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2006 Buick Lucerne Preview

New Buick Enhances Brands Upscale Image

The new Lucerne, having made its global debut at the Chicago Auto Show February 9th, represents an even stronger move into the premium marketplace than the brands well executed LaCrosse.

The Lucerne is also priced to sell, at $26,990 for the well-equipped V6-powered CX, the base model, with the slightly more up-market CXL starting at $28,990.  A V8-equipped CXL has an MSRP of $30,990, with the more performance-oriented V8 CXS starting at $35,990.

The new Buick is larger than LaCrosse, attracting buyers who would have previously purchased the aging full-size LeSabre. In so doing it says goodbye to the outdated, albeit still classy Buick design language, and ushers in new, more up-to-date styling, that should attract younger buyers while not alienating the brands current, very loyal clientèle.

"Lucerne is

The new Lucerne ushers in new, more up-to-date styling that should attract younger buyers to the Buick brand. (Photo: General Motors)

Buicks most premium and elegant model," commented Buick General Manager Steve Shannon. "While not a replacement, Lucerne is contented and packaged to cover a price encompassing both LeSabre and Park Avenue while squarely taking on competitors."

The Lucerne follows a recent GM design trend towards current European styling elements, which include short overhangs, a tall, wedge-like profile, large headlamp clusters and clean, simple taillight shapes.

At the same time, the new Buick doesnt forget its domestic roots. Most noticeable are the brands trademark

The Lucerne follows a recent GM design trend towards current European styling elements. (Photo: General Motors)

side-fender portholes, embellished in chrome, bold waterfall grille, and attractive chrome accents on that same grille, the lower front fascia, door handles, wheels, window surrounds, rub strip, and trunklid moulding.
"In addition to a great line-up of standard features, Lucernes exterior styling, spacious interior and nimble ride and handling position Lucerne to win over competitive owners and Buick loyalists alike," added Shannon.

Adding a sporty flare are twin chromed tailpipes on the top-line V8-powered CXS. Yes, you heard me right. Like Pontiacs Bonneville, Buicks flagship sedan will once again be powered by the quintessential American powerplant, a V8.
Adding a sporty flare are twin chromed tailpipes on the top-line V8-powered CXS. (Photo: General Motors) />Unlike most domestic cars in the Lucernes segment, this particular V8 is nothing less than a 32-valve, dual-overhead cam, aluminum 4.6-litre unit, derived from Cadillacs Northstar V8 - optional on Lucerne CXL models and standard on CXS. Its good for 275-horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 295 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm, which is ample to give the new Buick premium pulling power.

Ironically its the drivetrains pulling power that reduces its premium image; if you buy into the current vogue that a premium car either needs to be powered by the rear wheels or offered with all-wheel drive. Rest assured, though, that GM, through its Cadillac division, has a long history of delivering front-wheel drivetrains that are virtually free of torque-steer, even when powered by performance-oriented V8 engines.

Not everyone wants their car to stand out in a crowd like a 300C does, making something like the Buick especially intriguing. (Photo: General Motors)

Most of the Lucernes competitors, such as the Ford Five Hundred (and Mercury Montego in the U.S.), Hyundai Azera, Kia Amanti, and Toyota Avalon, dont offer a V8 option, which makes the big Buick all the more enticing. The Chrysler 300C, however, is sure to deliver serious competition.

But thats where the Lucernes tastefully conservative styling comes to play. After all, not everyone wants their car to stand out in a crowd like a 300C does, making something like the Buick especially appealing. Dont get me wrong. I think, at least from first glance, that the Lucerne is a good looking sedan, its just not as outlandish as the Chrysler. No doubt, most of the new Buicks 60-something target market will find its respectfully understated styling exactly to their liking.

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