That’s a Buick pictured above. Brought to you by Opel. In turn, brought to you by Peugeot. And it’s also a Holden. Remember that as we dive into this.
Just as the last-generation Buick Regal before it, the all-new 2018 Regal is based off the new Opel Insignia sold in Europe. With it came the promise of a more athletic, German-engineered passenger car that’s offered in an otherwise snoozy lineup of passenger cars, in a brand stereotyped for historically having snoozy passenger cars. A stereotype that’s being gradually shaken off. When it debuted, the last-gen Regal was nicknamed “the athlete” of the vehicle lineup. This was especially true with the Regal GS. The new version of the GS is expected to launch in a few months.
For now, we’ll talk about what it’s like to drive the standard 2018 Buick Regal Sportback, and it’s awesome liftback design. It’s a welcome quirk that is refreshing for the segment that seems to be stuck in neutral. As a result, it has more cargo space than the Buick Envision crossover, with the second row folded down. It can fit a bike (or two). Or a Christmas tree. Or a living room’s worth of IKEA furniture. It’s a hatchback without the typical profile of one, and a sign of evolution that the midsize passenger car segment needs if it’s going to survive in the new era of the crossover SUV. It’s arguably the strongest unique selling proposition for the 2018 Buick Regal.
Balancing out the cleverness of the liftback design, however, is the interior. The ergonomics are actually fine, and the overall design looks sexy in photos, the seats are nice, and the technology is plentiful, but there’s an overarching cheapness to most of the panel materials. We feel that this comes from the compromise of using a global car from a mainstream brand. Buick has made wonderful strides on making its vehicles feel more upscale, like in its glory days, when America was great. The larger LaCrosse and the serene Enclave SUV are both major proof points of this.This is amplified with the introduction of the Avenir Sub-brand. Their warm, welcoming color palettes, as well as their content for the price seemed to play beautifully into the space where Buick is planting its flag – upmarket from the mainstream brands, but below the high-end European luxury brands. This doesn’t come through as effectively with the Regal. The otherwise warm and welcoming vibes from Buick is replaced by a contradicting black and gray German color palette. If not that, there’s the “I-know-who-I-am-and-it’s-boring” beige. That’s basically it.
Then there’s the content. One cannot have a Regal with leather seats unless they go for the top-trim Essence Package. There’s also no Heads Up Display – which literally every car should have – and no surround-view camera system, or automatically tilting mirrors for reverse/parallel parking. But there is 40-20-40 optional rear seat folding, while the standard is 60-40. And we can now order Starbucks from the car via the integrated Marketplace app on either a 7 or 8-inch touchscreen, and OnStar 4G LTE wifi remains standard. But with a starting MSRP of $25,915Â and a lack of leather until the top lineup, coupled with the otherwise budgeted interior materials, the cabin of the Regal felt more mainstream than premium. In our eyes, we wish the cabin carried more cues from the Enclave and less from Opel.
Same with the exterior. Yes, the Regal sports a very clean look. The profile is sleek, and its winged-style grille with a red-white-blue Buick logo glides across the highway elegantly. But between sharing the looks of its Opel/Vauxhall Insignia and Holden ZB Commodore twins, the Regal’s exterior compromises a certain American flair that we see in the flagship Buicks. Again, looking at the subtleties of the LaCrosse and Enclave.
The driving experience is confident through Texas Hill Country, just outside of Austin. The ubiquitous 250 hp 2.0L turbocharged LTG engine that’s in plenty of vehicles these days wonderfully whooshes and pleasantly pulls the 3,748-lb Sportback through the undulating roads that lay randomly noodled through the topography of brown grass and cattle farms. It could sound better, and pull harder from higher up in the rev range, but since that’s not normally what a Buick customer is looking for, we’ll give it a pass. Firm trail-brake maneuvers demonstrated the car’s above-average eagerness to stay balanced, while the Continental ProContact all-season tires maintained a sufficient level of grip. And here’s a fun fact, the tires feature a line of sound-deadening foam on the inside to curb road noise by two decibels. A tactic that Rolls-Royce also incorporates.
