Buick confirms plans to swap trim levels for options packages, hypothetical GS to live on

2011 Buick Regal – Click above for high-res image gallery

When the 2012 Buicks start rolling into showrooms next year, they will no longer be wearing trim level badges such as CX, CXL, and CXS. As Buick continues to reinvent itself to be more of a competitor to brands like Audi, Acura and Lexus, it is following a similar path by not distinguishing trim levels as separate models. Instead the content within those trim levels will be bundled as option packages much as Audi offers their prestige and premium packs and Acura uses designations like technology and advanced packages.

While some brands limit the combinations to only what’s available in the packages, Buick will continue to offer some standalone options such as sunroofs that can be paired with other packages.

One exception to this rule will be special models such as a “hypothetical” (at least in official Buick terms) Regal GS. Spokeswoman Michelle Bunker confirmed to Autoblog that If (when) Buick were to build such a high-performance version of the new Regal it would get a special designation like GS.

Photos by Sam Abuelsamid / Copyright ©2010 Weblogs, Inc. and General Motors

[Source: Automotive News, Buick]

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