Test Drive: 2010 Buick Lacrosse

2010 Buick Lacrosse Surpasses Expectations

When you think about luxury cars, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Lexus, Infiniti and Jaguar are probably the first brands that come to mind.  Cadillac and Lincoln still register, but they generally fall much further down the list for many people.  And, what about Buick? Does it register at all?  If your answer is no, you may want to reconsider.


General Motors is serious about competing with its European and Asian counterparts in the luxury market.  The Cadillac CTS is regarded as the best luxury sport sedan ever manufactured by an American automaker, performing well against-- if not outperforming-- European competitors.  Now, Buick is seriously challenging the likes of Lexus with the 2010 Lacrosse.

If you have seen the commercials comparing the new Lacrosse to the Lexus ES350 and you find yourself saying, "no way," I'm here to tell you, "way!" Skepticism is understandable.  I had plenty, until I drove the Lacrosse CXS.


Forget about the previous generation Lacrosse.  Buick has totally redesigned the model-- front-to-back, top-to-bottom-- and Lexus was squarely in the crosshairs from drawing board to production line.  If I did not know better, I would say GM kidnapped a Lexus designer and forced him/her to create an ES350 killer.

There are many similarities between the two models.  As demonstrated in a commercial, the profiles of the Buick Lacrosse and Lexus ES350 are nearly identical.  Approach a Lacrosse from just about any angle and you will likely think it's a Lexus until you get close enough to see the Buick logos.  Climb inside and you will discover an interior quality not often associated with recent GM models.

The leather seating is very comfortable and the cockpit is designed to place controls well within reach.  The new center panel design takes a little getting used to.  The layout can be a bit confusing at first glance, but once you get the feel for it, you'll be fine.  Rear seating is also excellent providing generous leg, shoulder and head room.  I don't think you'll hear complaints from passengers.

Features


Since the CXS is the top-of-the-ladder Lacrosse, everything is a standard feature. 
Dual-zone climate control-- standard. Ultrasonic rear park assist-- standard.  Harman/Kardon 384-watt, 11-speaker, 5.1 Matrix surround sound audio system-- standard.  Bluetooth phone connectivity, XM satellite radio, keyless start, ventilated leather seats, power sunshade-- all standard.  I looked up the base CX model on GM's website and discovered the only thing that would leave you feeling less than luxurious is the standard cloth seats.  Again, Buick is clearly serious about taking on and beating the competition.


Powerplant


Under the hood, GM's 3.6L, V-6 VVT direct injection engine powers the Lacrosse CXS.  The engine is mated to a six-speed, automatic transmission.  Together, the powertrain pairing produces 280 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque.  Acceleration is good, but very Buick-like. This is not a sports sedan.


Buick models have a rather distinctive feel on the road.  For the driving enthusiast, that feel is a bit soft.  For the more refined highway cruiser, the feel is heavenly.  The suspension absorbs nearly all minor road imperfections to provide one of the smoothest rides I have experienced since testing the Lexus LS460L in 2007.  The cabin soundproofing is so good, I almost thought the engine wasn't running after I started the car.  You can imagine what that means for road noise.  You will hear very little.


Fuel efficiency is average.  EPA fuel economy ratings for the Lacrosse are 17 MPG/City and 27 MGP/Highway.  During my week in the car, I drove 345 miles consuming about 18 gallons of regular gasoline and achieving 19.1 MPG.


Summary

As Motor Trend declared on a recent cover, Buick is back!  The 2010 Lacrosse is the second phase of a major comeback for the division that began with the introduction of the Enclave crossover.  The Lucerne still exists, but I look for it to be phased out soon Buick's direction is clear and the division's new standard bearer is the 2010 Lacrosse.  While it's still a car more suitable for my mother than me, the new Lacrosse is quite impressive.  Pricing starts at $27,835. The CXS model starts at $33,765, including destination charge.