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Thursday, March 28, 2013
We're told the LaCrosse has new seats, but we can't yet vouch for them. We can, however, give a first-look thumbs up to the revised instrument panel and center console. Straight ahead of the driver sits a new trio of gauges, but what impresses most is the new center stack. The outgoing arrangement was a sea of tiny, like-size buttons, while the new layout properly groups them by function. HVAC controls are mounted down low, audio switches are above that with proper knobs, and a configurable eight-inch screen sits up top. The radio-button count alone drops from 17 to seven. The new design makes much more sense and looks significantly better while bringing along, we’re told, a smarter IntelliLink infotainment system, featuring improved voice recognition. The new layout also allows for easy-access cupholders next to the shift lever, which we commend.
Mechanically, the LaCrosse is unchanged. It continues to offer the eAssist mild-hybrid system, which carries over its 182-hp, 2.4-liter direct-injected Ecotec engine matched to a six-speed automatic and front-wheel drive. Alternatively, there's still a 304-hp, direct-injected 3.6-liter V-6 with a six speed, but this mill provides the option of front- or all-wheel drive. Buick isn't listing fuel-economy numbers yet, but the eAssist system gave the 2013 LaCrosse a mileage claim of 25 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, while the V-6 managed 17/27, with all-wheel drive knocking off 1 mpg from the highway number.
Now sit up straight, because we've come to the “alert” alert. Buick lists no fewer than seven alert systems available with the LaCrosse. They are Side Blind Zone Alert, Lane Change Alert, Lane-Departure Warning Alert, Forward-Collision Alert, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and the buzz-your-buns Safety Alert Seat. Oh, and there's also Automatic Collision Preparation. We applaud safety measures, of course, but with that many potential alerts going off, you might want to be careful with what sort of beverages you place in those new easy-access cup holders.
Thanks to: Car and Driver
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