First Drive: 2008 Buick Lucerne Super

The Lucerne is Buick's large passenger sedan, and for 2008 a new Super trim level debuts. I had a chance to drive this new V-8-powered trim on country roads near Lake Geneva, Wis., recently and found the sedan as likable now as I did a few years ago when I last tested it.

The previous Lucerne I tested was a CXS model, which was the top-of-the-line version at the time and featured a 275-hp, 4.6-liter V-8. The new Lucerne Super also has a 4.6-liter V-8, but it makes more horsepower: 292. Like the CXS, the Super offers plenty of power for daily driving. The Super also has a rather loud (for a Buick) exhaust note that makes a hearty rumble every time you give it gas. A four-speed automatic remains, but it's a well-mannered, smooth-shifting transmission. Estimated gas mileage is 15/22 mpg.

Buick Announces Pricey New Lucernes

For the 2008 model year, GM is offering two new trim levels of the Lucerne sedan: the CXL Special Edition and the Lucerne Super. Both add value to the aging model, but they also come with significant price tags attached. Both go on sale this month.

The Lucerne Super has a 292-hp V-8 engine, more precise steering, improved shocks and springs, magnetic ride control, 18-inch wheels and all-season tires for a price tag of $38,630 plus a $765 destination charge. The current top-of-the-line Lucerne with a V-6 engine starts at $29,570 and has $1,500 cash back.

While the Lucerne is a larger sedan, we much prefer the redesigned Cadillac CTS, which has a more powerful and more efficient V-6 engine and a much more upscale interior for nearly $5,000 less.

A newly announced Lucerne CXL Special Edition will feature either a 197-hp V-6 or a 275-hp V-8 along with various cosmetic changes inside and out. It will be offered in three unique colors: Dark Mocha Metallic, White Diamond Tricoat and Crystal Red Tintcoat. The V-6 starts at $31,285 and the V-8 at $33,085 before the $765 destination charge.

We’re not sure dressing up the Lucerne will help sales, which were down 37% in March. 

Sticker Shock: $40,000 for a 2009 Buick Lucerne Super

GM just announced pricing for the new Buick Lucerne Super, which they hope will be considered a performance machine. The 292-hp V-8 powered front-wheel drive sedan will command a sticker price of $38,630 before a $765 destination charge when it goes on sale in April. That’s a lot for a Buick Lucerne, but GM does jam-pack it full of standard features to justify the price. A 2008 Buick Lucerne CXS with a 275-hp V-8 starts at $36,180 by comparison.

What do you get for nearly 40 large? Quite a bit. Magnetic ride control, heated and cooled leather seats, heated windshield wipers, parking sensors, remote start, suede trim on the doors and seats and a heated steering wheel are all standard on the Super trim. Typical options like a moonroof, navigation system, 18-inch chrome wheels and lane departure warning system are still extra.

Even with this seeming value, we’re a tad shell-shocked at the sticker. For less money, you can get an all-wheel drive Chrysler 300C with a more powerful Hemi V-8 ($36,670), a Saab 9-5 Aero ($36,320) which has less power but a nicer interior, or even a top-of-the-line Buick Enclave CXL crossover ($37,034) which gets identical mileage. Does the sticker seem reasonable? Tell us. And if so, will buyers line up?   

More Super: 2008 Buick Lucerne Super is Here

Unlike the Buick LaCrosse, the Lucerne already had a V-8 engine in its CXS model. What does the new Lucerne Super do to top that? Besides the revised grille and front end, its 4.6-liter Northstar V-8 gets tweaked to put out 17 more horsepower, bringing the total to 292 hp.

There’s also the addition of stability control, brake assist and magnetic ride control to improve handling. The Lucerne Super comes in only four exterior colors, rides on 18-inch aluminum wheels and, of course, has the  “Super” badges. The Lucerne Super looks like a nice upgrade for the lineup, but we’re surprised it won’t go on sale until spring 2008. Until then, check out the photos below.