The mild hybrid setup is said to improve fuel efficiency
Buick is trying to boost the appeal its LaCrosse flagship sedan with the addition of a new 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with standard eAssist light electrification system for the 2018 model year.
Combined with the four-cylinder unit the electric motor and compact 0.45kWh lithium-ion battery pack are said to improve fuel efficiency by 19 percent in the city compared to the previously standard V6 engine.
The mild hybrid system also allows the 2018 LaCrosse to benefit from features such as torque-assisted launch, energy-saving regenerative braking, and "exceptionally smooth stop/start."
Compared to previous iterations of the Buick eAssist system, the latest one is more powerful and compact: it offers a 9 percent increase in overall torque, and its packaging does not affect the LaCrosse's fold-down rear seat and trunk space.
The eAssist mild hybrid system is also accompanied by upper and lower active shutters in the front fascia that close under certain driving conditions to maximize aerodynamics and improve fuel economy.
With the new standard 2.5L eAssist powertrain, the 2018 LaCrosse will have a $2,500 lower base price, which now starts from $30,490. As before, the 3.6-liter V6 engine launched on the 2017 LaCrosse last September will be optional on select trims.
Besides the addition of the eAssist system, other updates for the 2018 Buick LaCrosse include an all-new nine-speed automatic transmission for V6-powered models, as well as the availability of the AWD system with active twin clutch on the Essence trim level.
Finally, there will be three new exterior color options for 2018: Satin Steel Metallic, Dark Slate Metallic, and Red Quartz Tintcoat.