One of the smoothest riding sedans on the market gets a makeover this year.
With a modernized appearance, improved handling and a new technology-fueled cabin, the 2014
Buick LaCrosse is a car that pleases the driver and passengers alike.While the days of big
'ol Buick cars appear to be on hold until the brand gets an honest-to-goodness large
flagship, the LaCrosse is doing its best to play the part.
It's a midsize with very generous rear seat proportions and an average-sized trunk.
But its hallmark trait has been and continues to be its super soft ride.
It seems as though car makers believe everyone wants a European-tuned suspension so it's
a relief to see Buick building the LaCrosse, first and foremost, with an unapologetically
American ride.
And don't misconstrue that as sloppy, because it's not.2014 Buick LaCrosse 1SL AWDBuick's
real-time damping front struts and Quiet Tuning efforts keep the LaCrosse as one of, if not
the best riding, quietest cars on the market.
And taking advantage of the high performance all season rubber, engineers have tweaked
the suspension to further improve handling while keeping that pillow of air ride quality.Last
time around I tested the LaCrosse eAssist or mild hybrid, if you will, a car that lives
on for 2014.
But here I've got the LaCrosse in the high-end, Premium 1 Group trim with standard front-wheel
drive, GM's sweet 3.6-liter V6 and a 6-speed automatic.
This mill works beautifully wherever it's used with smooth and linear power delivery
of its energetic 304 horses.
It's also E85 capable, but running on 87 octane you'll get around 21mpg combined.
Sport Mode Selectivity raises the car's handling thresholds and keeps the transmission holding
gears.
To get this specific chassis, consisting of continuously variable real time damping, HiPer
Strut front suspension, an H-arm rear suspension and Sport mode requires a front-drive V6 model
with wheels at least 19" large.
A new 20" wheel is standard in the Premium II Group.Changes for 2014 include a refreshed
exterior design with the new familial wing-shaped LED lighting, a more prominent black chrome
waterfall grille hiding active shutters for improved efficiency, and a new rear fascia
with wraparound LED taillamps that has me seeing Mercedes S-Class.Equipped with both
of the optional Driver Confidence Packages and the latest generation of Buick's IntelliLink
system, the person in this seat has all of the tools needed to feel confident and in
control but when you're coming and going, the curved dash often makes an unwelcomed
meeting with your knee and that goes for the passenger's side as well.It feels a little
short and narrow in the front, but these new seats improve comfort and the vast array of
GM's electronic expertise are on display.
All of the radar and camera based safety features are here including Side Blind Zone Alert with
a new twist which detects fast moving vehicles coming up alongside the car.
Warnings for all threats are felt by your rear end as The Safety Seat vibrates on the
side of danger.
A head up display is a fantastic safety measure and the IntelliLink system has been updated
to include all of today's access to info in a smartphone-like layout.
But the best improvement comes in voice command recognition which allows for natural language
to communicate your desires.The rear seats give 2 to 3 more copious amounts
of leg and head room, thorax airbags, pop out headrests, an oversized sunroof and power
sunshade while trunk space can be expanded by folding the 60/40 spilt fold seat.This
higher end model starts life just shy of $40,000 while mine, with all of the aforementioned
goodies and the extra charge Midnight Amethyst paint -- a box I'd most certainly leave unchecked
-- finishes up at $46,090.