2010 Buick LaCrosse: The Next Generation Lexus ES?

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What's New:

The second generation LaCrosse has been reengineered and restyled for the 2010 model year. When GM redesigned this vehicle, they decided to target the entry level luxury segment leader, the Lexus ES 350. To our surprise, we believe they may have bested the competition, with the refined, fresh looking, quiet-riding LaCrosse. The luxury appointments, the superb build-quality and the Lexus-like exterior design will definitely attract a new buyer to the aging Buick brand. This new Buick sure looks like it could have been the next generation Lexus ES.

Must Have Goodies:

The economically priced LaCrosse is available in three trim levels, with either an all-wheel drive (CXL) or front-wheel drive (CX, CXS) configuration. Depending on how one prefers to outfit their LaCrosse, they won’t have problems finding one to suit their needs or pocketbook.

In fact, the LaCrosse we reviewed was equipped with the top of the line CXS package, which consisted of a heated leather and wood steering wheel, ventilated front seats (heated seats were also apart of the package), a 11-speaker Harman/Kardon 384-watt system, 18-inch chrome wheels, rear back up sensors and a power rear sunshade (to protect passengers from Georgia’s warm summers).

Ironically, our CXS excluded any of the factory options and it still managed to be a nicely equipped vehicle for an asking price of $33,765. Yet, we still found the luxury vehicle to be adequately equipped with all of the right features to keep the vehicle affordable.

However, if one would like to step-up the tire size on their LaCrosse, they can opt for Buick’s $800 Touring Package, which consists of 19-inch wheels and the 9-spoke painted machined alloy wheels. And, if LaCrosse buyers plan on taking a lot of road trips with family or friends, who constantly need to be entertained, the upscale Buick can be equipped with a $1,300 dual DVD entertainment system, which is located on the backside of front head restraints front seat headrests. Headphones are also included, so as not to disturb the other occupants in the vehicle.

Moreover, the LaCrosse is also available with the following high-tech, safety and convenience features, too: high-intensity swiveling front headlights for cornering, a navigational system with a rear-view camera, rear-seat mounted airbags and an oversized power sunroof.

What Rocked:

Besides the stunning looking fresh exterior design, the hand-crafted interior is outlined by an ice blue ambient light, which runs throughout the cabin, giving off a nice glow in the vehicle at night. Just like in the LS 460, Lexus’ flagship vehicle, the redesigned Buick interior resembles an upscale chartered private luxury jet.

Unlike the LS 460, which offers reclining power rear seats and a few other luxury touches for the rear passengers, we found that the Buick, which is about half the price of the LS, to be on par with the same smooth ride and attention to detail as in the LS 460. In fact, we found the attention to detail in the redesigned Buick to be quite evident throughout the interior, including the analog instrument cluster, chrome offset by dark woodgrain accents and contrasting stitching on the instrument panel. The redesigned interior will give the LS interior a run for its money.

And being that Buick has established itself as a luxury brand, it also offers a 4-year/50,000 bumper-to-bumper new-vehicle warranty just like its Cadillac brand. Furthermore, the new LaCrosse is so high-tech that the parking brake engaged electronically, as soon as the vehicle was placed in parked. Wow, what a good safety and convenience feature.

What We Disliked:

As of now, the early production models aren’t equipped with Buick’s latest technology that notifies the driver if a vehicle in an adjacent lane is traveling in the driver’s blind spot, before changing lanes. We also hope in the near future Buick considers adding heated rear seats to the LaCrosse like we found in Ford Taurus, since the CXS model is equipped with heated and cooled front seats.

And, we were a little disappointed that we’ll have to wait for Buick’s fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine, which won’t be available until later this quarter. The 4-cylinder Buick will only be offered in the base CX model. Pricing for Buick’s first four-cylinder will start at $26,995 and is expected to be available during the first quarter of 2010. If the four-cylinder is anything like the one we reviewed in GM’s Chevy Malibu, it shouldn’t disappoint.

Any Juice:

For now, the LaCrosse is only available with a six-cylinder engine. The CX and CL trims produce 255 horses from underneath the hood, while the more upscale CXS is equipped with a 3.6L direct injection V-6, producing 280 horses.

The Verdict:

Initially, when we learned Buick was marketing the new LaCrosse to go head-to-head with the Lexus ES, we thought GM was reaching for the stars. Surprisingly, after spending windshield time in the driver’s seat of the luxurious-designed LaCrosse, Lexus may need to step-up their game. Not only has Buick competed with Lexus for the past few years, building a reliable brand based on industry surveys, but now they offer the styling, too.

Furthermore, for all the naysayers who questioned GM’s quality, the LaCrosse is sure to serve as the new gold standard for measuring craftsmanship and attention to detail in a very stylish package. Just like the Buick Enclave (crossover utility vehicle) has won over a lot of new fans for the once aging brand, the LaCrosse is sure to do the same, if not more. And with the base LaCrosse starting out at $27,835 and leaping to almost $40,000, the price point still undercuts many of its import competitors, making it a very affordable vehicle.

Competition: Ford Taurus, Hyundai Genesis Sedan, Lexus ES 350, Infiniti G37