2006 Buick Lucerne Review

Specifications

New Buick Enhances Brands Upscale Image

The new Lucerne, having made its global debut at the Chicago Auto Show February 9th, represents an even stronger move into the premium marketplace than the brands well executed LaCrosse.

The Lucerne is also priced to sell, at $26,990 for the well-equipped
V6-powered CX, the base model, with the slightly more up-market CXL
starting at $28,990.  A V8-equipped CXL has an MSRP of $30,990, with
the more performance-oriented V8 CXS starting at $35,990.

The new Buick is larger than LaCrosse, attracting buyers who would have previously purchased the aging full-size LeSabre. In so doing it says goodbye to the outdated, albeit still classy Buick design language, and ushers in new, more up-to-date styling, that should attract younger buyers while not alienating the brands current, very loyal clientèle.

“Lucerne is Buicks most premium and elegant model,” commented Buick General Manager Steve Shannon. “While not a replacement, Lucerne is contented and packaged to cover a price encompassing both LeSabre and Park Avenue while squarely taking on competitors.”

The Lucerne follows a recent GM design trend towards current European styling elements, which include short overhangs, a tall, wedge-like profile, large headlamp clusters and clean, simple taillight shapes.

At the same time, the new Buick doesnt forget its domestic roots. Most noticeable are the brands trademark side-fender portholes, embellished in chrome, bold waterfall grille, and attractive chrome accents on that same grille, the lower front fascia, door handles, wheels, window surrounds, rub strip, and trunklid moulding.

“In addition to a great line-up of standard features, Lucernes
exterior styling, spacious interior and nimble ride and handling
position Lucerne to win over competitive owners and Buick loyalists
alike,” added Shannon.

Adding a sporty flare are twin chromed tailpipes on the top-line
V8-powered CXS. Yes, you heard me right. Like Pontiacs Bonneville,
Buicks flagship sedan will once again be powered by the quintessential
American powerplant, a V8.

Unlike most domestic cars in the Lucernes segment, this particular V8 is nothing less than a 32-valve, dual-overhead cam, aluminum 4.6-litre unit, derived from Cadillacs Northstar V8 - optional on Lucerne CXL models and standard on CXS. Its good for 275-horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 295 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm, which is ample to give the new Buick premium pulling power.

Ironically its the drivetrains pulling power that reduces its premium image; if you buy into the current vogue that a premium car either needs to be powered by the rear wheels or offered with all-wheel drive. Rest assured, though, that GM, through its Cadillac division, has a long history of delivering front-wheel drivetrains that are virtually free of torque-steer, even when powered by performance-oriented V8 engines.

Most of the Lucernes competitors, such as the Ford Five Hundred (and Mercury Montego in the U.S.), Hyundai Azera, Kia Amanti, and Toyota Avalon, dont offer a V8 option, which makes the big Buick all the more enticing. The Chrysler 300C, however, is sure to deliver serious competition.

But thats where the Lucernes tastefully conservative styling comes to play. After all, not everyone wants their car to stand out in a crowd like a 300C does, making something like the Buick especially appealing. Dont get me wrong. I think, at least from first glance, that the Lucerne is a good looking sedan, its just not as outlandish as the Chrysler. No doubt, most of the new Buicks 60-something target market will find its respectfully understated styling exactly to their liking.

Many of these customers wont have need for the additional power available from a sophisticated V8, and will be satisfied with what the 3800 Series III V6 has to offer - the standard engine with CX and CXL trim levels. Rated at 197 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 227 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm, Lucernes 3.8-litre base engine is Super Ultra Low Emissions compliant and features Electronic Throttle Control just like the V8, a technology that forgoes a conventional throttle cable for an electronic signal. Another bonus, both engines only require regular unleaded fuel which could amount to substantial savings at the pump.

No matter which engine is purchased, an electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive and a torque converter clutch puts power to the pavement.

Corvette and a variety of Cadillac model will be available in the Buick lineup. AlLucerne buyers will also appreciate Magnetic Ride Control, the first time the technology pioneered with Chevyssso part of the package is StabiliTrak, improving the cars overall stability, especially during adverse conditions. Traction control is standard.

Other standard features include air conditioning, a six-way power drivers seat, OnStar, power door locks and windows, and 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS.

Additional features, such as remote start, heated washer fluid, rain sensing wipers, the first heated windshield washer fluid application in its
class, a power glass sunroof, ultrasonic rear parking assist, and either a DVD map or on-board navigation, improve convenience as well as safety and security. New for Buick are optional heated/cooled leather seats, XM satellite radio, and a 280-watt Harman Kardon nine-speaker audio system with six-disc in-dash CD changer with MP3 capability - a six-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo is standard.

But a cars interior isnt merely about all the electronic trinkets that may or may not be available, but rather the fine detailing and superior execution GM, and especially its Buick division has put into its latest products. I have yet to be disappointed in the automakers most recent launches, with LaCrosse taking the cake. Lucerne will without doubt continue this trend.

To complement the tight panel gaps and overall upscale ambiance is GMs exclusive “QuietTuning” process. While quiet steel is incorporated into the Lucernes build strategy, refining suspension components and tuning, engine mounts, and wind noise are sure to make it a luxurious ride.

A standard 16-inch alloy wheel and tire package should optimize comfort without any significant performance loss over larger 17-inch rims and rubber, and when it comes time for replacement cost much less. That said, 17- and 18-inch aluminum wheels are available.

Maintaining safety will be six airbags, including a dual stage airbag for the driver and an industry-first application of GMs exclusive dual-depth front passenger airbag (see todays news). Also included are side-impact thorax bags and roof-rail curtain airbags, standard. 

The new Buick will be built at GMs Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Center, which incidentally achieved the Silver Plant Quality Award for North/South America in the 2004 J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study. On another note, Buick constantly rates extremely high on J.D. Powers vehicle testing, coming in fifth out of thirty-seven nameplates for Initial Quality, and second out of thirty-seven rivals in the Vehicle Dependability Study. The Lucernes four-year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty should appease any still concerned about quality.

GM isnt specific about exactly when the Lucerne will become available, only stating that production “will commence in the fourth quarter of 2005.” The fourth quarter of 2005 began Monday of this week, of course, while it ends December 31st. Most likely, being that prices were only just announced, production will begin later this month with deliveries starting sometime in early- to mid-November. 

Is it the Lexus fighter that GMs been promising? From a styling standpoint, it should do quite well, but whether or not its interior materials quality, fit and finish, and overall feel will match the premium brand remains to be seen, being that production models havent yet surfaced as stated above. One thing is for sure, price sensitive luxury shoppers might just sit up and take notice when made aware that the Lucerne s starting MSRP is $5,960 below that of the 2006 Lexus ES. And the ES doesnt offer V8-power.