CDf was recently able to spend some (impromptu, hence the low quality pics) time with a new pre-production Buick LaCrosse.  Since the car should be out in the next month this “pre-production” model was about 98% there.  All we can say is WOW!  What a first impression.  The “new” LaCrosse has a great presence on the road with a high quality and sophisticated exterior design.

The surfaces are simple and yet complex to the touch.  The subtle twisting adds excitement to a brand that “used to be associated with senior citizen polka music.”  I spent some time when I was a kid in my grandfather’s Buick.  Boy has the DNA evolved and there new sight on a younger demographic is not as far fetched as many people think.

Yes, I just said that, a younger demographic.  This is a sweet car with a chopped look and dynamic lines,  just lower it two more inches.

This is the second vehicle from Buick showing there new design direction.  When the Enclave came out I thought it was a huge step forwad, but it still had a “I’m retired but young at heart” kind of look to it.  It appears bloated and needs a nip and a tuck.  This LaCrosse is taut and has an athletic feel to it.  I would be all over it for myself if only it were a bit smaller.

It is supposedly a mid size vehicle.  Whatever that means these days, but this car is big.  Similar to the huge scale of the Lincoln MKS and Ford Taurus.  All of the dimensions have been pushed to the limit in an attempt to offer great passenger comfort and cargo space.

There are nice details all around, one of which to note is the new location of the Buick port holes.  Finally no fender vents.  Instead they are relocated on the hood which makes a lot of sense.  Great job by Richard Duff and  team for designing an exciting Buick.

The question remains, can Buick achieve popularity again?  That is outside the market of retired consumers.  They are definetley moving in the right direction.  These two ne vehicles are pretty core to what we would expect, so what is next?  A bigger, smaller, taller, shorter car?  Where and how far will the General take it before “jumping the shark?”  And why did you ditch the sweet Invicta name?

Stay tuned for part 2 of this review when we open the doors and go inside.