Buick News: 2018 Buick Regal Sportback and TourX Make Their Debut

[William Maley 952]

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Ever since we first got our first look at the Opel/Vauxhall Insignia Grand Sport and Sportwagon, we have been wondering when would see the next Buick Regal. Today at a press event at GM's Technical Center in Warren, MI, the 2018 Buick Regal made its debut in a hatchback and a wagon.

We'll begin with the Regal hatchback or Sportback as the brand calls it. There isn't any significant design changes when compared to the Insignia aside from the badge swap. The only thing we would change are the wheels used in the media photos, they just don't fit the Regal at all.

Next up is the Regal TourX (pronounced Tour X, not Tour Cross). Based on the Insignia Sports Tourer, Buick has made it slightly more rugged by raising it 0.6-inches and adding body cladding. We can already hear a few you complaining that why doesn't Buick bring over the Insignia Sports Tourer as it is and we would remind you that Americans don't really buy wagons except when they have been SUVized/Crossoverized - see Subaru Outback and Audi A4 Allroad as examples.

Power for the Regal comes from a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder. Output is rated at 250 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque for the front-wheel drive Sportback. Opt for the Sportback AWD or TourX and torque rises to 295 pound-feet. A nine-speed automatic comes standard on the front-wheel drive model while an eight-speed automatic comes on AWD models.

In terms of safety, both Regal models come with an active hood pedestrian safety system. At speeds between 16 and 30 mph, a pyrotechnic actuator can lift back of the hood up about four inches if it "detects the imminent impact of a pedestrian". Raising the hood will lessen the impact and "potentially reduce injury.”

Inside, Buick is claiming both Regal models will offer best-in-class cargo room. Standard equipment includes ten air bags, heated side-view mirrors and a seven-inch infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An eight-inch screen is available as an option.

Buick says the 2018 Regal will arrive at dealers towards the end of the year. Details on pricing will be announced sometime before then.

Source: Buick
Press Release is on Page 2

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Buick Introduces Expressive New 2018 Regal Sportback

• Sleek appearance, excellent driving performance and unexpected flexibility

DETROIT — With the 2018 Regal Sportback, Buick builds on its track record of making bold moves outside traditional vehicle segments to deliver unique customer offerings that fit modern lifestyles. The Regal Sportback provides a sleek, sporty, coupe-like design, the spirited performance of a premium sports sedan and unexpected versatility in one sophisticated package for a perfect balance of form and function.

The coupe-like roofline captures the expressive style and passion customers want, while the five-door layout enables easier access to cargo space. With the split-folding second row seats in place, the new Regal Sportback offers 31.5 cubic feet of cargo space, more than twice as much as the 2017 Regal.

In keeping with its sporting nature, the Regal Sportback’s cabin takes a driver-centric approach, with the center stack skewed towards the driver for a cockpit feel. The cabin’s craftsmanship is characterized by clean lines, uncluttered surfaces and premium seating materials.

“The new Regal Sportback was developed with today’s active, independent, premium car customer in mind,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president, Global Buick and GMC. “They have an SUV in the garage and are looking to complement it with a sport sedan, but have an appreciation for the usefulness of a versatile cargo space when an occasional need arises.”

Regal Sportback highlights:

• Available intelligent all-wheel drive (AWD) with active twin-clutch for improved vehicle control and efficiency in any conditions.
• AWD models have an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel-drive models have a nine-speed automatic.
• The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces a GM-estimated 250 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque (FWD) and 295 lb-ft of torque (AWD).
• The discreetly integrated rear opening has a tri-folding 40/20/40 rear seat available and a 60/40 split-folding seat standard.
• Safety innovations include a Buick-first active hood pedestrian safety system, Front Pedestrian Braking and Lane Keep Assist.
• There’s more overall cargo space than the Audi A5 Sportback and BMW 4-series Gran Coupe, with 60.7 cubic feet behind the first row.
• Signature Buick QuietTuning includes all-new tire insulation to help reduce road noise on front-wheel-drive models and premium five-link rear suspension on AWD models.

The Regal Sportback’s spirited performance comes by way of a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine standard producing a GM-estimated 250 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The power is routed to the front wheels via an all-new nine-speed automatic transmission. An available 295 lb-ft of torque is sent through an eight-speed automatic transmission on models with optional intelligent AWD with an active twin-clutch differential. The engine comes standard with advanced start/stop technology.

