Smiling Buick
The Buick LaCrosse is a mid-size sedan manufactured since 2004. Despite the fact that the car was positioned as a successor to such famous models as the Century and Regal, the LaCrosse was initially quite humble. But over time, it gained respect for its reliability, became the flagship model of the brand and acquired a top-end exterior. The car is not produced in the United States, but continues its journey in China.
The first generation
It was produced from 2004 to 2009. The first LaCrosse was positioned as a replacement for the Century and Regal. It did manage to replace the Century, albeit partially. However, it failed to replace the Regal, and these cars followed their separate paths of development. The first generation LaCrosse arrived in Canada, where it changed its name to Allure.
Initially, the LaCrosse was equipped with rather powerful engines, including 3.6L (240 hp) and 3.8L (200 hp) 6-cylinder engines for the CX and CXL trim levels. The premium CXS trim level (later Super) came with the HFV6 engine generating 325 hp. The car had a 4-speed automatic transmission that transferred power to the front axle.
In 2007, the car was restyled. The major change was a new radiator grille. The radiator grille of the pre-restyling version made it look like an ‘evil’ fish, rushing to attack small crustaceans. After the restyling, the LaCrosse acquired a signature toothy smile, which generated a good mood, a surge of strength and vivacity for everyone who saw it.
Moreover, the new options included a telescopic steering column, additional steering wheel controls, remote start, XM satellite radio and dual-zone climate control, an anti-theft system, illuminated cosmetic mirrors, a personalized driver information center, as well as chrome finish.
On the sidelines of the restyling, the manufacturer started selling an advanced modification of the LaCrosse, called the Super. It had moderately aggressive contours. So, the LaCrosse Super was kind of a wolf in sheep’s clothing with a 5.3-liter 8-cylinder engine generating 300 hp. The same engine was used by the breathtaking Impala SS and Monte Carlo SS in the Grand Prix GXP competition.
Thus, the Super was one of the fastest modern production models of Buick (and not only), accelerating to 240 km/h. The car had a rear spoiler, fog lights, reinforced brakes and a retuned suspension. However, the options weren’t enough to effectively manage this power, so the drivers were terrified of the Super despite its amazing capabilities. Therefore, production of the LaCrosse Super was discontinued in 2009.
Overall, the LaCrosse of this generation was unsafe. In addition to the driver’s airbags, it only had curtains for both rows. In IIHS crash testing, the side impact safety rating was “poor”, with the lowest rating for the driver’s pelvis and leg. So it is not surprising that the first generation LaCrosse had the second highest death rate in road accidents, whereas the first place belonged to the Buick Lucerne.
However, the LaCrosse was welcomed with open arms in China: Shanghai GM introduced the LaCrosse together with the Regal, and the LaCrosse was position as a more top-class car. The Pan-Asian Technical Automotive Center (PATAC) contributed to the creation of the Chinese version and to the exterior and interior design.
The second generation
It was produced from 2010 to 2016, and was restyled in 2013. Having completed the development of the controversial first generation, Buick created a virtually new car, making it a flagship model. The second LaCrosse was based on the Epsilon II platform, borrowed from the 2010 Opel Insignia and Saab 9-5.
The engineers put a considerable amount of thought into the design, which was based on the 2008 Buick Invicta concept. The car started looking more modern and compact, at the same time offering a larger volume. Improved aerodynamics made the LaCrosse’s smile look not so naive-stupid, but somewhat arrogant, which, combined with the new sophisticated predatory headlights, showed that it was a really serious car.
The second generation LaCrosse acquired a specially designed ‘HiPer Strut’ front suspension, which made the car easier to handle and smoother on the move due to a new damping system.
By the way, the second generation was accompanied by the appearance of the LaCrosse hybrid, driven by a 15 hp electric motor and a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine with 182 hp. The electric motor was used to start the engine and stop it while the car was not moving (in a traffic jam, for example), as well as to add power to the petrol engine when working together.
In China, the second generation LaCrosse was produced as the ‘Roewe 950’ and was sold at the same time as the ‘regular’ LaCrosse. The difference between the LaCrosses was that the Roewe’s body was made of a special alloy.
The second generation was restyled in 2013. The car acquired the redesigned wheels and dashboard, but, most importantly, new safety options, including forward collision warning and side blind zone alert.
The third generation
It has been produced from 2016 to the present (as of 2021). The new Buick LaCrosse is built on the E2XX platform, which is also used by the iconic Chevrolet Impala. Well, this is not the Impala that the Winchester brothers drove to chase demons, but the new Impala of 2016.
The new LaCrosse has become larger, wider, lighter and stronger at the same time, as the construction uses advanced alloys. The sedan comes as standard with the new GM Ecotec engine, which the manufacturer is very proud of. In addition, a 3.6-liter 6-cylinder engine with 310 hp is available for the enhanced models with stop-start function and cylinder deactivation when the car is stationary. Powerful engines work together with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Later, it also became possible to install a 9-speed automatic transmission.
Advanced third-generation options include parking sensors with Ultrasonic Parking Assist, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support for the Buick IntelliLink infotainment system.
Since 2018, LaCrosse has been standardly equipped with a hybrid transmission with a 27 hp electric motor, which supports and enhances the operation of the 2.5-liter Ecotec petrol engine. This power system is equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
As for the safety, the 2019/2020 LaCrosse is equipped with ten airbags, a following distance indicator, forward collision warning, forward collision braking, front pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring system, lane keeping assist and rear cross traffic warning.
The third generation LaCrosse has received more positive feedback than the previous generations. It has even been named Best Large Family Car by US News and World Report. And despite a number of complaints, in particular, to the gear shifting system, the new Buick LaCrosse is competing with such top-end cars as the Lexus ES, Hyundai Genesis and Acura TL.
The latest generation has reached a high level of excellence. However, sedans are no longer so popular, as people are switching to SUVs. That’s why the LaCrosse is no longer produced in the US (discontinued in 2019). However, production of the LaCrosse in China continues, and here it is still a bestseller.
