Autoblog

2014 Buick LaCrosse steps up to the big leagues with plenty of luxury [w/videos]

Jeffrey N. Ross — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Sedan, Videos, Buick, Luxury

Following the introduction of the updated 2014 Buick LaCrosse and Regal, the oldest vehicle in Buick's lineup will be the Verano, which was just introduced last year. Having such a fresh product mix bodes well for Buick as it tries to create a new image in the US, and after checking out the amount of luxury being stuffed into the new LaCrosse for 2014, GM's awkwardly positioned brand may finally have the ability to stand out.

Granted, the model unveiled was the all-new, top-of-the-line Ultra Luxury Interior Package, but this package brings top-notch leather and soft suede covering everything above the beltline as well as real ash wood accent trim throughout the cabin. While there was no mention of price, we don't expect this model to come cheap in terms of what we expect from Buick, although it will likely be competitively priced with similarly equipped rivals like the Acura TL or Lexus ES. Adding even more to the LaCrosse's interior, dual eight-inch displays make up the gauge cluster and center stack, and the number of buttons on the center stack have been greatly reduced, creating a cleaner look for the instrument panel.

Another big change is the next-generation of Buick's IntelliLink infotainment system that brings with it all of the recent enhancements of the Cadillac CUE and Chevrolet MyLink systems. Differentiating itself from other GM infotainment systems, the new Buick IntelliLink stands out by allowing users to customize the apps they can add and not just being limited to what GM sees fit.

When the 2014 LaCrosse goes on sale this summer, it will have a fresh, new look that builds on its 2009 redesign with the bulk of the attention focused on the lights and fascias at the front and rear of the car. Speaking of the car's rear, we couldn't help but notice similarities between this Buick and the Hyundai Equus. But don't just take our word for it - browse through the image galleries above and below (we'll try to have better live shots shortly - the press reveal's lighting conditions made better photos difficult), then peruse the press release below.

UPDATE: Buick has released a few videos detailing the updates, you'll find them added below.

Continue reading 2014 Buick LaCrosse steps up to the big leagues with plenty of luxury [w/videos]

2014 Buick LaCrosse steps up to the big leagues with plenty of luxury [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Mar 2013 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

2014 Buick LaCrosse updated with new styling, tech

Jeffrey N. Ross — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Sedan, Buick, Luxury

Buick might have one of the smallest lineups among major automakers, but by the time the 2014 model rolls around, it will definitely have one of the freshest. Debuting at the New York Auto Show this week, the 2014 Buick LaCrosse receives numerous styling changes inside and out, and it benefits from many of the same new features found on closely related models like the Cadillac XTS and the 2014 Chevrolet Impala.

Exterior changes are relatively minor, but they still help give the car a fresh, new look. The new face of the 2014 LaCrosse fits in with recently new or redesigned Buick models with its oversized waterfall grille, LED-trimmed headlights and the signature hood vents being moved to the side of the hood rather than the top. Similar changes have been made to the rear, like the reshaped LED taillights, the full-width chrome trim and a new fascia design; LaCrosse models equipped with the 3.6-liter V6 will still get the integrated exhaust finishers but they're executed in a more stylish manner than the current model. Finishing off the exterior, new wheel designs are also being introduced, which will include bringing 20-inch wheels to the sedan's option list.

Inside, Buick redesigned almost the entire cabin to create a more luxurious and upscale appearance. The instrument panel is essentially carried over, but pretty much everything else has been redesigned and updated with the biggest change being to the driver's area. Dual eight-inch configurable displays make up the center stack and gauge cluster, while the overall number of buttons have been reduced from 17 down to just seven. The 2014 LaCrosse will also be offered with the next-generation IntelliLink, which receives many of the same enhancements as Chevy's latest version of MyLink adding better customization, improved voice commands and more features including Pandora. Additionally, new door panels, seat and center console complete the LaCrosse's interior redesign.

Continue reading 2014 Buick LaCrosse updated with new styling, tech

2014 Buick LaCrosse updated with new styling, tech originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Mar 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Updated Buick LaCrosse, Regal to debut at New York Auto Show

Jeffrey N. Ross — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Sedan, Buick

Judging by the spy shots we saw last week for the 2014 Buick LaCrosse and 2014 Buick Regal, we knew it wouldn't be much longer until we saw both sedans receive a grand debut. Today, Buick confirmed to Autoblog both cars will be introduced at the New York Auto Show next month, but no further information has yet been released about either model.

Having been on the market for an extra couple years, the changes to the LaCrosse appear to be more significant than those coming for the Regal, but both will be getting refreshed exterior designs as well as updated interiors. The Regal's new face brings it more in line with the all-new Encore and the restyled Enclave, while the LaCrosse should get a more distinctive, upscale appearance.

Both cars will be introduced exactly a month from today, and we'll be there to bring you all the coverage.

