The 2012 Buick LaCrosseis a mid-size luxury sedan that is redesigned and improved. It has been one of the more favored luxury sedans because of its modern styling, impressive driving dynamics, and elegant interior. With the introduction of the eAssist system which improves fuel economy up to 25%, the 2012 LaCrosse takes Buick to the next level. By adding the eAssist system which is a standard feature on all models of the 2012 LaCrosse, the vehicle is fully equipped with a state-of-the-art system.
The eAssist system is Lacrosse’s standard power train. It uses lithium ion battery to propel the car up to 11 kilowatts power in a stooped position. The system’s electronic generator gives a regenerative braking capacity. Because of this, the energy is stored when braking.
Features
The LaCrosse comes in different trim levels namely the Base, Convenience, Leather, Premium which comes in 3 different types, and the Touring trims. The base models come with a 17-inch alloy wheel, full power accessories, keyless entry, cloth upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, power driver seat, split/folding rear seats, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, OnStar, cruise control, a seven-speaker audio system and Bluetooth interface.
The Convenience models features additional power lumbar driver seat, remote ignition an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The Leather trims features fog lamps, leather upholstery, heated mirrors that has a built-in turn signals, full power passenger seats and heated front seats. The Premium 1 version further features auto-dimming side mirrors, driver seat memory settings and rear parking assist. The Premium 2 adds power window sunshades and wood-trimmed steering wheel.
The Premium 3 has additional feature of 18-inch alloy wheels, audio system with 11 speaker surround sound, 120-volt power outlet and sport-tunes suspension. The Touring trim features a 19-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights, adaptive suspension and blind spot warning system. Further features are navigation system, digital music storage and rearview camera. These features on the upper trim levels can be added as optional features on the lower trim levels.
Performance
The 2012 LaCrosse comes with a choice of two engines. The new hybrid power train with eAssist system is paired with a 2.4-liter 4 cylinder engine that comes with lithium battery pack and 11 kilowatts electric motor. This combination can achieve 182 horsepower and 172 pound feet of torque. Estimated fuel economy is impressive with 25 mpg in the city and 36 mpg in the highway. It comes in a six-speed automatic transmission.
The other engine is the improved 3.6 liter engine which can produce 303 horsepower and 264 pound feet of torque. Estimated fuel economy is 17 mpg in the city and 27 mpg in the highway for front-wheel drive and 16 mpg in the city and 26 mpg in the highway for all-wheel drive.
Exterior & Interior
The exterior of the LaCrosse is attractive. Reviewers have called its styling as very strong and in looks beautiful when you see it in actual appearance. The only difference that is noticeable is the tailpipes which differ in eAssist models and V6 models. The Lacrosse exterior features heated door mirrors, dual exhaust and turn signal indicators on the side mirrors. There are down sides though to the vehicle which are the odd cuttings of the hood and the headlight design is quite unimpressive.
The LaCrosse’s interior features upscale materials with a classy touch. The cabin of this luxury sedan is comfortable and spacious. The seats are supportive and have a lot of legroom. The front seats are comfortable and supportive. Standard front seat includes a front passenger seat that has a 4-way manual adjustment and an 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat. It features a heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats. The 2012 model further features an IntelliLink that connects smart phone through Bluetooth or USB connections and controlling it through the eight-inch color touch screen.
The trunk of the LaCrosse has a small cargo space with only 13.3 cubic feet. The space is even smaller in the hybrid models that have only 11 cubic feet of cargo space. This will be a big problem especially when loading large cargos.
Safety & Reliability
Safety features of the 2012 Buick LaCrosse include stability and traction control, anti lock disc brakes that comes with brake assist, side curtain airbags, side-impact airbags on the front-back seat and OnStar. Optional safety feature is the blind spot alert system.
The federal government gave the 2012 LaCrosse a top over-all score on tests for frontal and side impact. The IHHS also gave the LaCrosse a top score in tests for side-impact and frontal-offset.
The Competition
The Lexus ES (MSRP $36,725; 19 city / 27 hwy) and the Acura TL (MSRP $35,305; 18 city / 26 hwy) are frequently compared to the LaCrosse when it comes to luxurious and comfortable interior. However, these costs more than the LaCrosse’s base models.
Pros:
- Elegant interior
- Admirable driving dynamics
- Good fuel economy in hybrid models
- Good performance in V6 models
- All wheel drive is available
- Top safety scores
Cons:
- Small trunk
- Poor rearward visibility
Overall Rating
What others say:
“Serious luxury-car comforts as well as high-tech conveniences are available, but they all drive the price of the 2011 LaCrosse well into true luxury-car territory.”Car Connection
“Not what you would call sporty, but LaCrosse handles well, with assuring competence. Even in standard form, the car is more nimble than you would expect given its size.”Consumer Guide
“With the 2012 LaCrosse, Buick has a fully competitive luxury sedan that doesn’t nip at the heels of the big dogs, but instead can now run with the pack.”Edmunds
“The 2012 Buick LaCrosse eAssist driving experience is essentially transparent.”KBB
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: Luxury Sedan | Base Price: $29,960.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 15.7 gallons (59 liters) | MPG: 25 city / 36 hwy |
| Length: 196.9 in. (500 cm) | Width: 73.1 in. (185 cm) |
| Height: 59.2 in. (150 cm) | Wheel Base: 111.7 in. (283.7 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 3835 lbs (1739 kg) | Ground Clearance: NA |
| Luggage Capacity: 10.8 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 5 people |
| Engine: 16 Valve DOHC Inline 4 | Displacement: 2.4 liter |
| Horsepower: 182 HP | Max RPM: 6700 RPM |
| Torque: 172 lb-ft @ 4900 rpm | Transmission: 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic |
| Option:Convenience Group V6-flex fuel engine | MSRP: $30,430; MPG: 25 city / 36 hwy |
| Option:Leather Group V6-flex fuel engine | MSRP: $31,895; MPG: 25 city / 36 hwy |
| Option:Premium I Group(hybrid or V6-flex fuel engine) | MSRP: $32,440; MPG: 25 city / 36 hwy |
| Option:Premium II Group V6-flex fuel engine | MSRP: $33,865; MPG: 17 city / 27 hwy |
| Option:Premium III Group V6-flex fuel engine | MSRP: $35,285; MPG: 17 city / 27 hwy |
| Option:Touring Group V6-flex fuel engine | MSRP: $38,270; MPG: 17 city / 27 hwy |
