2011 Buick Regal: Up Close
The cabin features premium materials, but the central control area of the CXL model I sat in looked a little busy thanks to its multitude of buttons. The optional navigation system might have contributed to this a little, but the logic to the layout isn't immediately apparent like it is with other automakers' systems.
While poking around the cabin I noticed a small knob behind the gear selector that was mildly alarming. Had Buick succumbed to the ways of BMW and added its own iDrive-like control system? Thankfully, the knob isn't there to replace all other buttons; it's meant to zoom navigation maps and tune in radio stations. Another knob on the dash does the same thing, too.
The Regal has a sizable trunk that measures 14.3 cubic feet; its wide opening should make it easy to load and unload cargo. There's also a large opening between the trunk and cabin when the split backseat is folded.
I can understand Buick wanting to round out its lineup and become more of a full-line brand, but I think it's going to have a tough time getting entry-level luxury-car buyers to consider the Regal, nice car that it is. I'm just not convinced people who are shopping in this segment are tuned in to Buick.
Previous
Subscribe to our feed
Email us your tips!
I like it, especially on the inside, and if the upcoming turbo model is any good I might even be enticed to trade in my TSX. However I'm not yet convinced that this isn't destined to be sold mostly a rental car since the full options lineup has not been announced. The LaCrosse is attractive too, but the base model is just awful. GM needs to stop making stripper models if they want Buick to be perceived as a luxury brand.
I agree with Brian. The entry-level models for Buick shouldn't look so entry-level. GM immediately goes the way of the rental car. I remember when they changed the Malibu and left the old body style, calling it a "Classic" for rental car companies. The idea was to keep the new Malibu out of the rental car fleets to increase the resale value of the car. It didn't take too long for GM to start selling the new body style Malibu to the rental car companies. It's a shame. As long as GM wants to keep factory employees gainfully employed (thanks to unions), they will continue to erode the resale value of their cars.
Ah the rental car a.k.a. fleet sale stereotype in full force.
Armchair CEO's really need to have a better understanding of the marketplace and business climate and rely less on outdated generalizations and stereotypes.
How about just judging the car on its own merits. Afterall a good car is a good car regardless of whether you can rent one or not.
LOVE it.
i can see y the Opel Insignia has won quite a few awards in Europe! Only time will tell if Americans will buy this car. Now lets see if we get the Astra/Skylark..just don't call it "Excelle" in USA!
I'm just glad to see they went away from that swoopy styling from the late-90s through the mid-2000s, that got extremely boring after awhile. GM has made a big turnaround since their bankruptcy and I'm hoping they can pull themselves together even more because I'm still considering a Camaro.
Its a beautiful car and very un-Buick like, however, are they going to price it high like the LaCrosse? I think Buick should try and lower their prices if they want to beat Lexus at their own game.
H, I don't mind the idea of renting the car, but if the LaCrosse is a luxury car first and foremost why does it come with steel wheels with "fake alloy" hubcaps? I can't think of another car in the segment that comes so poorly equipped in the base model. The only reason I can think of for this is that the base model is designed for fleet sales. And I can't help but wonder if they'll do the same thing to the otherwise attractive Regal...
Leather on the side of the driver's seat looks uneven. Dashboard and door panel don't seem to line up. That, plus an unproven turbo engine... It will need a killer incentive package on it in order to move units.
I don't have a problem with the rental fleets. I just have a problem oversupplying the market and eroding the residual value of the car. This is a great car and will sell well.
The model that is coming here first is the CXL model with tons of equipment. A lower content model will come in 2011.
segfault:
The turbo is used in Europe and China. Its just new to the US- at least in this form. Its really a variation of what's used in the 9-3 and that car has been here for years. A more powerful direct injected version is used in the Cobalt SS.
As a guy in my mid 40's and a current Buick Owner (1965 Buick Skylark 4 door sedan and a 2002 Buick Regal LS) I am looking forward seeing and test driving the 2011 Buick Regal Sedan. I love my 2002 Buick Regal. It has over 85,000 miles on it (3,000 more than my 65 Buick...) and all I've had to do is regular service on it! I like the look and size of this Buick (the LaCrosse is too big for my taste...)and look forward to taking one for a test drive. Who knows...maybe I'll rent one while on vacation next year and really test it out...