Mild Hybrid System Returns to 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Joins New Transmission and Lower Starting Price

by Steph Willems

Published: June 5th, 2017

mild hybrid system returns to 2018 buick lacrosse joins new transmission and lower

There was plenty to like about Buick’s heavily revised 2017 Buick LaCrosse when it debuted last year, but the shrinking passenger car market rubbed some of the shine off the full-sizer’s standard features and newfound efficiency. It also propelled sales further downhill.

Buick isn’t resting on its laurels for the generation’s sophomore year. For 2018, Buick’s eAssist mild hybrid system returns to the LaCrosse after a year’s absence, joined by a new transmission in V6-powered models and a starting price designed to lure more buyers into the showroom.

General Motors hasn’t released power specifications for the electrified entry-level model, but it does claim a 9-percent increase in torque compared to past eAssist models. That’s thanks to a revised hybrid system aiding a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which is a tenth of a liter larger than the previous base mill. The automaker predicts a 19-percent increase in city fuel economy compared to the available 310-horsepower 3.6-liter V6. If you’re curious, the EPA rates that model at 21 mpg in the city.

Expect a smoother start-stop experience with the eAssist model’s 0.45 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Also, expect to pay over a grand less for a base model. The 2018 LaCrosse will arrive with a pre-delivery MSRP of $30,490, compared to the 2017 model’s $32,065.

A more traditional large sedan experience remains optional to LaCrosse buyers. For those looking for a higher trim level and none of that hybrid jazz, the V6 model will ditch its eight-speed automatic for a nine-speed unit. Buick promises “a smooth and refined shifting experience” with this transmission, though the previous unit wasn’t exactly a balky affair. Buick hasn’t said if fuel economy stands to benefit from the change.

Another key change awaits the LaCrosse in 2018. No doubt realizing it needs to sweeten the pot amid falling sales, the automaker has announced all-wheel-drive will no longer be the sole domain of the top-flight Premium trim level. Buyers of the second-from-top Essence model can have their AWD, too. All buyers can choose from three new colors.

The 2018 Buick LaCrosse arrives on dealer lots this fall.

[Image: General Motors]

#2018BuickLaCrosse #Buick #BuickLacrosse #Hybrids #MildHybridSystems #NewCars #Pricing #ProductPlanning #Sales

Steph Willems

More by Steph Willems

Comments

Join the conversation

3 of 13 comments

Tallguy130 on Jun 05, 2017

I don't know about the hybrid but I love me some big old man car and I think these things look pretty sharp. It just is what it is. A big spacious cruiser with a ton of comfort and enough straight line speed to get out of its own way. (Least in v6)

Like Reply
DeadWeight on Jun 07, 2017

Wow! Buick is just full of excitement and incredible styling, performance, quality and that "it" factor that makes their products so compelling and desirable! /s

Like Reply
- NormSV650 on Jun 13, 2017
  
  It works for Buick as they are outselling Acura.
  
  Like

Recent Comments

Slavuta Why is everybody sweating? Like sedans? - go buy one. Better - 2. Let CRV/RAV rust on the dealer lot. I have 3 sedans on the driveway. My neighbor - 2. Neighbors on each of our other side - 8 SUVs.
Theflyersfan With sedans, especially, I wonder how many of those sales are to rental fleets. With the exception of the Civic and Accord, there are still rows of sedans mixed in with the RAV4s at every airport rental lot. I doubt the breakdown in sales is publicly published, so who knows... GM isn't out of the sedan business - Cadillac exists and I can't believe I'm typing this but they are actually decent - and I think they are making a huge mistake, especially if there's an extended oil price hike (cough...Iran...cough) and people want smaller and hybrids. But if one is only tied to the quarterly shareholder reports and not trends and the big picture, bad decisions like this get made.
Wjtinfwb Not proud of what Stellantis is rolling out?
Wjtinfwb Absolutely. But not incredibly high-tech, AWD, mega performance sedans with amazing styling and outrageous price tags. GM needs a new Impala and LeSabre. 6 passenger, comfortable, conservative, dead nuts reliable and inexpensive enough for a family guy making 70k a year or less to be able to afford. Ford should bring back the Fusion, modernized, maybe a bit bigger and give us that Hybrid option again. An updated Taurus, harkening back to the Gen 1 and updated version that easily hold 6, offer a huge trunk, elevated handling and ride and modest power that offers great fuel economy. Like the GM have a version that a working mom can afford. The last decade car makers have focused on building cars that American's want, but eliminated what they need. When a Ford Escape of Chevy Blazer can be optioned up to 50k, you've lost the plot.
Willie If both nations were actually free market economies I would be totally opposed. The US is closer to being one, but China does a lot to prop up the sectors they want to dominate allowing them to sell WAY below cost, functionally dumping their goods in our market to destroy competition. I have seen this in my area recently with shrimp farmed by Chinese comglomerates being sold super cheap to push local producers (who have to live at US prices and obey US laws) out of business.China also has VERY lax safety and environmental laws which reduce costs greatly. It isn't an equal playing field, they don't play fair.