For the 2006 model year, the Lucerne becomes the most premium model in the Buick lineup.
Lucerne replaces the venerable Park Avenue, just one of many new offerings Buick hopes will help rejuvenate this sluggish General Motors division.
Lucerne provides Buick with a more modern entry in the entry-level luxury segment, but it will compete against many formidable choices.
For me, Lucerne looks modernized, classy and elegant. I really like the retro-themed front fender portholes that help provide a throwback to Buick's heritage. The optional chrome-plated wheels on my tester provided a nice touch of "bling".
Lucerne is built alongside the Cadillac DTS and shares many DTS features including its wheelbase. But Lucerne is a bit shorter and sports definitive Buick-toned sheet metal.
Offered with V6 or V8 power, five- or six-passenger seating, and a long list of safety and security features, Lucerne is available in three trim levels: CX, CXL or the performance-oriented CXS model.
Standard in the performance-oriented Lucerne CXS and available in the uplevel CXL is a premium 4.6-liter Northstar V8 rated at 275 horsepower. Wow, it's been a decade since a Buick car offered V8 power. Welcome back.
Lucerne CX and CXL models have as standard GM's proven 3800 3.8-liter Series III V6, rated at 197 horsepower. Both the V8 and V6 engines feature drive-by-wire technology and are mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission, powering the front wheels.
My Lucerne tester was a CXL with the Northstar V8. It's a potent engine in this package with excellent acceleration under varying road speeds.
Lucerne is the first Buick to offer Magnetic Ride Control, paired with StabiliTrak, to enhance overall ride performance.
Standard on the performance-oriented CXS, this system uses magnetically charged particles suspended in a synthetic fluid to continuously adjust the fluid's viscosity to varying road surfaces and driving characteristics.
The system has quicker response than conventional valve-damping systems, while providing exceptional vehicle control and increased tire contact with the road surface.
I would have preferred this system over the suspension package in our CXL V8 tester. The suspension in our Lucerne was too soft and exhibited much body roll in turns and quick lane change maneuvers.
Lucerne has a complete range of comfort and convenience features befitting Buick's premium image, such as heated/cooled front seats; factory-installed remote start; Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist; rain-sensing windshield wiper system; the first heated windshield washer fluid application in its class; a nine-speaker, 280-watt Harman Kardon audio system; six-disc in-dash CD changer with MP3 capability; and DVD map navigation.
The cabin is spacious and tranquil. Buick paid close attention to detail by keeping out road and wind noise, or as they call it "QuietTuning".
Lucerne is a wonderful car for long road trips as it offers plenty of room for passengers and cargo. The 17-cubic-foot trunk easily swallows up luggage and supplies.
Buick is hoping that Lucerne, along with a more youthful stable of vehicles, will help shed its stodgy image and bring back a younger crowd to their showrooms.
2006 Buick Lucerne CXL V8
Engine 4.6-liter (275 hp) V8
Transmission 4-speed automatic
Drive Type FWD
Fuel Economy 17 city/25 highway
Base Price $30,265
As Tested $34,800 (includes $725 for destination)
Website http://www.buick.com |
