New for 2017
The LaCrosse gets a full redesign for 2017. Virtually nothing carries over from the previous model, except the name.
A Sleek and Smart Luxury Sedan
The 2017 Buick LaCrosse represents a more confident new direction for Buick. Emerging from a complete redesign, the LaCrosse remains one of Buick’s signature products: a big, comfortable, luxurious sedan. But the new model refines that concept with more upscale styling, a greater focus on efficiency, and an array of new technology features. The LaCrosse is resolutely a Buick, but it tries hard to attract buyers beyond the traditional Buick customer.
Performance
The 2017 Buick LaCrosse gets an extra dose of both performance and refinement, thanks to an upgraded powertrain and reengineered chassis. The sole engine option is a new 3.6-liter V6 that produces 305 horsepower and 268 pound-feet of torque. It’s mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The V6 features direct injection for added power and more efficient combustion, as well as two notable fuel-saving features. General Motors’ Active Fuel Management system shuts down two cylinders under light loads, and reactivates them when needed. The LaCrosse also features an engine start/stop system that shuts off the engine at traffic lights and stop signs to reduce fuel consumption.
The LaCrosse features standard front-wheel drive, and Buick’s new twin-clutch all-wheel drive system is available as an option. It uses an independent clutch setup to determine how much power is sent to each individual rear wheel, improving handling. A new five-link rear suspension and available Continuous Damping Control active suspension also help in that area.
All of the hardware would be useless without a sturdy chassis to bolt it to, though. Buick says the new body structure is stronger than before, but also 300 pounds lighter thanks to extensive use of high strength steel. The LaCrosse also benefits from Buick’s QuietTuning process, which adds things like triple-sealed doors, acoustic laminated glass, and active noise cancellation to ensure a quiet cabin.
Features
The 2017 Buick LaCrosse is a four-door, five-seat sedan. It goes on sale soon, priced starting from $32,065.*
A full list of standard and available equipment will be released closer to the LaCrosse’s on-sale date, but the 2017 model should offer buyers a luxury-car experience. Some of the available features will include HID headlights with LED signature lighting, 18-inch wheels, perforated leather seats, heated steering wheel with power tilt/telescoping steering column, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bose® premium audio system, and a power rear sunshade.
The 2017 LaCrosse also features more technology items than before. The driver gets an 8.0-inch LED “information center” display, and there’s a second 8.0-inch display as part of Buick’s IntelliLink infotainment system. IntelliLink also features Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ smartphone connectivity. To ensure smartphones feel at home, Buick also offers wireless phone charging and GM’s OnStar® 4G LTE system, with a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot.
Design
The 2017 Buick LaCrosse continues Buick’s current design language, with some nods to the brand’s history. The large grille includes a prominent Buick tri-shield insignia accented by wing-shaped elements, against vertical “waterfall” bars. It’s a configuration inspired by the 1954 Buick Wildcat II concept.
The rest of the LaCrosse has a more dynamic look than previous models. The front wheels were pulled forward and the wheelbase stretched 2.7 inches, despite an increase in overall length of just 0.6 inches. The roof is also 1.6 inches lower than the previous-generation model, giving the LaCrosse a sleeker profile. Finally, the wheels are pushed out further toward the corners for a more athletic stance.
The interior is just as stylized as the exterior. It features a dramatic “floating” center console that positions the new electronic shifter closer to the driver, while creating storage space below. Buick also splurged for high quality materials, including aluminum sill plates, wood trim, and soft-touch material at most touch points. French stitching on areas like the seats and instrument panel classes things up even further.
The LaCrosse is also functional as well as stylish, thanks to thoughtful touches that help improve functionality. The rear doors open wider than before to offer easier ingress and egress. Trunk capacity is also about 7 percent greater than in the previous LaCrosse, making room for four golf bags.
Safety
Safety features on the 2017 Buick LaCrosse includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, 10 standard airbags, a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, lane change alert, forward collision alert, forward automatic braking, front pedestrian braking, automatic park assist, and GM’s Safety Alert Seat.
Verdict
The 2017 Buick LaCrosse emerges from its top-to-bottom redesign sleeker, smoother, and more efficient than before.
Be sure to contact us online or visit 3Birds Template at 505 W. Franklin St., Chapel Hill, NC 27516 to schedule a test drive.
*The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price excludes destination freight charge of $925, tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment.
Image Credit: Buick
