Visually, the 2017 Buick LaCrosse is larger, longer, and lower than the outgoing sedan. Riding on a new generation of GM’s Epsilon platform, Buick says the new model gains an impressive 2.7 inches of additional legroom despite adding only 0.6 inch of overall length. While the current LaCrosse has a slightly “lifted” appearance, with a relatively tall ride height, the new car hunkers down on its chassis, with a 1.7-inch drop in ride height. Front and rear wheel have been increased as well, with the wheels pushed out 1.3 inches in the front and 1.1 inches in the rear for a wider footprint and more purposeful stance.
On this new platform, the LaCrosse has shed an impressive 300 pounds over the outgoing model. Weight was cut across the board, from the interior, chassis, and powertrain, thanks in part to increased use of high-strength steel. The LaCrosse also should be more agile, with a new five-link rear suspension design and an optional adaptive damping system.
The 2017 Buick LaCrosse packs a wallop of technology under the redesigned skin as well. This includes a suite of safety features, including pedestrian detection and braking, lane-keep assist, automatic park assist, adaptive cruise control, and haptic warning systems embedded in the seats to keep the driver as alert as possible. Inside, the LaCrosse is available with an integrated head-up display, wireless phone charging, and an infotainment system compatible with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
Inside, an emphasis was placed on including as many soft touchpoints as possible, with leather and high-quality plastics, along with wood trim that is available on certain trim levels. The center console features an attractive floating design, along with a redesigned “Electronic Precision Shift” knob that will also make its debut on the new Cadillac XT5 crossover. The shift-by-wire system frees up a significant amount of space in the center console, allowing for more storage. Buick spend particular attention on the seats, incorporating new materials that increase comfort and conformity, all while reducing weight. On the top trim-level, there are available massage seat functions for the driver and passenger.
The 2017 Buick LaCrosse will hit dealer lots in summer 2016. In the meantime, take a look at the new LaCrosse in the photo gallery below.
