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Detroit Auto Show: Buick LaCrosse Adds Luxury to Family Sedan
Jan 11 2009 by Sherrice Gilsbach
My idea of the perfect car interior always begins with cool blue ambient interior lighting. Imagine my surprise when I discovered the fully redesigned 2010 Buick LaCrosse had just that. The Buick designers must have been secretly reading my mind.
According to Susan Docherty, vice president for Buick, Pontiac and GMC, choosing the cool blue lighting was no accident. “Blue is proven to have soothing qualities,” Docherty said.
Soothing is the perfect word to describe the uber-plush fit and finish inside the new LaCrosse. From the sweeping wave of rich burled wood trim that wraps you in lodge-like coziness, to the comfortable leather-upholstered seats, this car is every bit as welcoming as your favorite spot on the couch.
“Yadda, yadda, yadda; Buicks are for old guys, not moms,” you say. “My grandpa has one.” I hear you, but check this out: It turns out Buick has been spending some serious time researching ways to meet the needs of younger buyers.
“Just a few years ago, the average age of a Buick buyer was 70 years old,” Docherty said. “But we are excited that since the introduction of the Enclave we have begun to reach a younger audience. Our goal with LaCrosse is to continue that trend and meet the needs of buyers aged 34-54.”
Let’s scoot into the backseat and see what’s up for our kids in the LaCrosse. Warning! If you’re worried about spoiling your kids, the LaCrosse isn’t for you. If your only intention is to keep the little angels quiet until you reach your destination, pay attention.
Buick has added an amazing rear entertainment system like none I’ve seen before in an American-made car. There are two DVD monitors, one in each seatback, that pop out and up with the lightest touch, then fold back into their cases just as easily when the movie is through.
“This way you aren’t forced to stare at a blank DVD screen covered in fingerprints when the system is not in use,” Docherty said. “I have a 9-year-old who loves the system. I love that it doesn’t interfere with the beautiful ambience of the interior. I think this feature in particular will be a hit with families.”
I have to second that. I’m pretty sure my sons would say this backseat is their version of heaven.
Moms also will appreciate the LaCrosse’s extremely quiet cabin for a peaceful ride, as well as its impressive safety features, such as an available head-up speedometer display and a blind spot warning system.
In a word, “premium” would best describe Buick’s new moderately priced baby. While final pricing hasn’t been released yet, Docherty assured me it would stay in line with previous LaCrosse pricing, which is between $27,000 and $35,000. While it looks great on the Detroit auto show floor, we’ll have to wait to drive it before we can provide you with a full-fledged review.
It seems, however, that the LaCrosse might convince you that you don’t need your bulky SUV anymore, as this roomy sedan is available with all-wheel drive. Rejoice mommies: The LaCrosse is poised to offer all the agility and comfort of a car with the safety and utility of your SUV. Are you ready?
