It looks like a rebadged Opel Insignia GSi, but it’s much more than that
You'd be excused if you made a confusion between the new Buick Regal GS and the new Opel Insignia GSi, but in this case, it's much more than some badge engineering.
The new Buick Regal GS now has 51 more horsepower than the preceding model, while the Insignia GSi has 68 hp less. And this shows a different strategy for the two (former) sister brands.
Under the hood of the Regal GS sits a new 3.6L V-6 with 310 horsepower and 282 lb-ft of torque, with direct injection, cylinder deactivation (it can cruise using only 4 cylinders) and stop/start technology. Nine-speed automatic transmission and intelligent all-wheel drive (AWD) are standard, and the GS also has active twin clutch for improved vehicle control, and five-link rear suspension.
There are some goodies for the interior, too: GS-specific, AGR-certified, performance seats that are heated, cooled and massaging with adjustable seat and seat-back bolsters as well as thigh support.
The chassis features the second-generation Continuous Damping Control (CDC) system, capable of 500 adjustments per second and the Interactive Drive Control with GS and Sport modes selectable by the driver. Regal GS’ intelligent AWD system with an active twin clutch can transfer torque between the rear wheels to prevent oversteer.
Other specific Buick GS features are the sport front and rear fascias, side skirts and rear spoiler, the standard 19-inch wheels with performance Brembo front calipers, a sport-tuned dual exhaust system, a sport flat-bottom steering wheel and metal pedals.
Inside, drivers can opt for a head-up display that makes things easier for the driver. An 8-inch diagonal touchscreen and 8-inch diagonal reconfigurable instrument cluster come as standard equipment, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available from the start.
A full-color head-up display is available with an optional Driver Confidence II package that also includes several safety features including Front Pedestrian Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert and Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Automatic Braking.
Prices for the new high-performance Buick Regal GS start at $39,990 with destination charges. For those who don't necessarily want a performance car, other Buick Regal Sportback models will offer a standard 2.0T engine at a starting price of $25,915 – almost $2,000 lower than the 2017 Regal.
The first-ever Regal TourX, which combines car-like handling and SUV capability, launches with limited availability of select higher trim levels later this year. TourX models with a starting price of $29,995 are expected to be available at dealers in February 2018.