?2017 Buick La Crosse Premium FWD?
Introducing the New Face of Buick

The LaCrosse model was first introduced to the Buick lineup in 2009, with its sales now exceeding 900,000 globally, and its popularity surpassing that of several other full-size luxury sedans. The new 2017 Buick LaCrosse displays an evolutionary progression of the popular luxury sedan that essentially established the marque?s modern sedan stable through appealing design and innovation in technology, from Hi-Per Strut suspension to the industry-exclusive eAssist technology, which was capable of achieving up to 36 mpg.


Since its inception, the LaCrosse has received the following past awards: an IntelliChoice Best Buy and Consumer?s Digest Best Buy, as well as an IntelliChoice Best Bets for the Buick LaCrosse eAssist, U.S. News & World Report ?Best Full-Size Car for Families?, and the NEMPA Best In Class All Weather Sedan/Wagon in the $25,000-$40,000 price range.

2017 Buick LaCrosse pricing begins at $32,990. The La Crosse is an elegant full size sedan that introduces the new face of Buick, drawing inspiration and styling cues from the award-winning Buick Avenir concept car. Up front is a new large opening grille featuring the return of Buick?s three color, tri-shield insignia, accented by wing-shaped extensions that reach across the iconic darkened vertical, waterfall grille bars.

The new La Crosse is lower, longer and wider than the previous model, and it is based on a stronger structure that manages to tip the scales at roughly 300 pounds less, due largely to the use of press-hardened, high-strength steels. The weight loss is also attributable to the new dissipative sound-absorbing materials that are lower in mass, but provide more effective sound attenuation, resulting in a new level for Buick?s signature QuietTuning.

There are four levels of trim for 2017: the base La Crosse, which comes only in FWD; the Preferred La Crosse; and La Crosse Essence – both also only available in FWD. The flagship trim is the Premium La Crosse, available in either FWD or AWD.

Feature highlights for 2017 include: High-intensity discharge headlamps and LED signature lighting; LED taillamps are standard fare; HiPer Strut front suspension available on Essence and Premium FWD trims; a new five-link rear suspension is standard on all trims; electronically controlled Continuous Damping Control active suspension with selectable Touring and Sport modes is available on both Essence and Premium trims; driver-selectable Electronic Precision Shift comes standard on all trims; an advanced, all-new dual-clutch AWD system is available on Premium trim models; efficiency-enhancing low-drag disc brakes with Duralife rotors; an electric power steering system with Lead/Pull Compensation; wireless charging for personal devices is standard on Essence and Premium trims; a Teen Driver feature is standard on all trims, allowing parents to set controls, review driving habits and encourage safe driving habits even when they are not in the vehicle; perforated leather-appointed front seats with new lumbar massaging feature are standard on Premium models; IntelliLink is featured in a frameless 8-inch-diagonal color touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and OnStar 4G LTE and Wi-Fi hotspot integration is standard on all trims; and there?s a remote vehicle starter system and keyless open and start that?s standard fare for all trims.

The freshened exterior and interior makes for an upscale experience with a sleek, aerodynamic luxurious persona that delivers next-generation IntelliLink, a standard eight-inch color driver information and cluster display, camera- and radar-based safety features that work in conjunction with General Motors-patented Safety Alert Seat. The radar and camera-based safety features equip this latest Buick LaCrosse with added protection from Lane Change Alert, Side Blind Zone Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Automatic Collision Preparation, and there?s a Full Speed Cruise Control offered as well.

Active lower front grille shutters are included on all models, which close at highway speeds reducing aerodynamic drag. There are available Bi-Xenon High-Intensity Discharge lamps; Articulating Headlamps and LED wing-shape signature lighting; a new rear fascia and deck lid, with integrated spoiler; and wraparound taillamps with LED lighting. Fully enclosed exhaust outlets are framed with a chrome finish within the rear fascia.

LaCrosse now comes with only one engine as its power source ? the 2.4-liter e-assist four cylinder with light electrification technology is no longer available, leaving a 3.6-liter , DOHC, 24-valve VVT V6 with Direct Injection and electronic throttle control to provide the singular motive force. It produces 31 horsepower at 6,800 rpm while developing 282 pound feet of torque at 5,200 rpm. Power from the transversely mounted front engine is delivered to the driving wheels via an electronically controlled 8-speed automatic overdrive transmission with a torque converter clutch.

The interior of the 2014 LaCrosse?s provides a contemporary ambience supporting the integration of Buick?s next-generation IntelliLink infotainment system including the following highlights: a new instrument panel ?center stack? and integrated floor console with added storage.

My test 2017 Buick LaCrosse was a front-wheel drive sedan and came in Premium trim. The exterior was sprayed in a Quicksilver metallic finish, while the interior was executed in Ebony with polished dark faux wood trim accents. The base sticker was set at $41,065 while options and the Destination and Delivery charge elevated the final total to $46,865.

SUMMARY: The 2017 Buick LaCrosse in Premium trim is a high quality, premium luxury four-door sedan. The actual look is that of a graceful and elegant coupe with the blacked out ?B? and ?C? pillars and chrome trim around the cabin side glass area. Inside the cabin, old-world craftsmanship is suggested by the fit and finish, and by elements such as the uniquely integrated door pull/side armrest and handle combination.

The driving experience is enhanced by a four-wheel independent suspension system, including a four-link rear suspension that uses isolating mounts to minimize noise and vibration. StabiliTrak electronic stability control system is standard, as is a variable-effort power steering system, four-wheel disc brakes with four-channel ABS, electronic brake force distribution and brake assist system. Both the acceleration and handling characteristics are exemplary, with outstanding ride comfort.

This latest iteration of the Buick LaCrosse combines intelligent technologies that combine to deliver a 360-degree field of vision when behind the wheel, for a greater feeling of comfort, security and safety. Buick is no longer what was once thought of as a vehicle to satisfy only an aging population ? it is now delivers both a youthful and exuberant appeal.

SPECIFICATIONS: 2017 Buick La Crosse Premium FWD

Base Price: $41,065.
Price as Tested: $46,845.

Engine Type and Size: 3.6-liter, DOHC, 24-valve VVT V6 with Direct Injection and electronic throttle control

Horsepower (bhp): 310 @ 6,800 rpm
Torque (ft./ lbs.): 282 @ 5,200 rpm

Transmission: Electronically controlled 8-speed automatic overdrive with torque converter clutch.

Drive Train: Transversely mounted front engine / FWD

Suspension: Front – MacPherson strut coil-over-spring
with: HiPer Strut with Continuous Damping Control.
Rear – Five-link with Continuous Damping Control.

Brakes: Power assisted four-wheel vented discs with; Duralife brake rotors; ABS, brake pre-fill and Electronic Brake Force Distribution.

Tires: Bridgestone Potenza RE97 P245/40 R20 all-season mounted on 10 stylized ?V?-spoke alloy wheels.-spoke alloy wheels.

Wheelbase: 114.4 inches
Length Overall: 197.5 inches
Width: 73.5 inches
Height: 57.5 inches
Curb Weight: 3,598 lbs.
Turning Circle: 38.0 ft.
Fuel Capacity: 15.8 gallons
EPA Mileage Estimates: 21 mpg city / 31 mpg highway
Drag Coefficient: Not listed
0 – 60 mph: Not tested

Arv Voss is a Northern California based freelance motoring Journalist and member and past officer of several noted Automotive Journalist organizations who contributes regularly to a number of national and international media outlets. He reviews not only cars, trucks and SUVs, but motorcycles and unusual wheeled vehicles as well.