Along with the all-new version of this mid-size luxury sedan, we will also see its hybrid version as 2018 Buick Regal eAssist. As you probably know, the company presented a completely new generation of the famous sedan this April. A few months later, it came to China, which is a primary market for this GM’s brand. Now we expect to see it in the United States.
This will be the sixth generation of the famous model, which is present for about 45 years since its initial launch was in 1973. For all these years, we have seen six generations. The new model comes on the GM’s new E2XX platform and continues with its relation to the Opel Insignia. For this hybrid version, we expect several modifications, compared to the Chinese-market model. Although the exact date of launch is still unknown, we expect its arrival in next few months.
2018 Buick Regal eAssist redesign
The 2018 Buick Regal eAssist will come as a completely new model. The company did a complete overhaul and new model comes with significant changes. Compared to the previous model, it rides on a new E2XX platform, which is also used for the new Chevrolet Malibu. This new architecture brings plenty of benefits. Compared to its predecessor, the new model is larger for a bit. However, the more important thing is that the new platform provides a significant weight saving of 500 pounds, which is crucial, especially for the hybrid version.
The new model also adopts brand’s newest design language. It comes with sleeker and sharper lines. The whole appearance looks more upscale, this is especially notable inside. The 2018 Buick Regal eAssist will feature a completely new interior, which will besides plenty of hi-tech features and hi-quality materials also feature more legroom than its predecessor.
2018 Buick Regal eAssist features
As we already mentioned, new 2018 Buick Regal eAssist will come with plenty of new things. Compared to the previous generation, there are many benefits, such as new platform, new look etc. In terms of equipment, we will also see a big improvement. First of all, it is important to mention that the U.S. model will probably feature more standard features than the model that came to the Chinese market. Although Chinese version comes with plenty of equipment, we expect more for the U.S. market, due to higher demands of American drivers. So, you should expect that things like leather upholstery, navigation, a larger touchscreen, multi-zone climate control etc. will be on the list of standard features. It is also important to mention that the new generation comes in a station wagon body style as well. However, we don’t know will this version will be available with the hybrid powertrain.
2018 Buick Regal eAssist powertrain
In China, GM offers a hybrid powertrain for several models for some time. However, we expect a different configuration for the U.S. market. Instead of a 1.8-liter gasoline engine, we will probably see the same combination that runs the new LaCrosse. This system consists of a 2.5-liter gasoline unit and an electric motor that comes with a small 0.45-kWh battery pack. This capacity definitely is not enough to run the car on its own, but it makes a nice impact on the car’s torque and acceleration. A total output of this powertrain is 194 horsepower and 187 pound-feet of torque.
Compared to the gasoline V6’s 310 horses, it looks a little bit weak. However, you will get a much better fuel economy. This model should be able to return 25 mpg in the city, 35 on a highway and around 30 miles per gallon combined.
2018 Buick Regal eAssist release date and price
The 2018 Buick Regal eAssist should come in next few months, but we still don’t know the exact launch date. Base models should go around 30.000 dollars. When it comes to the competition, there are models like Lincoln MKZ, Cadillac ATS, Kia Singer etc.
