#NYIAS The newly not-boring-looking 2010 Buick LaCrosse sedan will go on sale this summer for as little as $27,835 (including destination).
This will get you a CX-level Buick with front-wheel drive and the 255-hp 3.0-liter, direct-injection V6 bolted to a six-speed automatic transmission. The CXL model adds leather seats, 18-inch wheels (up from 17) and dual-zone climate control, among other little items for $30,395. The all-wheel-drive CXL (still with the 3.0-liter V6) adds $2,175 to the price tag. The top-of-the-line CXS, which is powered by a 280-hp 3.6-liter DI V6, starts at $33,765 and comes with heated and cooled seats and chrome-plated 18-inch wheels.
Those prices undercut the 2009 Lexus ES 350 which starts at $35,145, which is good because Buick's reputation still significantly undercuts Lexus'.
And yes, we do know what LaCrosse means to French Canadians.
Read Inside Line's full story on the 2010 Buick LaCrosse.
dtmh says:
09:03 AM, 04/ 8/09
I've always been a Lexus fan until today. This is such a gorgeous vehicle and at such a great price. I believe I will be trading by Lexie in and not on another Lexus which I had planned on.
altimadude00 says:
09:27 AM, 04/ 8/09
That price seems a little high to me. For what became the successor to the Century (which started around $22k) the leap to $27 might put this car out of reach for some buyers. What ever happened to the entry-level Buick?
jkp1187 says:
09:52 AM, 04/ 8/09
@altimadude00:
The "entry-level Buick"? It's called a Chevy Malibu. :-)
greenpony says:
10:05 AM, 04/ 8/09
3.0L DI V6? Is this just a shrunken 3.6L, or an entirely new engine? I don't remember hearing about it.
blueprint1 says:
10:08 AM, 04/ 8/09
Well, I'm a French-Canadian, and I think the name fits : buying a luxury car IS self-gratification, isn't it ?
altimadude00 says:
10:23 AM, 04/ 8/09
"The "entry-level Buick"? It's called a Chevy Malibu. :-)"
I knew that was coming.
1487 says:
11:13 AM, 04/ 8/09
"Those prices undercut the 2009 Lexus ES 350 which starts at $35,145, which is good because Buick's reputation still significantly undercuts Lexus'."
Thanks for reminding us. Even though the Lacrosse is a nicer car at least we know Buick's rep will hold it back. Lexus' reputation doesn't explain a $7k price gap.
greenpony:
Its a smaller version of the 3.6L with direct injection. It's in the 2010 CTS, Equinox and Terrain. The base lacrosse is expected to get 18/27.
altimadude,
The price is not high. A comparable Malibu V6 is around $26k and the Malibu is smaller and has less features. A loaded Camry with 16" wheels will set you back $33k. The G8 V6 costs about the same as well but has less features.
uncanny_man says:
11:17 AM, 04/ 8/09
Anybody know which plant this will be made at? I always liked the old lacrosse except that it was made in Canada...
danielpund says:
11:29 AM, 04/ 8/09
uncanny_man,
The 2010 LaCrosse will be built in the Fairfax Assembly facility in Kansas City, Kan.
Daniel
smilez says:
11:54 AM, 04/ 8/09
World's better than the last Lacrosse. Saw it at the auto show. It really doesn't have any features missing.
altimadude00
It'll be 5 models years since the last Century. There's naturally going to be a price difference. Not to mention they are two COMPLETELY different cars in terms of performance, features, and reliability. Buick ranked #1 in J.D.'s last dependability survey ('06 models). Let's see if they can hang on.
Buick is #1? Never thought I'd print that, but good for them.
1487 says:
11:57 AM, 04/ 8/09
The century was a much lower end car akin to a Malibu but it had a standard V6. Buick is not an entry level brand and GM is trying to reduce overlap in products. WHy have a $23k buick when you will have a Chevy and Pontiac in that range? The Lacrosse fills the gap between Malibu and CTS.
kingkhalas says:
02:04 PM, 04/ 8/09
ugly
hondacura4 says:
04:30 PM, 04/ 8/09
Im unsure of what Buick wants to be. Do they want to be a full scale luxury brand or something in the way of current Acuras.....value oriented luxury?
As far as competing with Lexus, Buick is off to a decent start with the Enclave and this new LaCross, however.... there are a few things in the way and 1 would be the awsome Lexus dealer service. Another thing would be brand perception where Buick is well behind Lexus regardless of product.
In order for Buick to go head to head with Lexus, Buick would have to become a full scale luxury manufacturer, which would invade Cadillacs territory. I dont think thats going to happen.
greenpony says:
05:06 PM, 04/ 8/09
Well, my perception of Buick is similar to my perception of Lexus. Semi-luxury, non-sporting, retiree-mobiles. If I wanted a reliable, comfortable cushion to ride around the retirement community in, I'd cross shop the two brands.
darthbimmer says:
05:25 PM, 04/ 8/09
I agree with greenpony and 1487 about what Buick's brand identity should be: upscale, family-oriented cars. Now, if only GM could figure out such a clear brand identity for all of its divisions.
cruiserhead1 says:
02:50 AM, 04/ 9/09
whew, that's a really nice looking sedan! They made it unique without looking forced or goofy.
I will be interested how much quality feel they managed to put into the interior. That will be key.
Too bad it's under the Buick name. No one will buy it.
GT5000 says:
01:56 PM, 04/10/09
@cruiserhead1
Hyundai is selling the Genesis, and it costs more than the LaCrosse. And Buick has traditionally been a luxury brand, unlike Hyundai. If their product is good, it will sell.
jederino says:
03:59 PM, 04/10/09
I'm positive about the styling, the small-displacement V6, and Buick's newfound reputation for initial quality. I can't wait to drive this! And I've never been a GM guy. I started driving when GM was bottom of the barrel. I've owned a Ford, a Mercury, Nissan and lately an Infinity.
1487 says:
08:59 AM, 04/11/09
Buick is indeed aiming for the same crowd as Lexus except Buicks actually have attractive, modern styling that take some risks. I think its very clear what Buick is trying to be. Buick is playing in the same price range as Acura but Acura wants to be a cheap version of BMW with FWD. Buick is not trying to make sports sedans or sporty CUVs like Acura. Buick is aimed at Lexus and Lincoln- period.
ronvpr says:
10:26 PM, 04/18/09
After seeing the Lexus and the Buick side by side, the Lexus looks like a old pinball machine. No comparison. I would take the Buick over the Lexus, hands down, any day. Of course with the Buick you won't have to worry about Toyotas famous engine sludge cover up like I had to go through. And Buick quality is better than Lexus. I can't think of a single reason to pay $7000 more for an inferior over rated car like the Lexus. Except maybe that cup of coffee and car wash you get at the Lexus dealership. Again, $7000 is a lot of coffee and car washes.