Despite the above-average athleticism, the feedback from the steering and the brakes were otherwise numb. We looked for a “Sport Mode” button to push, but there wasn’t one. In short, if you want a driving experience that’s a little more complete, sit patiently for the Regal GS.
Spending our time between the FWD and AWD versions of the 2018 Buick Regal Sportback, we noticed a few nuanced differences. One being that there’s an extra 35 lb-ft of torque (295 lb-ft from 260 lb-ft) for those opting for the AWD model, plus a five-link independent rear suspension. Between the extra traction and the pushing force, the Regal AWD, with an 8-speed, feels a little more eager from a standstill than the FWD version, with a 9-speed. Meanwhile, the 2018 Buick Regal FWD felt like it had the quicker steering, and the saved weight seemed to make up for the missing 35 lb-ft of extra torque granted to the heavier AWD model, especially around the bends, even though it had a four-link rear compared to the AWD’s five-link. Lastly, the 9-speed in the FWD Regal seemed to shift a little crisper than the slightly older 8-speed in the AWD model. Ultimately, there are benefits to selecting either configuration, and it will simply come down to customer preference.
The short end of it all is that the 2018 Regal Sportback is an otherwise great passenger car for the global stage, as it was developed as such. It’s a solid overall package, and its incredible cargo capabilities from its unique design should attract anybody with an active hobby, or rejects the profile of a wagon. It’s just missing some of that Buick charm that’s been shining lately.
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Comments
Perhaps you can knock on some doors to find out when it will actually launch? Fall of ’17 expired a few days ago…
It already launched, about a week or two ago. There are a number of dealers who already have them on their lots.
Is the Regal being marketed by the old Chevy SS team? Never heard it was released. Just checked and no dealers within 50 miles of me have one. So IMHO it hasn’t launched.
What’s your zip code?
54115. Closest one is about 70 miles based on Autotrader.
I wouldn’t use auto trader as a good frame of reference since dealers have to pay to have their inventory on there, and many do not do so. Better bet is to go to Buick.com and locate a vehicle there.
I looked at Buick’s website and my local dealers as well. No dice.
There are 50+, within 250 miles of me in CT
I live in CT as well at 06897. There is one TourX at a dealer close to me in Wilton, CT – that is it. There is zero at the dealer second closest to me, Minchin Buick/GMC in Stamford. At the biggest Buick dealer in eastern CT, in Danbury, there are four of the Sportback. So I can find five within 100 miles of me. Where are you located Joe, Eastern CT? I cannot find that many even going out 200 miles. I am guessing you are close to Providence or Boston to find that many – we have almost none in Eastern CT. They are coming, but not here yet (no GSs, one TourX, a few Sportbacks).
I really like the idea of a Sportback. Again, it fills the white space where Buick has been killing it. I would strongly consider this car once I get out of my current lease, since I don’t really want an SUV, but I do want the practicality. And the design is a nice bonus.
I was looking over the content packages and options, and they are puzzling. I’m surprised how you many of the driving safety aids are limited to upper trims, seeing as more and more mainstream brands are making them standard. For premium features, there is no drive mode selector, no reverse tilt mirrors, no ventilated seats, no perpendicular and parallel park assist, no power adjusted steering wheel, no power lift gate, no HUD. Some of these are available on the GS, but I would expect some of them to be optional on the the upper Essence trim. Even a Premier trim Malibu offers the park assist. Overall, I think they should have offered more standard driving aids and optional premium features to better position this above Chevrolet and more in line with premium brands like Acura and Lincoln.
It will be interesting to see how long this model is around, seeing as Opel’s new parent wants to eliminate GM platform vehicles ASAP. It will also be interesting to see if a replacement comes along afterward, given the shrinking sedan market.
More than likely, this vehicle could share a platform w/ Malibu, if they hadn’t consider doing it already. Although, I do know that it is from Opel, I would not be surprise GM is making updates in one of their plants to continue with it.
again GM screws up on its options–when will they learn— and were is it built ??????