With the Regal Sportback, Buick continues to establish itself as a leader in all-wheel-drive technology. Also available on the Regal TourX, Envision and LaCrosse, Buick’s innovative new system uses two clutches at the rear wheels for seamless, smart torque distribution. Beneficial not just in snowy weather but also during spirited driving, the system relies less on braking to maintain maximum performance and efficiency.

Buick offers AWD across its entire portfolio, with the exception of the Cascada convertible.

The exterior design of the 2018 Regal Sportback is visually low and tailored, hinting at an advanced body structure that is stiffer, stronger and approximately 200 pounds lighter than the previous generation Regal. Customers will notice this reduction through more athletic handling and improved efficiency. With wheels pushed farther to the corners and a wheelbase stretched more than 3 inches than its predecessor, more expressive proportions are paired with improved passenger space.

The chassis has been tuned for refined control and a confident everyday driving character. AWD models feature an all-new five-link rear suspension that provides improved road noise isolation and tuning designed to match that drivetrain’s advanced capabilities.

The 2018 Regal Sportback offers new levels of crash prevention and protection. It is the first Buick to offer a standard active hood pedestrian safety system that senses the imminent impact of a pedestrian between 16-30 mph and uses a pyrotechnic actuator to lift the back of the hood up about 4 inches to lessen the impact and potentially reduce injury.

Available Driver Confidence I package adds popular active safety features including Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Rear Park Assist. A more advanced Driver Confidence II package adds Front Pedestrian Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert and Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Automatic Braking.

Standard equipment on every 2018 Regal Sportback includes push-button start and entry, Hill Start Assist, 10 air bags, universal home remote and heated side mirrors.

Every Regal Sportback also comes equipped with an OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot (AT&T data plan purchase required after limited data trial period) and five years of the OnStar Basic Plan at no additional cost. Among other benefits like an industry-leading myBuick app, this connectivity plan features OnStar Smart Driver, an opt-in service designed to help Buick owners maximize their vehicle’s overall performance and become better drivers.

A 7-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is standard, while an 8-inch system with available embedded navigation is optional. Bose premium audio is also available, while Sportback offers standard active noise cancellation on all AWD models.

Available in four trim levels — Regal, Preferred, Preferred II and Essence — the Regal Sportback is aimed at those who possess a passion for driving and demand a vehicle that represents their personality and style. 

While pricing and other details will not be announced until closer to the on-sale date in the fourth quarter of 2017, the Regal Sportback will offer style and performance on par with more expensive competitors, with a pricing strategy consistent with why Buick has been named Kelley Blue Book’s Best Value Luxury Brand four years in a row.

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2018 Buick Regal TourX Brings Adventure to Every Drive

• Rugged utility and upscale amenities are purpose-built for active lifestyles

DETROIT — Coming off a historic year with record sales, four new vehicle launches and awards validating Buick’s quality and customer experience, the brand’s introduction of the all-new Regal TourX brings the latest product to broaden the brand’s lineup in the U.S. Like the successful Encore and Cascada, TourX proves Buick continues to make bold moves outside traditional vehicle segments.

“Regal TourX is a crossover in the truest sense of the word, with the drive dynamics of a car and the versatility of an SUV,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president, global Buick and GMC. “Additionally, it continues a trend set by the Cascada and Encore of bringing Buick’s contemporary design and attainable luxury credentials to new segments where customers are looking for more. TourX enters a vibrant segment with passion and youthful energy where drivers are able to experience the new Buick.”

The TourX rides higher than its Sportback counterpart, enabling greater capability. Its rugged exterior appearance, standard roof rails, interior amenities, standard intelligent all-wheel drive (AWD) with active twin-clutch and functional cargo area epitomize upscale utility, capability and convenience backed by the quality and safety expected from Buick.

With the new Regal TourX and Sportback, Buick now offers two new products that expand the expectations and opportunity for individuality in the premium midsize segment. One is a sports sedan with sleek, coupe-like design with five-door versatility; the other, a vehicle with the drive dynamics of a car but with all the usefulness of an SUV.

Highlights of Regal TourX:

• It has more overall cargo space than the Volvo V60 Cross Country, the Audi A4 Allroad, BMW 3-series Sport Wagon and the Subaru Outback, with up to 73.5 cubic feet behind the front seats.
• Standard intelligent AWD with active twin-clutch provides improved vehicle control and efficiency in any condition.
• The purpose-built exterior’s ride height increased over the Regal Sportback and it has durable fascia and fender moldings.
• The hands-free power liftgate has a Buick tri-shield logo lamp that illuminates the ground beneath the sensor, standard on upper trim levels.
• The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 250 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.
• Customer-minded available accessories including a variable roof rack, portable Bluetooth speaker and keyless keypad entry.
• An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard.
• Safety innovations include a Buick-first active hood pedestrian safety system, Front Pedestrian Braking and Lane Keep Assist.

