2019 Buick Regal Avenir to Start Around $36,000
Buick’s “highest expression of luxury” continues for the 2019 Regal Avenir, a model we recently examined. However, all anyone seemed to care about is how much those fancy plastics and fancier wheels would elevate the base model’s MSRP.
While the long answer involves an explanation that Buick is offering more than just a handful of trim pieces on the Avenir, the short answer is: roughly ten grand. Does it make sense? That depends on what you’re interested in. If it’s improved performance and all-wheel drive, then absolutely not. However, if you just want a more handsome car with some exclusive touches and a bunch of premium features bundled together, you might be interested in the Regal Avenir.
Buick certainly hopes so, because these models should be exceptionally profitable for the brand. While lacking the GS trim’s 310-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 and all-wheel drive system, the Avenir does manage to snag its 19-inch wheels — but in a shinier, pearl nickel finish. It also receives Acrylite exterior lighting and a fancy “three-dimensional mesh” grille all its own, plus some unique badging.
Inside, customers are treated to a Whisper Beige or Ebony color scheme with trim-specific accents, diamond quilt-stitched front seats, embroidered headrests, and Avenir sill plates. Standard tech includes rear park assist, rear cross traffic alert, lane change alert with side blind zone warnings, LED headlamps with auto leveling, cornering lamps, driver side auto-dimming mirrors, wireless device charging, Bose eight-speaker premium audio, and on-board air ionizer. Buick also said the model would be the first vehicle to integrate its new cloud-connected infotainment system. Additional tech systems, like adaptive cruise control, are extra.
According to an order guide intercepted by CarsDirect, the Regal Avenir starts at $36,195 — a price that includes the $925 destination fee. That’s quite a bit for a model that sticks with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine sending 250 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels only. Granted, you get a lot of bits from the various upgrade packages that aren’t available on the base Regal. But it seems like the smarter buy is to just purchase a lesser trim level and add on what you want — unless you absolutely love everything the Avenir brings to the table.
If it’s extra safety tech and luxury you’re looking for, purchase the Essence trim and tack on one of the driver confidence packages. Like better speakers? Then get the sights and sound package. You’ll still end up saving a few bucks in the end. Meanwhile, the Regal GS will net you more power and prestige for $39,995.
However, if you want all the extra luxury features and the good looks to match, then the Avenir may be your baby. While it doesn’t represent a bargain price for the bundled features, it isn’t extravagantly priced when compared to mainstream competition. When Buick makes its pricing official, we suggest cross-shopping and spending a lot of time in the brand’s car configurator to compare your options before making a final decision.
[Image: General Motors]
A staunch consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulation. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms based in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Dissatisfied with the corporate world and resentful of having to wear suits everyday, he pivoted to writing about cars. Since then, that man has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, been interviewed on the auto industry by national radio broadcasts, driven more rental cars than anyone ever should, participated in amateur rallying events, and received the requisite minimum training as sanctioned by the SCCA. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and managed to get a pizza delivery job before he was legally eligible. He later found himself driving box trucks through Manhattan, guaranteeing future sympathy for actual truckers. He continues to conduct research pertaining to the automotive sector as an independent contractor and has since moved back to his native Michigan, closer to where the cars are born. A contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer — stating that front and all-wheel drive vehicles cater best to his driving style.
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BUICK!!!! Your future Hooptie!
$36,000 dollars down the drain.