The LaCrosse, released in 2004, is a relatively new addition to the Buick family. It now trumps the Regal as the brand’s flagship model and, considering the engineering and technology behind the car, it’s no wonder. The smooth, sculpted, confident road presence of the LaCrosse further contributes to its success. If you’re looking for a full-sized luxury sedan, don’t overlook the new 2017 Buick LaCrosse.

Exterior

The 2017 LaCrosse comes in four trim levels. The base LaCrosse is already loaded with premium exterior features such as auto on/off HID (high-intensity discharge) headlights with vertical LED signatures, heated power outside mirrors with LED turn indicators, 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels, active front grille shutters, daytime running lights, and fog lamps.

Moving up to the LaCrosse Preferred brings you ultra-bright machine-faced wheels and a host of interior and technology upgrades.

Next is the LaCrosse Essence which adds articulating headlamps with Adaptive Forward Lighting, ground illumination “puddle lamps,” and auto-dimming side mirrors.

Finally, we have the LaCrosse Premium, offering many features that are mostly inside the vehicle.

Power

Regardless of trim level, your LaCrosse has a 3.6-liter V6 Direct Injection engine with VVT (variable valve timing). This motor pushes out 310 horsepower yet still saves fuel. This is due to features such as cylinder deactivation, which stops the flow of fuel to some of the cylinders when extra power isn’t needed. Further adding to fuel savings is a start/stop system which shuts down the motor entirely when the vehicle isn’t in motion.

Performance

Don’t make the mistake of equating “full-sized sedan” with “boring.” Take control of the eight-speed automatic transmission with manual shifting via steering wheel controls. Pop open the windshield-projected heads-up display to fully engage with your LaCrosse.

Check out the available real-time damping, meaning that the chassis monitors the road and adjusts forces every two milliseconds. This allows flawless balance and handling including a Sport Mode. Throw in the 20-inch alloys included with this feature, and you add serious street cred with the enhancement.

Also available is All-Wheel Drive with Active Twin Clutch. Become one with the road at any speed, on any surface, through any type of weather.

Interior

Riding in a LaCrosse is like a visit to your favorite spa. Options include ambient lighting, ventilated front massage seats, built-in 4G hotspot, and premium audio with Apple CarPlay. The Buick IntelliLink system connects you with music, navigation, smartphone contacts, and more, using only the sound of your voice. Acoustic laminated glass and premium interior engineering make sure that your ride is quiet and smooth.

Safety Features

Besides the standard 10 airbags, OnStar system, rear vision camera, and tire pressure monitoring, all LaCrosse trims include StabiliTrak, a suite of technologies designed to keep your grip on the pavement through any road conditions. Brake Assist and Traction Control come with this system, activating the brakes on each wheel when needed.

Advanced safety options include blind zone monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, following distance indicator, front automatic braking, and pedestrian detection. The exclusive Safety Alert Seat sends vibrations through the driver’s seat to indicate both the presence and direction of potential dangers.