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2020 Buick Regal Line Standardizes Dual-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning

The 2020 Buick Regal lineup will make dual-zone automatic air conditioning standard across the range, GM Authority has exclusively learned. Before the change, some Regal Sportback and TourX models were equipped with single-zone manual air conditioning.

2018 Buick Regal Sportback - Media Drive - Austin Texas - exterior 003

2020 Buick Regal Sportback

Specifically, the 2020 Buick Regal Sportback will replace single-zone air conditioning with dual-zone manual air conditioning on the Base and Preferred models, both of which are offered exclusively in front-wheel-drive. All other Regal Sportback models are already offered with a dual-zone automatic HVAC system, including the Essence, Avenir and GS.

2020 Buick Regal Sportback Models & Trim Levels
Trim Level: Regal (Base) Preferred Essence Essence Avenir GS
Trim Code: 1SV 1SB 1SL 1SL 1SU 1SX
Drive Wheels: FWD FWD FWD AWD FWD AWD
Model Code: 4ZU68 4ZW68 4ZY68 4ZH68 4ZY68 4ZZ68

The news of the AC change comes on the heels of another exclusive GM Authority report where we noted that Buick is simplifying the Regal Sportback lineup by deleting the Preferred II trim level. The change took place for interim 2019 (2019i) model year.

2018 Buick Regal TourX - Oregon Trail Drive 021

2020 Buick Regal TourX

Meanwhile, the 2020 Buick Regal TourX replaces single-zone manual air conditioning with dual-zone automatic climate control on Base and Preferred models. Since the TourX is available exclusively in all-wheel-drive, these models are both driven by all wheels. The TourX Essence model was already offered with dual-zone automatic climate control.

2020 Buick Regal TourX Models & Trim Levels
Trim Level: TourX (Base) Preferred Essence
Trim Code: 1SV 1SB 1SL
Drive Wheels: AWD AWD AWD
Model Code: 4ZU35 4ZW35 4ZY35

2018 Buick Regal TourX

The GM Authority Take

The move to make dual-zone, automatic air conditioning standard across the board is a welcomed move that supports Buick’s desired position as a purveyor of premium vehicles. In fact, we’re surprised that GM didn’t do away with the single-zone, manual HVAC systems sooner.

We should also note that the changes described herein are applicable to the United States market, and could differ for international markets where the Regal Sportback and Regal TourX are offered.

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Comments

  1. Regal is fantastic. The vehicle as Insignia has been a hit for Opel. Had the interior been of higher quality Regal, especially under Avenir guise, could have been a major accomplishment for Buick.
    Mark Adams is a great designer.

    Reply
  2. What about a leather steering wheel, power seat, overhead sun glasses holder, XM radio, rear seat back map pockets and center fold down armrest with cup holders and nicer interior materials? The fact that all of these items are missing on a near luxury Buick that can push up into the high 20’s to 30K range is ludicrous. Why not add these things as std and raise the base price to 26995 from the current 25995 and be more serious about this otherwise nice car. They are treating this like its a basic LS Malibu otherwise save the more potent 2.0T engine and the move to dual zone.

    They also need to get more serious with the higher trim level Essence and especially Avenir trims. No A/C seats, no heated rear seats. Also no shift paddles on the GS? And you should not have to pay extra in a pricey option package for LED headlights save the very basic trim level. Ditto the advanced safety equipment.

    Besides those quibbles the Regal is a solid worthy entry in the hatch/wagon segment that deserves better treatment than it’s currently getting.

    Reply
  3. I wish they had offered the top level TourX with leather as an option, not standard… I’d be driving one now. Too late now though to buy anything without electrification.

    Anyhow,
    “The 2020 Buick Regal lineup will make dual-zone automatic air conditioning standard across the range, GM Authority has exclusively learned. ” and then,
    “Specifically, the 2020 Buick Regal Sportback will replace single-zone air conditioning with dual-zone manual air conditioning on the Base and Preferred models”

    Which one is it?

    Reply
  4. Hope it includes a ‘Synchronize’ function where the driver can adjust the temperature on both sides of the cabin simultaneously.
    My ’11 Regal doesn’t have a ‘Synch’ button and have to adjust one side then the other.
    I drove a Toyota Avalon last year with a ‘Synch’ feature and I realized that this should be standard on any dual-zone climate system.

    Reply
    1. They why have “dual zone”? Doesn’t that kind of negate the purpose of having dual zone?

      Reply
      1. There no sense in setting dual temps when you’re the only one in the car for the majority of the time.

        Reply
      2. 95% of my driving is alone… driver only.
        Dual-zone climate system only makes sense for travel with a passenger.

        Reply
        1. To the reader who down-voted my and Vinny68’s last comment:

          Toyota understands the issue of dual-zone/one-occupant. Why can’t you?

          Reply
  5. Could some one please tell me when production will start in Germany for the 2020 Regal Sport back GS . Thank You.

    Reply
  6. Hello, since details are being reported on the 2020 Buick Regal, is there any confirmation yet on additional exterior/interior color choices for the 2020 model year Buick Regal and Buick Regal GS? I would like to do some financial planning for my next car purchase and the sooner I learn this information, the better. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated, thank you!

    Reply
  7. I’m waiting and hoping for a TourX GS

    Reply
    1. Well Tom G M does not sell the Tour X in Canada as a rule G M just treats us CDN’s as second class citizens!
      I have been purchasing their cars for 50 years and believe me I know a hell of lot about G M!

      Reply
  8. As mentioned above this is a car that is one of those you “really almost want to buy”. I have had my check book out several times but there are a few things that have prevented me.
    What is the deal with the console layout. The 2 cup holders in the front it used cover up the climate control and are very awkward and if there was a spill it would splash all over it. Then there is one nice big one in the back. There is a reason most put 2 cup holders towards the rear.
    I realize that this is a European car and is probably offered in a manual but it would be so nice if a push button gear shift like what is offered in several of the GMC’s that would free up the console for needed storage and cup holders.
    You have to offer AC front seats and heated rear. It’s so inexpensive in the grand scheme of things and people in this market have to have this. The Bose stereo isn’t bad and maybe it wasn’t broken in but the few times I have sat in them I was very underwhelmed…
    I also think a GS model or at least one without the black cladding not such ugly wheels would help.
    Buick, people in the US aren’t anti-wagon. (Look at the outback) But it’s almost as if you’re trying to not make this car a great success. You have very little competition in the market and have a great car to offer that handles like a dream and looks good too. Don’t let small easily fixable things keep it from being a great seller.

    Reply
  9. Three model years in & no cladding delete option. Very disappointing. ?

    Still looking for pics of a decladded TourX or one that’s been painted or the cladding wrapped body color for monochromatic look.

    Reply
  10. I researched, wrap is not an option, it won’t last. Several body shops I talked to also wouldn’t touch painting the flares as they’re afraid it won’t last either. I really hate the cladding, but just bought a black one since the cladding blends in more. I powder coated the wheels gloss black and like the look. I’m just mentally blocking out the cladding. I did see a blog on a Buick forum of a guy that removed the cladding and added a GS front bumper, seats, and rocker panels. He also added Lacrosse 20″ wheels, it was pretty sweet.

    Reply

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