The 2012 Buick LaCrosse with eAssist is about as efficient as the Mini or the Toyota Corolla, thanks to a mild hybrid technology that boosts in-town mileage by 32 percent and highway efficiency by 20 percent to 36 mpg.
With a base price of $29,960, the LaCrosse with eAssist competes with the Toyota Camry hybrid in price and efficiency while challenging the Lexus HS 250h and Acura TL in luxury.
Introduced in late 2004 as a 2005 model to replace the Century and Regal, theLaCrosse entered its second generation as a 2010 model. The stylish sedan was initially available with two V6 engine choices in three trim levels.
The second generation debuted at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit as sporty Lexus fighter.
The 2.4 L Ecotec 4-cylinder engine replaced the 3-liter V6 as the standard engine on the CX model in the first quarter of 2010. The V6 remains an option on the CX and front-wheel drive CXL and standard on the CXL and all-wheel drive CXL.
The new mild hybrid serves as the LaCrosse base model as the non-hybrid 4-cylinder version of the sedan is dropped from the line-up.
The eAssist system consists of a 115-volt lithium-ion battery pack, a 15-kilowatt electric motor offering up to 15 horsepower of assist while accelerating, and the next generation 6T40 GM Hydromatic transmission with reduced friction components over the previous generation. The hybrid power supplements the 182 horsepower, 2.4 liter 4-cylinder engine. The system allows the engine to stop when the car isn’t moving and allows for complete fuel cut off to the engine during deceleration.
As with most hybrids, you can feel or hear the transition between power sources, so the engine does not seem as smooth as the traditional V6. However, the eAssist gives theLaCrosse plenty of power and maintains Buick’s reputation for effortless driving.
The sedan also features improved underbody aerodynamics and tires upgraded for performance and fuel economy. Active control of front-end airflow improves aerodynamics and engine warm-up. Electronically controlled shutters in the lower grille close at higher speeds to push more air over the vehicle, which increases aerodynamic efficiency to enhance fuel economy.
Riding on a four-wheel independent suspension system, the Buick uses a four-link rear suspension that uses isolating mounts to reduce noise and vibration. StabiliTrak electronic stability control system is standard, as is a variable-effort power steering system, four-wheel disc brakes with four-channel antilock system, electronic brake force distribution and brake assist system.
Interactive features include in-dash navigation with a 40-gigabyte hard drive, Bluetooth, an auxiliary audio input and a USB port. An option package for rear-seat passengers includes a power rear-window sunshade and a DVD entertainment system.
Buick’s IntelliLink system connects portable devices with the car’s infotainment system. An option package that includes head-up display is very attractive. With this display in the lower portion of the windshield, the driver really never needs to take his eyes off the road.
Other safety features include Side Blind Zone Alert technology, which notifies the driver if vehicles in adjacent lanes are in the driver’s blind spot. A rearview camera system that features a display integrated into the navigation system screen is part of the $1,440 driver confidence package.
“The winning combination of advanced technology, no-compromise driving performance and luxurious style and passenger comfort stand to make LaCrosse with eAssist a must-have sedan,” says Tony DiSalle, U.S. vice president, Buick marketing.