Memorable adventures need capable performance, and TourX answers the call with a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine featuring 250 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. That power is routed to the ground via a standard eight-speed automatic transmission and intelligent AWD with active twin-clutch for greater control on any surface. The engine also comes standard with advanced start/stop technology.

Also offered on the Regal Sportback, Envision and LaCrosse, Buick’s innovative new system uses two clutches at the rear wheels for seamless, smart torque distribution. Beneficial not just in snowy weather but also during spirited driving, the system relies less on braking to maintain maximum performance and efficiency.

Compared to the 2018 Regal Sportback, the TourX is 3.4 inches longer, showcasing a confident side profile and a roofline accent piece that arches along the entire length of the roof and D-pillar, eventually culminating in the LED-accented taillights.

Up front, Buick’s winged grille is flanked by standard LED daytime running lights and available LED headlights that are thinner and more landscaped to enhance the low, wide appearance of the front end.

Inside the luxurious cabin, the new Regal’s interior design takes a tailored, driver-centric approach, featuring premium materials and host of modern technologies. Refined materials in the cabin feature clean lines and uncluttered surfaces, all while keeping utility and capability of utmost importance. Folding down the second row gives the Regal TourX 73.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity, more than its key competitors, and 32.7 cubic feet in the rear hatch area with seats up.

Standard equipment on every 2018 Regal TourX includes intelligent AWD with active twin-clutch, push-button start and entry, Hill Start Assist, 10 air bags, universal home remote and heated side mirrors.

Every Regal TourX also comes equipped with an OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot (AT&T data plan purchase required after limited data trial period) and five years of the OnStar Basic Plan[1] at no additional cost. Among other benefits like an industry-leading myBuick app, this connectivity plan features OnStar Smart Driver, an opt-in service designed to help Buick owners maximize their vehicle’s overall performance and become better drivers.

A 7-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is standard on TourX and Preferred trims, while an 8-inch system is standard on the Essence trim with available embedded navigation optional. Bose premium audio with an innovative subwoofer mounted in the spare tire well is also standard with active noise cancellation.

The 2018 Regal TourX offers new levels of crash prevention and protection. Along with the Regal Sportback, it is the first Buick to offer a standard active hood pedestrian safety system that senses the imminent impact of a pedestrian between 16-30 mph and uses a pyrotechnic actuator to lift the back of the hood up about 4 inches to lessen the impact and potentially reduce injury.

The Regal TourX’s available Driver Confidence I package adds popular active safety features including Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Rear Park Assist. A more advanced Driver Confidence II package adds Front Pedestrian Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert and Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Automatic Braking.

Available in three trim levels — TourX, Preferred and Essence — TourX is designed around a lifestyle and exposes a new generation and a new segment of buyers to the Buick brand. Pricing and other details will be announced closer to the on-sale date in the fourth quarter of 2017.

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[regfootball 1,081]

THEY F---ING PUT CLADDING ON THE WAGON!

A$$H0LES   GM!

[Paolino 223 1 Vehicles]

The only picture is the small one of the wagon?  I want to see this thing (in Buick form... not an Opel and be told to "imagine it with a different grille" )  Nevermind, I saw it on Buick's website.

Am I nitpicking by the 7" standard Infotainment screen?  I mean, it's been 8" standard for 2014-17...

EDIT: Nevermind, found the pics... not really feeling the exterior.  Like the interior though.

[William Maley 952]

1 hour ago, Paolino said:

The only picture is the small one of the wagon?  I want to see this thing (in Buick form... not an Opel and be told to "imagine it with a different grille" )  Nevermind, I saw it on Buick's website.

Am I nitpicking by the 7" standard Infotainment screen?  I mean, it's been 8" standard for 2014-17...

EDIT: Nevermind, found the pics... not really feeling the exterior.  Like the interior though.

 

 

 

I had to pull the pictures from various news sites since Buick's Media team is apparently asleep and hasn't released them on their media site. (I'll update the gallery when they do).

Have gotten the official pics and some from the event today! They are now in the gallery.

[Paolino 223 1 Vehicles]

The dash LOOSELY reminds me of a BMW...

