The GM is going to introduce a new version of its popular full-size sedan, as 2018 Buick LaCrosse Hybrid. This sedan is already available with a hybrid powertrain, but in China only. Now, the company is going to introduce a hybrid version for the U.S. market, of a car that is present for more than 12 years. The original model came in 2005 and we already have seen three generations of it. The current model came last year, with plenty of novelties. For the second year of production, the company will introduce a new hybrid powertrain. However, this will not be the same powertrain as for the Chinese market. It is a completely new system, which will be consisted of a 2.0-liter gasoline engine and electric motor with small battery, which will not be powerful enough to run the car independently, but which will provide better acceleration and smoother ride.
2018 Buick LaCrosse Hybrid design
The 2018 Buick LaCrosse Hybrid will come completely new. This full-size sedan went through complete redesign recently and new hybrid version will come with the same design characteristics. It will ride on the same P2XX platform, which brings several benefits. It utilizes some of the lightweight materials, especially HSS. This results in some nice weight savings. Compared to the previous generation, the new model is for about 300 pounds lights, which makes a big impact on overall performances and fuel economy. In terms of styling, we don’t expect changes compared to the gasoline models. We will see a new, quite stylish look that really gives that upscale feel. The Same thing is inside, where the 2018 Buick LaCrosse Hybrid will feature hi-quality materials, plenty of space and plenty of latest technologies. We still don’t know what of the equipment will be available for this version but expect a full load.
2018 Buick LaCrosse Hybrid features
The list of standard features should be quite long. The 2018 Buick LaCrosse Hybrid will probably come with more standard features than the base gasoline model. So, dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, dual USB ports, an 8-inch touch-screen infotainment system, rearview camera, and rear parking sensors will be standard features for sure. Also, things like 11-speaker premium audio system, navigation, rear cross traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, active park assist, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, a head-up display, forward collision warning and rear cross traffic alert should be standard too. Some of the premium features, like a panoramic sunroof, for example, will be available as optional.
2018 Buick LaCrosse Hybrid powertrain
The 2018 Buick LaCrosse Hybrid will come to the U.S. market. However, this model will be different from a Chinese-market hybrid version. It will come with a new system that will feature a familiar 2.5-liter gasoline engine and small electric motor with an even smaller 0.45kWh battery. With this small capacity, the electric motor won’t be able to run the car on its own, but it will surely provide some nice boost of power and especially torque. This will provide better acceleration, smoother ride and, eventually, better economy.
The total output of the car will be around 194 horsepower and 187 pound-feet of torque. Some predictions suggest that the 2018 LaCrosse Hybrid will be good for about 30 miles per gallon in the combined drive. Besides this new hybrid, there is also a familiar 3.6- liter V6 in the offer, which is good for 310 horses and 282 pound-feet of torque.
2018 Buick LaCrosse Hybrid release date and price
The 2018 Buick LaCrosse Hybrid should come somewhere late in the year. The exact price is still unknown. However, it shouldn’t be much higher compared to the gasoline model, which goes in a range between 33.000 and 44.000 dollars. The competition will be tough. Main rivals will be models like Nissan Maxima, Toyota Avalon, Kia Cadenza, Chevy Impala etc.
