By Cars.com Staff
Cars.com National August 1, 2006Vehicle Overview
Considered an entry-luxury, front-wheel-drive full-size sedan, the Lucerne was introduced at the 2005 Chicago Auto Show as the first Buick passenger car in a decade with available V-8 power. The Lucerne is also the first Buick to offer Magnetic Ride Control, which comes standard on uplevel CXS trims.
For 2007, a chrome grille is optional on CXL and CXS models. Two new exterior colors — Light Quartz Metallic and Gold Mist Metallic — are offered, along with two new interior colors, Cocoa/Cashmere and Cocoa/Shale.
Buick emphasizes the QuietTuning of the Lucerne and other models, which the automaker claims will reduce or tune out unwanted wind, road and powertrain noise. Three trim levels are available: CX, CXL and CXS.
Exterior
Front-end styling of the Lucerne features a new waterfall-style grille that uses thin vertical vanes and includes a chrome Buick tri-shield emblem. Polycarbonate headlight modules that taper into the front fenders flank the grille. The front fascia features split air intakes.
Freshly designed chrome portholes — machined and set high in each front fender — are reminiscent of those on historic Buicks. Lucerne CX and CXL models with V-6 power have three portholes on each side, while V-8 sedans get four portholes per side — a differentiating idea that reaches as far back as 1949.
A steep, 60-degree windshield leads into a roofline that flows into a 70-degree rear window. Horizontal taillamps with floating inner lenses wrap into the deck lid and are separated by a Buick tri-shield emblem. CXS models with V-8 power feature chrome-tipped dual exhaust pipes.
Buick promotes the Lucerne's snug body gaps and tight wheel-to-wheel well relationships. Chrome wheels are optional, and painted aluminum wheels hold 18-inch tires on the CXS sedan. The CX gets 16-inch aluminum wheels, and CXL models wear 17-inch rubber.
Built on a 115.5-inch wheelbase, the Lucerne measures 204 inches long overall, stands 58 inches tall and is 74 inches wide. Options include rain-sensing wipers and heated windshield-washer fluid.
Interior
Seating for either five or six occupants is available. The upholstery features French seams and stitching. Second-row legroom can be as much as 41 inches, courtesy of the Lucerne's long wheelbase. Second-row knee clearance is 5.5 inches, and the trunk holds 17 cubic feet of cargo.
Lucernes can be equipped with a touch-screen DVD-based navigation system, XM Satellite Radio, a 280-watt nine-speaker audio system, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated and cooled front seats, a remote starter and General Motors' OnStar Directions and Connections service.
Under the Hood
The Lucerne is available with one of two engines. In the CX or CXL, the 3.8-liter V-6 meets Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle standards and produces an estimated 197 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 227 pounds-feet of torque. Standard in the CXS and optional in the CXL, the 32-valve dual overhead cam all-aluminum 4.6-liter V-8 delivers an estimated 275 hp at 5,600 rpm and 295 pounds-feet of torque. Both engines work with a four-speed automatic transmission, run on regular-grade gasoline and feature electronic throttle control.
Safety
Six airbags are standard in all Lucernes: a dual-stage driver's airbag, a dual-depth front passenger airbag, and side-impact and side curtain airbags. Options include all-disc antilock brakes with traction control, Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist and GM's StabiliTrak electronic stability system.
Additional Reviews
Cars.com Expert Reviews
| Cars.com Staff | Cars.com National | August 1, 2006 |
Affiliate Reviews
| Tom Strongman | KansasCity.com | December 2, 2006 |
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