The 2014 Buick LaCrosse is the offering from Buick that is built to excite every generation of car shopper. Offering stylish and sophisticated equipment as well as sharp, sporty good looks younger generations will love the technology and sportiness of the car and come to enjoy all the comfort that is synonymous with the Buick nameplate. At the other end of the spectrum, the older generations will appreciate the safety features and comfort and love the fact they feel much younger in the car that resembles a sports car on the road.
Additionally equipped with GM’s eAssist which is a mild version of a hybrid engine the LaCrosse offers a nice amount of fuel efficiency and power in its V6 engine allowing it to once again attract a varied crowd that can argue the power or fuel economy all they want, but enjoy both.
With a larger waterfall grill for 2014, a new hood and revised lighting with the use of bi-xenon HID adaptive headlights, LED rear taillights the upgrades for the LaCrosse are a noticeable improvement over last year. In addition to the exterior changes the car receives a redesigned interior with upgraded materials, new seats, and a new center control stack, updated telematics and also features a new Ultra Luxury option to really pamper passengers.
Mobile AL Buick tells us that driving the LaCrosse offers a smooth and quiet ride given by the superior suspension and highly responsive steering as well as the noise reducing technology that keeps the road noises out of the cabin. The acceleration is tremendous allowing this car to easily maneuver through traffic in town or out on the highway. The electric-motor of the eAssist system is fantastic by helping when accelerating, recharging during slowing, and the entire engine will shut down at stops to help save on fuel. With all of this going on the engine would be expected to be sluggish, but that is not the case as the driving feels as normal as any other engine in any vehicle would.
Two engines are offered for the LaCrosse, once again designed to attract a crowd of any generation. The first is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine equipped with eAssist which adds a 15hp electric motor. This engine offers 182 horsepower with a full 15 horsepower boost from the electric motor that uses regenerative braking to recharge. Along with the horsepower this engine has 172 lb.-ft. of torque and when fitted with the six-speed automatic transmission will reach a fuel efficiency of 25 city/36 hwy mpg, offering a great fuel savings for those who desire it.
The second engine is actually one that can be added to the lower packages at no additional cost, so this makes the engine argument quite a difficult choice indeed. This engine is a 3.6-liter V6 that offers 304 horsepower and 264 lb.-ft. of torque. When mated to the six-speed transmission, this powertrain will achieve a fuel efficiency of 17 city/27 hwy mpg for regular gasoline and 13 city/19 hwy for the E85 blend.
The cabin of the LaCrosse offers warm, inviting materials throughout the inside along with nice metal and wood accents where appropriate. Very roomy on the inside, all occupants will feel very comfortable wherever they sit and with controls well-placed as well as a new 8-inch color touchscreen control center this interior carries the theme forward of having something for everyone from comfort to technology to legroom, it is all here for anyone to enjoy.
On the outside the LaCrosse is driving beauty enhanced. With the signature waterfall grill adorning the front of the vehicle as well as geometrically enhanced wrap around headlights the front of the car is attractive and imposing. Offering sweeping curves and sloping lines, the car doesn’t seem to have a sharp corner on it anywhere and keeps the eyes moving over every curve, line and features of this boldly styled sports sedan. Add to the look a full complement of chrome accents, a rear spoiler and the beautifully designed and spoked wheels and the car can give many luxury cars fits with all its great stylings.
The standard equipment offered for the LaCrosse includes a full color driver information center, six months of OnStar, three months of SiriusXM Radio, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, remote keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, 17-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, traction and stability control, brake assist, and six airbags. All of this offers any owner a bevy of fun features to enjoy as well as great safety features to allow for control and protection when needed.
Optional equipment is extensive for the LaCrosse including the bi-xenon HID adaptive headlights, Side Blind Zone Alerts, a heads up display, heated, ventilated and perforated leather seats, power adjustable driver-side lumbar support, a heated steering wheel, a navigation system, a rear seat DVD entertainment system, a power rear sunshade, and a full 110-volt outlet for charging and using electronic devices. The new Ultra Luxury package adds premium perforated leather in a warm and inviting coffee color. Going all the way with these features allows owners to really enjoy the lap of luxury in comfort and style.
Opening at a price around $34,060 the LaCrosse is actually very affordable for the all the equipment included in this car. This also is a very competitive price considering the four-cylinder engine allows it to be a mildly hybrid car. Move up the spectrum and the car will come in around $39,000 keeping it under $40,000, a surprise considering all the added benefits of the upgraded and additional equipment.
Buick is no longer just a manufacturer of cars for the older generation, but rather has a full lineup that offer style, technology and appeal for all generations of car owners. Anyone looking for a great mid-sized sedan need look no further than their local Buick dealership to find a great car that offers power and fuel efficiency under one hood.
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