2017 Buick Regal Liftback. 6th generation
The sixth generation Buick Regal is supposed to be the last magnificent car from this range as GM moves into the more popular SUV format. It is not yet known whether this decision was influenced by the coronavirus pandemic, which severely slowed down the automotive market and hinders the renewal of the model ranges. But, at least, for now the Buick Regal is very much alive, which is great.
Design
The Buick Regal is a mid-size sedan available in 1SV, Sport Touring, Premium II and GS trim levels. And let’s put it bluntly: this Buick Regal is damn beautiful. Just look at those visually balanced contours, an elegant line of doors, a radiator that looks like a wide toothy smile, dynamically raised stern, perfect fender cutouts, and flawless roof lines.
However, such a superior design has probably come at a price. Thus, the car has become less functional. For example, there is not enough space for rear-row passengers, especially tall ones. Such is the price for luxurious body lines. Beauty demands sacrifice.
Engines and chassis
The beautiful Regal is not a weakling with a soft suspension (there were such models in the history of the brand). The base front-wheel drive model (1SV) is equipped with a 2.4-liter engine producing 182 hp. It is coupled with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
The engine is less dynamic and more fuel-efficient. However, according to the drivers, everything turned out ‘not very well’: the engine is gluttonous and not efficient enough. Perhaps this is done to please the Chinese consumers who simply have nowhere to accelerate. Let’s remember that Buick is strategically targeting two markets, its native one and Chinese.
The Buick Regal is a car for stable and slow-paced driving, not for crazy races with some eight-cylinder monster like the 1970 Dodge Challenger.
All models above the base 1SV are powered by a 2-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine generating 259 hp. Nevertheless, even in a turbocharged version, the Buick Regal is a car for stable and slow-paced driving, not for crazy races with some eight-cylinder monster like the 1970 Dodge Challenger.
Trim levels
The Regal is traditionally richly equipped in all modifications. This complies with both American traditions and Chinese needs. Thus:
- The base 1SV features 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic xenon headlights, fog lamps, keyless entry, heated mirrors, cruise control, 2-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, 8-way power driver’s seat, height-adjustable power passenger seat, rear seats that fold separately. Buick IntelliLink infotainment system (8-inch touchscreen), rear camera, Bluetooth phone and audio communications, Apple CarPlay and Android, Wi-Fi hotspot and a host of other options are standard.
- Sport Touring is pretty much the same as the above version, but it has a more powerful turbocharged engine and twin tailpipes, specially designed 18-inch wheels.
- Premium II comes with Buick’s proprietary front LED lighting, rear parking sensors, rear seat side airbags, keyless entry and push-button ignition, remote start, heated steering wheel, 8-way power passenger seat, navigation system and Bose audio system with nine speakers.
- Regal GS comes with 20-inch wheels, front and rear parking sensors, sports suspension with adaptive dampers, two selectable drive modes, an enlarged and customizable dashboard information display, sports front seats and a sports steering wheel. Most of the options included in this version are unique.
In addition to the ones presented, there are limited editions that can offer different interior trims, sunroof, chrome wheels and other elements.
Safety
The standard safety options of the 2017/2018 Buick Regal include:
- Anti-lock braking system;
- Electronic stability program;
- Front seat side airbags;
- Full-length side curtain airbags.
Rear seat side airbags are standard on the Premium II and GS. The standard OnStar system includes automatic accident notification, on-demand roadside assistance, emergency button, stolen vehicle locator and remote door unlocking.
In national crash tests, the new Buick Regal received a maximum five-star overall safety rating, four-star frontal collision safety rating, and a five-star side impact safety rating.
Moreover, the new Regal comes with different levels of Driver Confidence enhanced security packages, including:
- Blind spot monitoring system;
- Lane departure warning system;
- Rear cross traffic warning;
- Forward collision warning system;
- Adaptive cruise control;
- Forward collision mitigation system with automatic braking in potential emergency situations.
In national crash tests, the new Buick Regal received a maximum five-star overall safety rating, four-star frontal collision safety rating, and a five-star side impact safety rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave it the highest rating in moderate overlap, side impact and roof strength tests.
