?2014 Buick LaCrosse: A new look with enhanced Technology and Safety?

The LaCrosse model was first introduced to the Buick lineup in 2009, and more than 57,000 were sold last year for a total of LaCrosse sales exceeding half a million units, making its popularity surpass that of several other full-size luxury sedans including the Acura TL, Lexus ES and Lincoln?s MKS. The new 2014 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 capable of achieving 36 mpg.

This year, the LaCrosse was named an IntelliChoice Best Buy and Consumer?s Digest Best Buy, an IntelliChoice?Best Bets for the 2013??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.

2014 Buick LaCrosse models are priced from $34,060 to $40,810 (including the $925 Destination Charge). The 2014 example is an elegant sedan that features: a freshened exterior with a wing-shaped LED lighting treatment; a new interior design with new seats and an available Ultra Luxury Interior Package; and new advanced technologies such as 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 the new LaCrosse with protection from Lane Change Alert, Side Blind Zone Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Automatic Collision Preparation. There?s also a Full Speed Cruise Control offered.

LaCrosse comes in either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive and two powertrains: a 2.4L engine with eAssist light electrification technology (FWD only) or a 3.6L direct-injected V-6? (in either FWD or AWD). Each is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and all models feature Buick?s QuietTuning engineering process that reduces, blocks and absorbs unwanted noise from the LaCrosse?s cabin. There are four trim levels including LaCrosse (1SB), Leather (1SL), Premium I (1SP) and Premium II (1SR).

In terms of exterior styling, the new LaCrosse features: a new front fascia, sculpted hood and more prominent waterfall grille; active lower front grille shutters are included on every model and close at highway speeds reducing aerodynamic drag; new headlamp designs, with 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? new wraparound taillamps with LED lighting. In the rear, a full-width chrome accent reinforces the car?s stance, while fully enclosed exhaust outlets (3.6L models) are framed with a chrome finish within a new rear fascia.

The interior of the 2014 LaCrosse?s creates a more 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 more storage; a configurable eight-inch color driver information and cluster display; new, more comfortable front seats with four-way adjustable headrests; new door panels with revised door lock, seat memory and trunk release controls; and a new, available Ultra Luxury Interior Package with a synthetic suede headliner and pillar coverings, semi-aniline leather seating, authentic Tamo Ash wood trim and more. All LaCrosse trim levels include a lengthy and impressive inventory of standard equipment and features.

My test 2014 Buick LaCrosse was a front-wheel drive sedan and came in 1SP Premium trim,? powered by the 3.6-liter, DOHC, 24-valve, VVT V6 with Direct Injection and electronic throttle control that delivered 304 horsepower along with 264 pound feet of torque. The exterior was sprayed in a Midnight Amethyst metallic finish, while the interior was executed in light neutral and cocoa accents. The base sticker read $38,810 while the optional extras boosted the final count and amount to $45,595.

SUMMARY: The 2014 Buick LaCrosse in Premium trim ?is representative of a high quality, premium luxury four-door sedan. The actual look is that of a graceful and elegant coupe with the blacked out ?B? 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 Ice Blue ambient lighting is actually more of a Teal-tone, which adds a richness and warmth to the cabin?s dash, console and analog gauge rings

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.

The 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 one thought of as a vehicle to satisfy only an aging population ? it is now both youthful and exuberant in its appeal.
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Base Price:	$38,810.
Price as Tested:	$45,595.
Engine Type and Size:	3.6-liter, DOHC, 24-valve, VVT V6 with Direct Injection and electronic throttle control.
Horsepower (bhp):	304 @ 6,800 rpm
Torque (ft./ lbs.):	264 @ 5,300 rpm
Transmission:	Hydra-Matic 6T70 six-speed automatic.
Drive Train:	Transversely mounted front engine / Front-wheel drive.
Suspension:	Front – HiPer Strut coil-over-spring; twin-tube dampers with gas-charged valving; hollow direct-acting stabilizer bar; real-time damping and Sport Mode Selectivity (3.6L FWD with 19-inch or 20-inch wheels). Rear – H-arm with real-time damping and Sport Mode Selectivity (3.6L FWD with 19- or 20-inch wheels).

Brakes: Power-assisted, split, dual-circuit four-wheel vented discs with ABS.Tires: Goodyear Eagle RS-A P245/R19 98V mounted on 9- spoke chrome alloy wheels.Wheelbase:117.7 inchesLength Overall:197.0 inchesWidth:73.1 inchesHeight:59.2 inchesCurb Weight:3,896 lbs.Fuel Capacity:18 gallons?EPA Mileage Estimates:18 mpg city / 28 mpg highwayDrag Coefficient:Not listed.0 – 60 mph: Not Tested

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