Updated Buick LaCrosse, Regal to debut at New York Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Feb 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Redesigned Buick LaCrosse and Regal spotted

Jeffrey N. Ross — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Buick, Design/Style

Two more pieces of the nine-model product makeover from Buick and GMC are coming more into focus. Our spy shooters recently managed to capture the 2014 Buick LaCrosse (above) and 2014 Regal (at right) out testing, and it looks like General Motors has big things in store for both models. Based on these images, it looks like we might be seeing the redesigned LaCrosse before we see the refreshed Regal, and we wouldn't be too surprised for one of them making a debut at the Shanghai Motor Show at the end of April.

Although this LaCrosse is heavily disguised (in a stylish new camouflage pattern, we note), we've already seen the car completely uncovered in China. While the plaid covering does its job obscuring some of the car's details, we can still see that some of the elements match up with the spy shots from last month including the larger grille, the LED accents in the headlights and the reshaped exhaust outlets. Not obvious in the new spy shots is the fact that the LaCrosse's cabin is getting a major overhaul.

As for the facelifted Regal, we can definitely tell that a restyled front end will bring new headlights and fascia, but it looks like the big changes will be taking place at the rear of the sedan. What's interesting is that while we can tell the base Regal models are getting new headlights and fascias, it doesn't appear, from these pictures, that the same changes will be applying to the face of the sportier Regal GS. Judging by the amount of fabric piled on top of the instrument panel, the Regal is likely to get some interior upgrades as well.

Redesigned Buick LaCrosse and Regal spotted originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Feb 2013 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Facelifted Buick LaCrosse caught in China

Jeffrey N. Ross — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 14:02:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, China, Buick, Luxury

Back in September, General Motors promised nine new or refreshed models for its Buick and GMC brands within 12 months, and while we've already seen what the updated 2014 GMC Sierra will look like, we're now getting our first look at what appears to be the facelifted 2014 Buick LaCrosse. Judging by a set of spy shots posted on Autohome showing a Chinese-market model, the updated sedan is getting a pretty big makeover, including a completely redesigned interior and a refreshed exterior.

From the outside, all of the usual midcycle updates have been made to the LaCrosse, including new lights and fascias. The new front end features a larger, reshaped seven-sided grille, LED-trimmed headlights and Buick's signature portholes are now mounted on the side edges of the hood to be more visible. The rear view has similarly small yet refined changes such as the new decklid with a chrome brow that stretches the full width of the car, to a more squared-off rear fascia with exhaust outlets pushed out to the corners. From the single shot we can see, the LaCrosse's new rump looks very similar to the Hyundai Equus.

The second-generation LaCrosse helped reestablish Buick as a near-premium automaker with its interior quality, and the next model could very well up the stakes even more. The new cabin design ditches the wraparound wood trim on the instrument panel and door panels for a smoother, more contemporary look. While it's hard to make out all of the changes, we can instantly see that the center stack is now more upright with fewer buttons, but the biggest news might be the cabin technology the 2014 LaCrosse might offer. Checking out the shot of the center console, we see what looks to be a pad similar to the handwriting recognition technology used by Audi, which would make this a first for GM.

There's no word on when (or where) the 2014 LaCrosse will be introduced, but based on GM's timeline of "nine cars in 12 months" and the lack of camouflage in these pictures, we're guessing that we could see the facelifted sedan very soon.

Facelifted Buick LaCrosse caught in China originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Jan 2013 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

GM promises new Buick Regal and LaCrosse along with new GMC Canyon, Sierra and Yukon in next 12 months

Jeffrey N. Ross — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 09:27:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, SUV, Truck, Crossover, Buick, GM, GMC, Luxury

While Chevrolet and Cadillac are the defining brands for General Motors, Buick and GMC seem to be the middle siblings of the auto giant and, therefore, are often overlooked and underappreciated. This might be changing over the next 12 months, though, as these brands are set to receive nine new or refreshed models in this timeframe.

The sole new model to join the lineup is the sub-$25,000 Buick Encore crossover, but the Regal and LaCrosse are all getting mid-cycle updates at some point over the next year, not to mention the refreshed Enclave that we've already seen. Not to be left out, the Buick Verano will be getting a little more pep under the hood courtesy of a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine.

As for GMC, its full-size truck lineup is being completely overhauled. We've already seen spy photos of the new Chevrolet Silverado testing, and GMC confirmed that the Yukon, Yukon XL, Sierra and Sierra HD will all be introduced by next fall. All four GMC models will continue to be offered with the added luxury of the Denali trim level as well.

Perhaps the biggest news that came from this announcement was that the GMC Canyon is confirmed for a next-generation model, and it will be built alongside the all-new Chevrolet Colorado at GM's Wentzville, Missouri assembly plant.

Continue reading GM promises new Buick Regal and LaCrosse along with new GMC Canyon, Sierra and Yukon in next 12 months

GM promises new Buick Regal and LaCrosse along with new GMC Canyon, Sierra and Yukon in next 12 months originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Sep 2012 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments