord will feature a sportback; the 2018 Buick Regal Gs appears to be on target with it’s competition and may have an advantage with the 310 hp LGX 3.6L V6.
It’s very nice. Not Avista sexy, but very nice. I’m definitely gonna test drive one. The AWD seems like a very good setup…but I need to see how it compares to a true RWD sport sedan.
I’m waiting to see how it performs, its 0-60 time, and will it come with 20″ wheels.
I have a 2017 GS AWD. I love the styling, but wish it was faster
Have not been a fan of Buick cars look in the last few years, but this is Hot.
https://m.popkey.co/4c7272/QL6mJ.gif
Absolutely stunning inside and out, BUT WHAT THE HECK HAPPENED TO THE SINGLE TURBO SIXES THESE THINGS HAD IN THE 80’S!!!???? My neighbor down the street has an ’87 Buick that has dragged anything south of 400hp, and it’s 100% stock. At least put the full 335hp and dual mode exhaust(maybe make npp standard)! I mean, Cadillac has a perfectly good twin turbocharged six cylinder engine that they use in two or three different (variations of) models. Why not have a 425hp Buick GS? It’d fly off the lots and make for a worthy Chevy SS successor. That’s the kind of car Buick needs to regain its former glory.
310 hp is plenty. It’s all depends on how Buick tunes the thing. To complete with some of it’s competitors it must have a 0-60 time of at least 4.5 to 4.9 seconds. Anything less is not doing the GS Justice
Great looking car but I want one in the hot Electric Blue color shown on the Chinese version leeked a few days ago. And I want an interior in addition to black. Like a rich looking Saddle or Lt. Brown Leather.
I like it!
I know GM will never make it happen, but going the N/A V6 route for the GS instead of “boosting” the turbo 4, Buick has room for a single-turbo version of the 3.6L V6 (basically a de-tuned “half the turbos” version of the ATS-V mill).
Can you say new GNX? [drool] Maybe even engineer a 2-door profile? [super drool]
If the design team at gm would go back and really look at 1980 to 1987 regal thay would appreciate the exterior design .all thay had to do was updated interior and plastic bumpers .thay would sell millions
I’m not a fan of retro. I think the European model is what most Americans want in a sports sedan ✌️
The Buick Regal GS with3.6L V6 is very good, but the CAMARO V6 1LE 3.6L V6 rated at 335 horsepower and would be the perfect performance V6 engine. The GS can also be a Grand Sport mot Power. Please plan and homologate. For Germany and Europe as a concealed offer on special customer request, so we also get a V6 in the OPEL Insignia GSi as G /E.
I hope they Put something in the intake or exhaust to crank up torque in the Regal GS. Look what the Japanese, Itaian’s , and Korean’s do with their 6 cylinder. It’s all in what you do to increase the torque. An inline 6 like in the 5 series BMW would have been a good choice
An inline 6 at BMW and Mercedes needs a larger engine compartment and many places where it can be installed. In GM, only Inline3, Inline4, V6 and V8 engines are installed. The engine compartment is also large enough for the Buick Regal GS. The power of the 3.0BiTurbo of the Cadillac CT6 is 415HP 555Nm and is enough for a Buick GS / E or GSX.
From the Rear, it looks like a subtle, but yet familiar return of the SS, and the Commodore. Although this is Buick we’re talking about, it does look like it was revived with a new architecture, and a new nameplate with a few exterior modifications. I really can’t wait to look at these on the lots!
Perfect car! I buy 2018 a blue Buick Regal GS (GSX) directly at OPEL in Germany! The Buick Regal emblem is then exchanged for OPEL Insignia GS / E emblems. If I, as a German, can buy directly from Opel no Buick Regal GS, so I will travel to the USA travel a residence and to order at the Buick Dealer the car. Pick up at OPEL in Rüsselsheim. Do not go there is not!
OPEL / Buick / GM: My beautiful white OPEL (Buick) Cascada with 200HP and manual transmission I will continue to drive. Whether in Germany or USA is still in the planning.
Too bad the gills aren’t functional. Maybe I can dremal it open. I like it either way.
Happy Time with the GS V6. The gills are locked and not functional, since a 3.6L V6 natural aspirates engine requires less cooling air than a 2.0L turbomotor. All turbomotors are thermally more heavily loaded and therefore require huge coolers and fuel for internal cooling of the engine. The lifetime is also 50% shorter!
Note: A comparable natural aspirates V6 engine is better, more ecological, less polluting and more economical. I like (love) R5, V6 and more …
Has anyone done the math on how fast this thing is?