At the 2015 Los Angeles auto show, Buick showed the world that it knows how to do sexy and upscale when it unveiled the 2017 LaCrosse. The mild hybrid e-Assist variant has been ditched and a new V-6 engine paired to an eight-speed automatic gearbox is now the sole powertrain available. Completely overhauled for the 2017 model year, the new LaCrosse promises to be even more upscale inside and out, thanks to sexier sheetmetal featuring design cues borrowed from the Avenir Concept that was shown at the 2015 Detroit auto show, and an interior that looks nothing like its predecessor. After a close look at the new LaCrosse on the Los Angeles auto show floor, here are 10 cool facts about Buick’s new large (and sexy) premium sedan that we’ve compiled.
The Three-Color Tri-Shield Logo Heralds Buick’s New Identity
The 2017 LaCrosse is the first Buick to sport a revised tri-shield logo. As part of its revision, the three-colored red, silver, and blue tri-shield that first appeared in 1960 returns. Other new design features include wing-shaped elements flanking the revised tri-shield logo that first appeared on the Avenir Concept shown at the 2015 Detroit auto show. Additionally, the new colored tri-shield logo also debuts Buick’s new face, which will be featured on its upcoming vehicles.
Hi-Per Strut Front Suspension Setup is Standard on Front-Drive Models With 20-inch Alloy Wheels
Used mainly in sporty front-drive GM products, the Hi-Per Strut suspension ensures that torque steer is kept in check in front-drive LaCrosse sedans equipped with 20-inch alloys. This setup also helps maintain negative camber when cornering, which helps improves the car’s grip in all road conditions and overall feel.
Teen Driver Keeps Tabs on Your Teenagers
Should you decide to let your teenager drive your sexy new Buick, you can rest assured that they’ll be safe thanks to a new-to-Buick tech feature. Like in the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu, the Teen Driver feature enables you to keep tabs on them through report cards on your new driver’s on-road habits issued by the car. Additionally, you’ll be able to do everything from mute the audio when front occupants aren’t wearing their seat belts to setting warning sounds when the car goes over a certain speed.
Massaging and Quick Heating Function for Front Seats
No longer reserved for ultra-expensive luxury cars, massaging seats can now be had on the 2017 Buick LaCrosse. The feature is available for the front seats for that extra level of comfort for the driver and front passenger. For colder days, the heating feature has been improved to allow the seats to warm up more quickly.
Four Golf Bags Fit in the Trunk
Buick says that the 2017 LaCrosse’s trunk is 7 percent larger than the car it replaces, meaning it’ll be more practical and Ikea-friendly. In fact, Buick stated that it has configured the new LaCrosse’s trunk to fit four golf bags, meaning you and your buddies at the country club can carpool in comfort on your game days.
New V-6 Engine Comes Standard With Cylinder Deactivation
No the V-6 engine in the 2017 LaCrosse isn’t the same one as in the car it replaces just because it has the same 3.6 liters of displacement. Instead, this is a new unit from the LGX family that can also be found in the 2017 Cadillac XT5 and 2016 Chevrolet Camaro, and like in those cars, this engine comes with cylinder deactivation for improved fuel economy.
The 8-inch Touchscreen is Frameless
Featuring a new iteration of Buick’s IntelliLink infotainment system, the 2017 LaCrosse comes with an 8-inch touchscreen that’s frameless and serves as the centerpiece of a center stack with less buttons in it. Like other newly released GM products, the newest version of IntelliLink now comes with Google Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, allowing you to integrate your mobile device directly into the car by plugging it into a USB port.
Continuous Damping Control Gives You Two Driving Modes
Continuous Damping Control is an active suspension setup that’s available on the 2017 LaCrosse that optimizes ride comfort and handling according to the type of road surface you’re driving on, adjusting the car’s damping every two milliseconds. When equipped with this system, the LaCrosse also gains two driving modes, including Touring for maximum comfort, and Sport for more spirited driving.
New Electronic Gear Shifter Opens up Space in the Center Console
A new electronic gear shifter takes the place of the old mechanical unit in the previous LaCrosse, meaning the new car comes with more space in the cabin. As a result, there’s now a large bin just right below the electronic shifter, making it a convenient place to stow your mobile devices or designer purse on your commute or during long drives.
Overall Weight is Down by 300 Pounds
Riding on the new Epsilon II platform that’s shared with the 2017 Cadillac XT5, the Buick LaCrosse shed a healthy amount of weight compared to its predecessor. While overall size didn’t change much, the 2017 LaCrosse is about 300 pounds lighter than the old car thanks to the extensive use of high-strength steel that’s been press-hardened. Buick also states that the use of lighter and stronger materials has helped improved the LaCrosse’s handling.
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