For 30 years, the Regal ruled the highways as Buick’s flagship sedan. Production in North America ended in 2004 and a legend was seemingly put to rest. In 2011, however, Buick decided to reintroduce the Regal to the Americas, this time launching the car as an upscale sport sedan. The 2017 Buick Regal lives up to this promise, with its clean but aggressive looks and performance engineering.

Exterior

The base Regal is well-equipped with top exterior features such as HID (high-intensity discharge) headlights, 18-inch silver alloy wheels, halogen fog lights, daytime running lamps, black chrome grille, and power heated side mirrors.

Advance to the Sport Touring trim and you get aluminum wheels with black painted pockets, molded splash guards, and a rear lip spoiler.

The Premium II trim level adds bi-xenon HID headlights with LED signature lighting, plus a host of interior upgrades.

The GS is a leap forward with its 19-inch V-spoke alloys, Brembo front brakes, HiPer Strut front suspension, GS-specific fascia and rocker panels, dual stainless-steel exhaust, and unique GS badging.

Power

Different trim levels offer different engine options. The base level 1SV option features a 2.4-liter DOHC (dual overhead cam) 4-cylinder with Spark Ignition Direct Ignition and VVT (variable valve timing). This engine cranks out 182 horsepower and 172 lb.-ft. of torque. The standard base Regal houses a 2.0-liter turbo DOHC with VVT, which pushes out a spirited 259 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque.

The Sport Touring, Premium II, and GS trims come with the 2.0-liter turbo. The GS, however, is specifically sport-tuned to give you more torque.

Performance

Most Regal models offer an all-wheel drive option, perfect for forging a pure connection with the highway. The electronic limited-slip differential shuttles power between each wheel, ensuring optimal contact with the road surface and minimal wheel slip.

Power purists should opt for the GS. Its HiPer Strut suspension drastically improves handling, providing a sporty and exciting ride. The interactive Drive Control on the GS offers Standard, Sport, or GS modes that change steering response and suspension settings to customize your driving experience. Continuously variable damping works in real time, constantly adjusting weight balance according to the immediate needs of the road.

Interior

All Regals offer a luxurious and comfortable cabin that includes a driver’s seat with power adjust and power lumbar support, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, cruise control, premium audio with SiriusXM satellite radio, and a customizable multi-color display.

Upgrading to the GS trim brings soft leather-appointed sport bucket seats, a sport steering wheel, and metal sport pedals.

Safety Features

Buick’s dedication to safety is easily seen in the Regal. Standard features include passenger-sensing front airbags, rear vision camera, OnStar 5-year plan, tire pressure monitoring, theft deterrent system, and StabiliTrak. The StabiliTrak system activates when the Regal detects a difference between the car’s intended path and the direction it’s actually moving.

Even greater protection is offered through optional safety technologies. These include rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, thorax airbags, side blind zone alert, front automatic braking, forward collision alert, and following distance indicator.