2020 Buick LaCrosse

2020 Buick Lacrosse

12/9/2019

full size premium - sedan

Sedans may be dropping like flies in the N.A. marketplace, but in China they are still going strong. That could be why Buick has introduced the new LaCrosse there instead of back home in the U.S.A. China seems to be reaping the rewards of an ever growing middle class marketplace as they seem to be the only

place left in the world where every segment is filled with new models. Well we should say most segments as coupes and convertibles are dying off in China as well.

As for Buick, China seems to be like a second home for them as it was China themselves who saved Buick from the corporate axe back in 2008. Without the robust earnings that Buick enjoyed in China, Buick could have been cut loose just like Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Saturn and Hummer. But since they have a strong share of the market, they were spared and it seems they are thriving more than ever before.

Buick seems to be bucking the trend as they are set to release their new LaCrosse, although we may not get it, we can still dream about it. The new LaCrosse looks like it could be a game changer for the Chinese market as it is moving its premium image a bit further up the latter. This could be a win for Buick but it may come as a loss to Cadillac, so GM better watch how they market the LaCrosse.

With a new premium image comes a new and more product savvy front end. Utilizing styling cues from the Enclave the new front end of the LaCrosse is sure to suit both Buick and the LaCrosse line.

Chrome accents have become of high importance to Buick again and it is highly visible through here as the grille utilizes a perfectly proportioned chrome accent line. A symbol accent fin is visible within the grille, but Buick could have made a bit better use of interior materials. Some lackluster material here becomes the main takeaway from a truly beautiful front end. Guess it pays to upgrade to the Avenir model as it has the right proportion of chrome accents.

Buick has done a wonderful job with their hood as they did include just the right amount of character to it. This is enhanced by the taper added by the body line and helps raise the hood up from the front end. Could we be looking at an introduction of a new GSX model to the Buick line? Let’s hope so.

Gliding along the bodyline we find ourselves lost as the line seems to disappear towards the rear. Don’t worry though as you will find a new bodyline which has been introduced thanks to a well-placed side air duct. Seems Buick has done away with their triple port hole exhaust pot in favor of a more modern single port. This port has been well accented as well which helps blend it into its surrounds a bit better. Kudos to you Buick as you have made an add-on better.

With base models you will find yourself pleased with the choice of rims that Buick has made for you. Move up to the Avenir and you might feel like you’re getting ripped off. This is due to the low grade rim choice that was borrowed from your Cavalier model. Guess someone forgot that the Avenir model was the upscale and higher profit model and it should all look that way.

Moving to the rear we find ourselves lost in a different world. The world of chrome accents and hard edges on a smooth surface have given way to standard metal and female curves. There’s nothing wrong with the female form, just that we like to see some hard edges out back as well. Seems that Buick lost its train of thought when they developed the rear of the LaCrosse. Too bad as this could have been a real game changer for the market.

But all is not lost as they do redeem themselves with the use of 3D lights and functional dual exhaust ports. Sure the ports are not as big as they are outlined, but they are functional and due suit the design well. As for the lights, the 3D layout makes the rear a bit more attractive as it brings it into the 21st century. Add to this the sweeping back window which gives you the illusion of a coupe profile and you have one decent rear end. And there’s nothing wrong with a nice round rear and it seems that Buick has put this theory to good use on the new LaCrosse.

All together the new LaCrosse is one great piece of premium automotive design as they utilize luxury features in ways others could not. Buick has always made a great name for themselves within the premium segment and it looks like that won’t change anytime soon. Let’s just hope that they can hold their premium market and don’t teeter too much on the luxury side of things.

Everett J.
#AutoLooks, @Autolooks, AutoLooks.net