2017 Buick LaCrosse: Redefining Near-Luxury Comfort With Surprising Performance

The completely redesigned 2017 Buick LaCrosse represents a quantum leap forward for GM's premium brand, delivering a driving experience that challenges luxury benchmarks while maintaining its value-oriented positioning. Through extensive testing and competitor comparisons, we examine whether this sophisticated sedan successfully bridges the gap between mainstream and luxury.

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Exterior Design: A Dramatic Departure From Tradition

The 2017 LaCrosse sheds its conservative styling for a dramatically sleeker profile that measures 197.5 inches long - making it substantially longer than key competitors:

Design highlights include:

• Revised tri-shield insignia with vibrant color accents
• 0.6-inch lower roofline enhances aerodynamic profile
• Wider track improves stance and handling stability
• LED lighting signatures front and rear
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Driving Dynamics: Two Personalities, One Exceptional Platform

Buick engineered the 2017 LaCrosse to deliver two distinct driving experiences through carefully calibrated wheel and suspension packages:

18-Inch Wheel Package (Comfort-Oriented)

• Plush ride quality absorbs road imperfections
• Taller sidewalls enhance noise isolation
• Fixed suspension tuning optimized for relaxation
• Ideal for long-distance cruising

20-Inch Wheel Package (Performance-Tuned)

• Continuous Damping Control adaptive suspension
• Driver-selectable Touring/Sport modes
• Firmer damping improves cornering stability
• Heavier steering weight enhances feedback
• Available on Essence and Premium trims ($1,625)

Independent testing revealed the LaCrosse's acoustic insulation outperformed the Lexus ES 350 benchmark by 3.2 decibels at highway speeds - a significant margin in noise reduction.

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Interior Analysis: Near-Luxury With Standout Features

While the LaCrosse's cabin doesn't quite reach true luxury standards, several elements impress:

Strengths

• Optional Brandy-colored leather upholstery with contrast stitching
• 12-way power front seats with available massage function
• Reclined rear seat position enhances comfort
• Acoustic laminated windshield and front side glass

Weaknesses

• Some lower dash materials feel budget-oriented
• Excessive use of faux wood trim
• Electronic gear selector has learning curve
• Front console intrudes on cabin space

Technology & Safety: Competitive With Some Standouts

The LaCrosse delivers strong tech credentials for its class:

Notable safety inclusions:

• Teen Driver monitoring system (standard)
• Blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
• Lane change assist
• Available surround-view camera system
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Competitive Positioning: Value Versus Luxury Brands

The LaCrosse's strongest advantages emerge when compared to premium rivals:

Versus Lexus ES 350

• Quieter cabin at all speeds
• Available adaptive suspension (Lexus has fixed tuning)
• Standard smartphone integration
• $7,000+ price advantage similarly equipped

Versus Acura TLX

• More spacious rear seating
• Superior noise isolation
• Available AWD with torque vectoring
• More comfortable ride quality

Versus Lincoln MKZ

• Larger trunk capacity (15 vs 13.5 cu ft)
• More intuitive infotainment interface
• Better rear seat comfort
• Standard Android Auto compatibility
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Final Verdict: Who Should Consider the 2017 LaCrosse?

The redesigned Buick LaCrosse makes its strongest case for:

• Comfort-focused buyers prioritizing ride quality over sporty handling
• Value-conscious luxury shoppers willing to trade some prestige for savings
• Tech-oriented drivers wanting modern connectivity features
• Northern climate residents benefiting from available AWD

While the interior doesn't quite match true luxury standards, the LaCrosse's exceptional quietness, comfortable ride, and surprising driving dynamics make it one of the most compelling values in the near-luxury sedan segment.