It’s built in Germany.
The ATP for the outgoing Regal was under 30-grand, according to Buick. That could explain the content strategy, even if it’s disagreeable.
I honestly still think the current Malibu should be where the Regal Sportback should be now in terms of interior quality. If we compare a $25-30k malibu interior to this Sportback, then the sportback is more like money well-spent
Looks far better than Lacrosse. Interior looks cheaper than a Chrysler 200, though. I’d still buy a Regal, though. Mark Adams draws a well proportioned car.
i don’t know what some people want the 2018 Lacrosse has smart looking stylish lines to compete with anything in its class , have you really looked at some of that crap from japan it could make you throw up ..as for the Regal being built in Germany — sorry not for me –remember the Cadillac Catera one of GMs bombs
The previous gen Regal initially came from Germany and was great.
Regal simply has smarter, sleeker lines than Lacrosse or, for that matter, anything coming from the Asian luxury players.
Mark Adams is fantastic. TourX really highlights his skills as a designer. I wish Buick would take him on.
Sounds like GM cheaped out on the interior again and of course the way it’s packaged and lack of options forcing the customer up to the higher trim levels. I so yearn for the good old days when you could order an optional V6 on most trim levels, could pick from more than two boring interior color options and had the choice of separate options and 10-15 exterior color choices.
With that said I really like the looks of the wagon but wish it could be had in FWD form.
Although a very nice vehicle, I wish Buick use their traditional simulated side vents on the side of the car or hood like the rest of the line-up and previous Regal, saved for Encore and Cascada which lacks them too.
The original design of the ’11 Regal looked good but the refresh model back in ’14 made it looked more elegant and luxurious w/ sophistication. I’ll wait for the refresh of the new Regal during its life-cycle.
I’m not feeling the current Lacrosse much and prefer the Regal to it. Seems like the Lacrosse took a step back in design that is backwards and not forwards.
I just bought a 2018 Regal Sportback Essence and it is by far the best vehicle I have ever owned, and I’ve been buying new Buicks since 1980. Just to quickly sum it up, it’s an AMAZING vehicle. I don’t find the interior trim short at all, but rather it has a European sport feel. No, it does not have wood trim, but it is very well organized and the leather seats are extremely comfortable. My car is equipped with Driver Assist Packages I & II. The adaptive cruise control is awesome and so is the lane assist. It pushes you back into the lane gently. The performance of the 2.0T is great. I was worried it might be a little underpowered for the weight, but it is far from it. With only one fuel fill up, I’m averaging about 32 mpg. I was also worried about the Stop/Start feature, but I hardly notice the car has it unless the fan shuts down while waiting at the red light. The sportback is also a great feature with easy access and enough room for TVs, golf clubs, and just about anything else a crossover or SUV can carry. It is extremely quite and the Bose speakers produce a clear, great quality of sound. Everything about this car is fantastic. When reading reviews, I suggest ignoring anything negative and concentrate on the positives writers have said. You will be glad you did. My only negative comment is, being a loyal Buick owner, I also wish it had the Buick side vents; just a little Buick sentimental.
Thanks for that feedback on your viewpoint. Holding onto my old 2006 Saab 9-3 until I hit 200,000 miles as the thing is very reliable and safe, I hardly spend anything on it with 166,000. That car is most like it and would love to get one with the Safety and Security I & II packages in a couple of years. I will definitely consider it when the time comes.
Finally saw one of these yesterday in top spec Essence trim with leather seats and a couple of option packages and of course forced extra cost paint. The sticker was an eye watering 40K basically. I have to say after spending a good 20 minutes looking over the car I was a bit underwhelmed incertain ways. The styling is okay but didn’t really stand out in any way to my eyes. The interior would be at home in a Chevy but as a Buick the seats were too plain and materials didn’t look like the 40K price tag in spots.
What really shocked me was the equipment this trim level car lacked or were forced into an option package to get. LED headlights are still optional on a 34K top trim Essence model under the performance oriented GS version. Toyota offers them as std on a 21K Corolla. The optional $1000 moonroof was the old small unit from years past. A 28K Malibu can have a pano roof but not a 40K Regal?
