2015 Buick LaCrosse: A Buick Through And Through

If Buick wants to survive, it’s going to have to woo new markets. To do this, the brand is showcasing the Regal and the Verano, both of which aim to seduce the competition’s clientele. But the Buick LaCrosse, the manufacturer’s traditional luxury sedan, has a totally different mandate. A direct descendant of the 1936 Roadmaster (and with names like Century, Park Avenue and Lucerne in its family tree), this car is made for Buick (or GM) customers who want American-style comfort.

Since Buick is a branch of the GM empire, clients looking for luxury can also choose Cadillac. To avoid in-fighting, each has adopted a different philosophy: Cadillac has gone European and is looking to make life hard for the BMWs, Audis and Mercedes-Benzes of the world. Buick, on the other hand, has decided to offer comfort at a more reasonable price, meaning the brand has the most expensive Toyotas, Lincolns, Chryslers and others in its crosshairs.

• Also: The Buick LaCrosse Will Be In L.A.
• Also: 2017 Buick LaCrosse: Luxury And (Finally!) More Style

Comfort and more comfort

Buick's flagship model is a full-size sedan—that much is obvious from the moment you see it. The exterior may not be dynamic, but the car features an elegant, understated style. My test car was painted Atlantic blue, which is not likely to be most buyers’ first choice. Black, grey and beige definitely suit the LaCrosse much better.

The passenger compartment of this full-bodied Buick exudes luxury without being remarkable. You'll feel at ease, but don’t expect to be moved by the design of its seats or the beauty of its console. Once you get in, you’ll love the softness of the seats, the intuitive layout of the controls, the perfectly sized steering wheel and excellent visibility. The cabin is flooded with light thanks to the optional sunroof. Rear passengers are pampered with generous leg and head room and access is made easier by large doors. Speaking of dimensions, the trunk is deep and spacious, but it would be nice if the opening was a little wider.

The IntelliLink infotainment system is a cinch to use with big, easy-to-understand pictograms (a treble clef to control the stereo, a handset for Bluetooth, and a little compass for the GPS). If you don’t care for overly complex technology, you’ll really appreciate it. As with many other GM vehicles, instead of entering the door number, street, city and province separately, you type the whole thing on a single line. It’s a lot simpler, but you have to be sure to enter the information in the right order or the system won’t recognize the address. The sound system brings any concert to life, and since the car is very quiet even at highway speeds, you won’t miss a single note.

A cozy cocoon

Start the engine by pushing the ignition button. For the first time in its history, Buick’s flagship is not powered by a V8. The base engine is a 2.4-litre four-cylinder, but the version I test drove came with a 3.6-litre V6. Power isn’t an issue though. Keep in mind that the last V8 in a Lacrosse (the Super) produced 303 horsepower, while the current V6 develops 304. A six-speed automatic transmission links the available engines to the front wheels and all-wheel drive is optional. As I racked up the kilometres, I realized that the LaCrosse was designed for the open road. It’s extremely comfortable and quiet in all conditions. Driving it is almost relaxing. And yet, I was surprised to find that the traditional sofa-like ride (like in Buicks from back in my day) was a thing of the past. Don’t get me wrong, the Lacrosse is far from sporty, but you can take evasive action without getting sea sick from the roll.

Targeting buyers

Starting at $37,945, the price can exceed $50,000 as you add equipment. If you want to experience the renewal that Buick is attempting, this sedan is probably not your best choice. However, it’s a great choice for a lot of the brand’s long-term clients who love a big Buick. In fact, if that’s what you’re looking for, it’s one of the best ever made.