There was plenty to like about Buick’s heavily revised 2017 Buick LaCrosse when it debuted last year, but the shrinking passenger car market rubbed some of the shine off the full-sizer’s standard features and newfound efficiency. It also propelled sales further downhill.
Buick isn’t resting on its laurels for the generation’s sophomore year. For 2018, Buick’s eAssist mild hybrid system returns to the LaCrosse after a year’s absence, joined by a new transmission in V6-powered models and a starting price designed to lure more buyers into the showroom.
General Motors hasn’t released power specifications for the electrified entry-level model, but it does claim a 9-percent increase in torque compared to past eAssist models. That’s thanks to a revised hybrid system aiding a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which is a tenth of a liter larger than the previous base mill. The automaker predicts a 19-percent increase in city fuel economy compared to the available 310-horsepower 3.6-liter V6. If you’re curious, the EPA rates that model at 21 mpg in the city.
Expect a smoother start-stop experience with the eAssist model’s 0.45 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Also, expect to pay over a grand less for a base model. The 2018 LaCrosse will arrive with a pre-delivery MSRP of $30,490, compared to the 2017 model’s $32,065.
A more traditional large sedan experience remains optional to LaCrosse buyers. For those looking for a higher trim level and none of that hybrid jazz, the V6 model will ditch its eight-speed automatic for a nine-speed unit. Buick promises “a smooth and refined shifting experience” with this transmission, though the previous unit wasn’t exactly a balky affair. Buick hasn’t said if fuel economy stands to benefit from the change.
Another key change awaits the LaCrosse in 2018. No doubt realizing it needs to sweeten the pot amid falling sales, the automaker has announced all-wheel-drive will no longer be the sole domain of the top-flight Premium trim level. Buyers of the second-from-top Essence model can have their AWD, too. All buyers can choose from three new colors.
The 2018 Buick LaCrosse arrives on dealer lots this fall.
[Image: General Motors]
Bring back the real wood interior.
Wow, a “shifting experience”!
Bringing back the hybrid version just as hybrid sales are tanking and fuel prices are expected to stay at current low levels for years to come. Must be a CAFE special – because real consumers certainly aren’t demanding it.
Actually, gasoline prices have risen about 25% over the last few months, at least where I live. In “inflation adjusted real dollars”, though, it’s still historically cheap.
You have a point, though – spending 32 grand (plus tax, license, delivery and fees) on a new hybrid Depreciationmobile isn’t likely to be very popular.
The 2018 is the same price as the 2013 hybrid that could be had for 1/3 off or $20K. They’ll see close to 40 mpg combined without booting it too much. That is Sonata Hybrid pricing around here. LaCrosse or Sonata?
OK, first year of a new GM transmission. What could go wrong?
Was that a kick at Acura/Honda transmissions?!
Does GM actually have a real hybrid powertrain to speak of other than the Volt.
GM spawned the Malibu hybrid from the Volt’s technology so I guess in some sense, they do. It depends how many nits you want to pick.
Malibu Hybrid tops Accord Hybrid along with the Prius according to C&D in their Accord review.. So, yeah it is pretty good.
I don’t know about the hybrid but I love me some big old man car and I think these things look pretty sharp. It just is what it is. A big spacious cruiser with a ton of comfort and enough straight line speed to get out of its own way. (Least in v6)
Wow!
Buick is just full of excitement and incredible styling, performance, quality and that “it” factor that makes their products so compelling and desirable!
/s
It works for Buick as they are outselling Acura.