The Buick LaCrosse, introduced in 2005, replaced the Century and Regal as Buick’s mid-size luxury sedan. Known for its smooth ride, high-end interior, and reliability, the LaCrosse has evolved through multiple generations. In Canada, the model was marketed as the Buick Allure from 2005 to 2009 due to language sensitivities, before the nameplate was standardized to LaCrosse.

2005-2009: First Generation (W-Body)

The first-generation Buick LaCrosse debuted in 2005 on GM’s W-body platform, which it shared with models like the Chevrolet Impala and Pontiac Grand Prix. Positioned as a replacement for both the Buick Century and Regal, the LaCrosse focused on offering a quiet, comfortable, and refined driving experience, appealing to Buick’s older, more traditional customer base.

Design and Features

The LaCrosse featured conservative yet elegant styling, in line with Buick’s image of understated luxury. It had a focus on ride comfort, noise isolation, and a premium feel, often praised for its quiet interior. Buick’s “QuietTuning” process involved multiple layers of sound-deadening materials and advanced noise-canceling technologies, making it one of the quieter cars in its class.

Engines and Performance

• Base CX and CXL Models: Powered by the 3.8L V6 (L26), producing 200 horsepower, a reliable engine widely used across GM’s portfolio.
• LaCrosse CXS: This sportier trim came with a 3.6L DOHC V6 (LY7) engine, producing 240 horsepower. This engine marked the introduction of a more modern V6 into Buick’s lineup, featuring variable valve timing for better performance and efficiency.

Special Models

• Buick LaCrosse Super (2008-2009): The highlight of the first-generation special models, the LaCrosse Super was introduced in 2008 as a high-performance variant. It came equipped with the 5.3L V8 engine (LS4), producing 300 horsepower and 323 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the most powerful Buicks of the time. It also featured performance-tuned suspension, larger wheels, and a more aggressive exterior design, with a distinctive chrome mesh grille, quad exhaust tips, and “Super” badging. The V8 engine featured Displacement on Demand (DoD), which shut down four cylinders under light loads to improve fuel economy.

Canadian Buick Allure

The first-generation LaCrosse was sold as the Buick Allure in Canada from 2005 until 2009, with no significant differences from its U.S. counterpart, aside from badging and branding. In 2010, Buick dropped the Allure name in favor of LaCrosse across all markets.

End of Generation

The first-generation LaCrosse ran until 2009, marking a transition for Buick from an older, traditional sedan lineup to a more youthful and modern luxury focus as GM restructured post-2008 financial crisis.

2010-2016: Second Generation (Epsilon II Platform)

The second-generation LaCrosse, launched in 2010, marked a significant shift for Buick. Moving to GM’s global Epsilon II platform, it became a more modern, premium offering that aimed to compete with near-luxury sedans from Lexus, Acura, and Infiniti. This model saw Buick’s focus shift to a younger demographic while retaining its comfort and luxury roots.

Design and Features

The second-generation LaCrosse was a dramatic departure from its predecessor, featuring a sleeker and more modern design with flowing lines, a more prominent waterfall grille, and contemporary styling cues that helped shed Buick’s reputation as a brand for older buyers.

The interior received a substantial upgrade, with high-quality materials, advanced technology, and a more driver-focused layout. Key features included:

• Intellilink infotainment system: A touch-screen interface with navigation, smartphone integration, and a premium audio system.
• QuietTuning: Enhanced sound-deadening technologies continued to make the LaCrosse one of the quietest vehicles in its segment.
• All-wheel drive: Offered as an option for the first time on the LaCrosse, improving all-weather traction.

Engines and Powertrains

• Base Models (CX, CXL): Initially offered with a 3.0L V6 (LFW), producing 255 horsepower, but later replaced by the 3.6L V6 (LFX) in higher trims, producing 280 horsepower.
• eAssist: In 2012, Buick introduced a mild hybrid version of the LaCrosse called eAssist, which used a small electric motor paired with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, improving fuel economy to 36 MPG on the highway.

Special Models

• Buick LaCrosse Touring: The top-of-the-line Touring model came with the 3.6L V6 engine and featured a continuously variable real-time damping suspension system, 19-inch wheels, and other luxury features like a leather-wrapped interior, premium audio, and advanced safety tech.

2017-Present: Third Generation (E2XX Platform)

The third-generation Buick LaCrosse, launched in 2017, was built on GM’s E2XX platform, offering a lighter, stiffer chassis and more efficient powertrains. This generation was designed to compete more directly with premium competitors in the mid-size sedan segment, continuing Buick’s emphasis on luxury and refinement.

Design and Features

The 2017 LaCrosse featured a more sculpted and upscale design with a wider stance, lower profile, and a bolder, more modern interpretation of the Buick grille. It also featured LED lighting and a more elegant overall appearance, continuing to push Buick into the premium space.

Inside, the third-generation LaCrosse was laden with technology and luxury features:

• Advanced Driver Assistance: Safety features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and parking assistance were available.
• Premium Interior: High-quality leather, soft-touch materials, and wood trims made the interior of the LaCrosse stand out as a premium vehicle.

Engines and Powertrains

• 3.6L V6 (LGX): The sole engine choice for the third-generation LaCrosse, producing 310 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It featured stop/start technology for improved fuel efficiency.
• Hybrid Powertrain: A hybrid version was offered in China, but not in the U.S. market.

Special Models

• Buick LaCrosse Avenir (2018-Present): In 2018, Buick introduced the Avenir trim, a luxury-focused sub-brand aimed at elevating the LaCrosse’s premium status. The Avenir trim included unique styling cues like a mesh grille, premium interior materials, and a full suite of advanced technology, including the latest in driver-assistance features and a high-end Bose audio system.

Notable Special Models (Summary List)

1. Buick LaCrosse Super (2008-2009): A high-performance version with a 5.3L V8 engine, 300 horsepower, performance suspension, and distinctive styling cues.
2. Buick LaCrosse Touring (2010-2016): Top trim with real-time damping suspension, larger wheels, and luxury features.
3. Buick LaCrosse eAssist (2012-2016): Mild hybrid system paired with a 2.4L four-cylinder engine for improved fuel efficiency.
4. Buick LaCrosse Avenir (2018-Present): Luxury-oriented model with exclusive styling and premium interior features, part of Buick’s new premium sub-brand.

Conclusion

The Buick LaCrosse and its Canadian counterpart, the Allure, evolved from a mid-size luxury sedan into a near-premium contender, offering advanced features, luxury touches, and performance-focused models like the LaCrosse Super and Avenir. Special models like the Super and Avenir stand out for their unique engines, luxury features, and performance upgrades, solidifying the LaCrosse’s place in Buick’s history as a modern luxury sedan aimed at bridging the gap between mainstream and premium.