The Buick lineup operates something like a bridge between the automaker's American headquarters and its global operations, drawing heavily from products designed and engineered for other markets.
And for 2017, there's even a new crossover built elsewhere but sold here—the Chinese-market Buick Envision. It's the first mass-market car to be sold in the United States but built in China (not counting a specific version of the Volvo S60), but it remains to be seen if that will be a hurdle for American consumers. The Envision is a five-seat crossover designed to square off against compact rivals like the BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, Acura RDX, and Nissan Murano. It's not quite as swanky as its European rivals, but the Envision comes in at a lower price point.
Technically, the Envision went on sale late in the 2016 model year, but the lineup is augmented for 2017 with more trim levels, a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder base engine, and far more availability in dealers.
The other big news for Buick is indeed big: The company's LaCrosse flagship is all-new, delivering its own blend of comfort and quiet with a more evocatively-styled exterior. The LaCrosse lineup has been pared down to just one powertrain for 2017, but the new 3.6-liter V-6 and 8-speed automatic make a sweet combination.
Here's a more comprehensive look at what you'll find in a Buick showroom this year:
- New Sport Touring, or ST, trim level with unique blue exterior paint, special 20-inch alloy wheels, and interior touches.
- New Sport Touring trim level features its own grille and wheel designs and is available in three exterior shades.
- Substantial facelift inside and out.
- Upgraded interior materials, new instrument cluster with 4.2-inch screen, and new 8.0-inch infotainment screen.
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability added.
- Lineup expanded to include new Preferred and Essence trim levels, in addition to existing Premium I and Premium II.
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability added.
- New base 2.5-liter, naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder base engine.
- Chili Red exterior color added.
- All-new model with new V-6 engine and 8-speed automatic transmission.
- Optional all-wheel drive.
- Available in four trim levels ranging from about $33,000 to $50,000.
- Hybrid model discontinued.
- Three new exterior colors.
- New 18-inch wheels with Sport Touring trim level.
- Shortened model year; set to be discontinued mid-way through 2017.
- Turbo model dropped.
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