Buick just started its 2017 LaCrosse striptease!  The new model will debut in November at the Los Angeles Auto Show with looks inspired by the Avenir concept, updated chassis and new rear suspension, plus an all-new and super posh cabin.

The LaCrosse redesign is a promising one: this large front or AWD sedan is a real all-star in the General Motors global model range. It is giant inside all around, but especially in the back seat. Its appeal is broad with pricing matching up with the Lexus ES but with much larger accomodations inside. And lastly, it is a pretty fun steer in a soggy segment filled with joyless Avalons.

The next-gen model will build on these strengths via an all-new look outside — one worthy of a flagship limo in the Buick range.

The first teaser is a glimpse of the new grille and nose. Much slimmer and sportier looks should be part of the 2017 LaCrosse equation if this teaser is anything to go by. Some spy shots eminating from China show a longer and much lower silhouette than the current model — which rides a bit high off the ground with a tall roof and trunk. The upcoming model looks like a true limo in the style of the Audi A8 — and will be gunning for similar buyers (in China, if not the US…)

2015 Buick LaCrosse

Active safety tech will make a huge showing in the new LaCrosse — where the 2011-launched model lags a bit behind the latest Cadillac systems. The LaCrosse may be one of the first GM models to debut the much-researched SuperCruise tech — allowing the Buick to pilot itself from on-ramp to off-ramp. (City streets/bridges and weather are a tougher challenges for autonomous driving systems.) The SuperCruise basically integrates a dozen existing systems like dynamic cruise control, lane-keep assist, drive-by-wire steering and throttle, plus many more. The processing power to sync and let each of these black boxes communicate at lightspeed has been on big technical hurdle, while legal and cost reasons have also delayed SuperCruise’s rollout.

The 2017 LaCrosse and its sibling, the Cadillac XTS, have long been the testing platform for SuperCruise. If Buick can pip Cadillac and its next-gen CT5 (new name for XTS) with the innovation, it will be a big sign of Buick’s rising star in the GM portfolio.

All told, we really like the LaCrosse’s sweet-spot of value/comfort/performance — and are eager to see a dash of style in this equation with the next-gen model.

2017 Buick LaCrosse Teaser

DETROIT – Buick today confirmed the all-new 2017 LaCrosse, with a preview of its Avenir concept-inspired design cues.

A striking evolution from current Buick models, LaCrosse features a grille design that puts a new face on the brand, including a new, three-color tri-shield insignia set on a wing-shaped element. Contrasting with darkened waterfall grille bars and spanning the width of the opening, it connects the grille and headlamps, and emphasizes LaCrosse’s new sculptural surfacing.

The design was introduced on the Avenir concept and was inspired by the 1954 Wildcat II concept. It’s a face all Buick models will adopt by 2018.

“The Avenir concept shattered expectations of what a Buick could be and the 2017 LaCrosse promises to do the same,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Buick. “Its expressive design represents a break from convention and highlights the progressiveness in all new Buick models.”

The next-generation LaCrosse’s design is framed on an all-new chassis that is stronger yet lighter than the current model and serves as the foundation for a more dynamic driving experience. New technologies such as a five-link rear suspension contribute to a more responsive ride, while taking Buick’s signature quietness to a new threshold – and it’s a premium feature not found on many other full-size luxury models, including the Lexus ES.

The 2017 LaCrosse debuts in November at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

ORIGINAL ARTICLEYou can tell Buick is excited about the Avenir Concept when it is joined by the famous Y-Job from 1938!

The Cascada ragtop also greeted Amelia Island 2015 guests — and for the first time, the brand felt right at home with the best cars in the world.

2015 Buick Avenir Concept

Amelia Island

1938 Buick Y-Job Concept