Overview
For the 2019 model year, Buick has reinvigorated its popular full-size luxury sedan by adding a new trim level, the Sport Touring. With the latest addition, there are now six trim levels to choose from: the base 1SV, Preferred, Essence, Sport Touring, Premium, and Avenir. All trims except for the Sport Touring and Avenir come standard with a mild hybrid powertrain called eAssist, which features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, a six-speed automatic transmission, and a small electric motor that delivers 194 horsepower and 187 pound-feet of torque. For the Sport Touring and Avenir trims, drivers will find a 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces 310 horsepower and 268 pound-feet of torque and is paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission. This strong engine is also optional for the Preferred, Essence, and Premium trims.
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Comfort and Convenience
Comfort and convenience are the top priorities in a luxury sedan, and the ’19 LaCrosse rises to the occasion. Starting with the base 1SV, the list of standard equipment includes nice features such as dual-zone automatic climate control, simulated-leather upholstery, eight-way power-adjustable front seats with two-way driver lumbar support, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, keyless ignition and entry, and remote start. On the next-level Preferred trim, a power-adjustable steering wheel is added, while the Essence trim receives heated front seats, perforated leather upholstery, and driver memory settings. The Sport Touring trim moves up to a nine-speed transmission and adds dual exhaust with bright stainless-steel tips, plus a rear spoiler.
Safety & Technology
As they do with the comfort and convenience aspect, those who buy elegant sedans also come to expect top-of-the-line safety technology in those vehicles. The three lowest trim levels – 1SV, Preferred, and Essence – include automatic headlights, fog lights, rear parking sensors, and OnStar emergency communications. The Sport Touring trim is eligible for the Driver Confidence I Package, which adds blind-spot monitoring and a rear cross-traffic alert system. The Premium trim includes this package as standard and adds forward collision warning, a heads-up display, lane keeping assist, and the Safety Alert driver’s seat, which vibrates to reinforce the various safety warning systems. The top-tier Avenir can be upgraded to include the Driver Confidence II package, which adds adaptive cruise control, forward automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Buick offers plenty in terms of state-of-the-art technology. Starting with the base 1SV and Preferred trims, LaCrosse owners will get a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, an eight-speaker sound system, satellite radio, and the Buick IntelliLink infotainment interface, which includes an 8-inch touchscreen, two USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration. The Essence adds a wireless smartphone charging port and can also be upgraded with the Sights and Sounds Package (a navigation system paired to IntelliLink, an eleven-speaker Bose surround-audio system, and HD Radio). This package can also be added to the Sport Touring and Premium trim levels, but it comes standard on the Avenir.