Then I noticed that this car lacked both paddle shifters and a sport mode. I rented a base trim level Hyundai Elantra SE that had a sport mode that altered the transmission and steering on a car that costs well under 20K but not this 40K Regal.
Only the front seats were heated not the back. The front seats also lacked ventilation which a 35K Malibu Premier had. The front windows were the only one with express up/down with the rest having only down. A 24K Ford Fusion had all 4 windows with express up and down in second from cheapest SE trim. You must also pay extra for side blind zone and lane change alerts and rear park assist plus cornering lamps.
Likes included the AWD, the roomy rear hatch, a pleasant and grippy leather wheel and more back seat room than the outgoing model. The dash design and appearance were pleasing enough as was initial seat comfort. Since it was Sunday the dealer was closed meaning a test drive was not happening yet. More impressions to come after a test drive. I think driving the new Regal will be more impressive than the lack of features if this and other articles are to go by.
Joe, did you know you cannot offer a large, pano sunroof in a hatchback, which is what the Regal is? The BMW 4, the new Kia Stinger – none of the four door hatchbacks have it. If you put that in, there would not be enough structure rigidity in a crash – and people would die. You don’t want that, right? So that first complaint is moot from a safety standpoint.
Yes, it does not have Paddle Shifters – this is well known and reported. Buick claims their customers in surveys said they never used them, so they were dropped. I guess Hyundai customers use them, right? This car does not have a sport mode just like the previous generation – if you want that, get the GS and you get it at $39,000.
Rear heated seats are standard in the GS, I believe they are an option in the Essence. Ventilated front seats are available again in the GS. The up down issue with the windows was reported previously.
Don’t like the Buick because it does not have the performance even in GS form – get a Kia Stinger then. It costs a bit more but it is a true sports sedan, that is more expensive than a Buick but less expensive than the German imports.
Buick needs to benchmark against Volvo. It is obvious that Geeley borrowed a few Buick styling ques that are especially evident on the sedan.
Buick needs to be the best conservative luxury, premium not pretence. Regal, unfortunately, lacks finesse, and competes more with a Mazda 6 than any upmarket brand based on interior materials and design.
I do think that hatch may attack some former sedan drivers back into the fold which will be another white space win.
Yesterday, I test drove an all-wheel drive Buick Regal Sportback and was appalled by the interior material quality and noise entering the cabin from the engine and tires. Too much hard plastic. Grade of leather looks cheap. There is only about 1/16″ of padding on the center armrest lid, so even with my coat on, my right elbow was getting a little sore. I can imagine what it will feel like with no coat on. Other than the top of the dash, I did not see any soft touch plastics used on the molded panels throughout. While the Bose audio system is 8 speakers; center, A pillars, front and rear doors, I could not figure out where the 8th speaker was. There is ample room in the cargo area to place a subwoofer, but GM did not incorporate one. At 5′-7″, leaning against the rear bumper, I would just be able to stretch enough to clean the inside of the rear window with the hatch open. Anybody shorter will have to use one of those microfiber glass cleaners with a handle. My 2013 Buick Verano Turbo and 2017 Buick Encore have nicer designed interiors with higher quality plastics and leather. They are also much quieter.
Another thing I noticed, while both of my current vehicles incorporate covers under the engine compartment, this Regal does not. Even the plastic cover over the hood hinge and radiator at the front of the engine compartment is a cheap piece of die cut flat plastic. Both of my vehicles have much nicer engine compartment trim. The hood is supported by 2 gas springs instead of a prop rod.
I was already to place an order yesterday for the new Regal GS, but expressed my reservations with the salesman and told him I will have to think about it. While I realize the GS seating will be different, and the V-6 engine will have a smoother sound, I am having a problem with the great amount of hard molded plastic throughout the cabin for a $43,000+ automobile. By the way, ordering from the factory takes 3 months.
You can easily tell where GM cut costs on this vehicle. I had high hopes, but now I am going to look elsewhere.