GM says the eAssist trim costs $2,000 more than the standard 2012 Buick Regal. Since the price of the latter hasn’t been formally announced, that would mean the base Regal will cost $26,670, up $310 from last year.
For those who don’t remember, the eAssist trim is the new name for GM’s mild-hybrid system. The powertrain combines a four-cylinder gasoline engine, small electric motor, regenerative braking and battery pack, and other fuel-saving measures to achieve EPA mileage ratings of 25/36 mpg city/highway. The eAssist model also comes with dual-zone air conditioning, seven-speaker stereo, leather upholstery, heated front seats, rear parking sonar and push-button start standard. The Regal hybrid model has the same powertrain and fuel economy estimates as the Buick LaCrosse with eAssist, though the LaCrosse costs $1,290 more.
The sporty GS trim is the most expensive Regal to date and comes with a 270-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. The Regal GS comes with a six-speed manual transmission standard; an automatic transmission option will become available later. The model also comes with a flat-bottom steering wheel, heated leather seats, 12-way adjustable power seats, a 336-watt surround-sound stereo, front and rear parking sonar, bi-xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights and 19-inch wheels standard.Both models will come standard with Buick’s IntelliLink system, which is similar to Chevrolet’s MyLink, later this year. The system comes with a 7-inch, high-resolution touch-screen, Bluetooth connectivity and USB input.
The Regal will continue to come with a 182-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder and a 220-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder option. A six-speed automatic is standard, and a manual is optional on the turbo.