[regfootball 1,081]

50 minutes ago, Paolino said:

The only picture is the small one of the wagon?  I want to see this thing (in Buick form... not an Opel and be told to "imagine it with a different grille" )  Nevermind, I saw it on Buick's website.

Am I nitpicking by the 7" standard Infotainment screen?  I mean, it's been 8" standard for 2014-17...

EDIT: Nevermind, found the pics... not really feeling the exterior.  Like the interior though.

having used one now for most of a year, i will even say 8" screens will be small in a couple of years.

[Paolino 223 1 Vehicles]

Just now, regfootball said:

having used one now for most of a year, i will even say 8" screens will be small in a couple of years.

I completely agree.  I have an 8" now and it looks a little small at times (especially knowing there's an optional 9.2" that would fit in the space).  I asked Drew if there was any news about any bigger units going in... I'd like to see the LaCrosse get something bigger than 8"... being their screen is "frameless", I'm sure they could squeeze something bigger behind the dash.

I just don't understand why if they've had an 8" screen standard for the past 3 years, they'd drop to a smaller screen when everyone is going bigger.  It can't be THAT much cheaper.

[daves87rs 1,087]

Like em....not sure how I feel about the cladding though.

 

Might look good parked next to a Grand Am I guess.....

[smk4565 1,088]

The cladding looks bad, but some market research probably told them it looks more rugged and more SUV like with cladding so they went with it  The Sportback looks like a Malibu body fused with a 5-series GT rear end, not a good look.  No one buys wagons anyway, I don't think this gives anyone reason to start, not really feeling the almost 4-door coupe Sportback.

[Paolino 223 1 Vehicles]

The cladding is god-awful. Why does it do that thing over the middle of the wheel?  It just looks unfinished... almost like someone was trying it out with plastic to see what it would look like but it's not the final product.

[smk4565 1,088]

They should call it the Buick Regal Montana

Look how rugged it is

[Drew Dowdell 11,306 2 Vehicles]

I don't mind the cladding, they're going for a very specific demographic with that.   I think I could sell the sportback at home.  Wagons, as a rule, are a no-go. 

[balthazar 7,602 3 Vehicles]

4 hours ago, William Maley said:

• Previous Page
• Americans don't really buy wagons except when they have been SUVized/Crossoverized - see Subaru Outback and Audi A4 Allroad as examples.

 

Uhhh, I feel compelled to point out that Americans don't buy the VW Allroad either- it averages mere 175 units/mnth.  

[dfelt 4,986 5 Vehicles]

Like it and the rugged look they are going for. Reminds me of the Eagle 4WD, only much better!

[regfootball 1,081]

Hey Buick.  Where is THIS?  Mark, Mary, you royally screwed the pooch on this one.

 

 

or the nice bolstered seats of this?

 

 

 

[regfootball 1,081]

2 hours ago, Paolino said:

I completely agree.  I have an 8" now and it looks a little small at times (especially knowing there's an optional 9.2" that would fit in the space).  I asked Drew if there was any news about any bigger units going in... I'd like to see the LaCrosse get something bigger than 8"... being their screen is "frameless", I'm sure they could squeeze something bigger behind the dash.

I just don't understand why if they've had an 8" screen standard for the past 3 years, they'd drop to a smaller screen when everyone is going bigger.  It can't be THAT much cheaper.

i think part of a real legit issue with touch screens in cars are the adverse climate extremes they are affected by, and durability concerns.

Maybe its still a few years yet before they launch larger screens, after they can prove real world they hold up freezing cold, hot heat, and damaging interior environments of cars.

[regfootball 1,081]

1 hour ago, smk4565 said:

They should call it the Buick Regal Montana

Look how rugged it is

 

[dfelt 4,986 5 Vehicles]

11 minutes ago, regfootball said:

i think part of a real legit issue with touch screens in cars are the adverse climate extremes they are affected by, and durability concerns.

Maybe its still a few years yet before they launch larger screens, after they can prove real world they hold up freezing cold, hot heat, and damaging interior environments of cars.

BOLT has a Lovely 10" screen in the center and the 8" as the dash. Very nice.

Opal

Buick

These look pretty much the same to me other than the steering wheel and a different programming of the dash screen. Center screen is the same.

Seats also have similarities. So I wonder how much change other than color there really is.

[regfootball 1,081]

the seats in the picture look to be 98% the same as the malibu, which i can tell you are not terribly comfy, lack cushion and have bad back shaping.  very un comfy at times.  I actually would endorse people step up to an Impala from a Malibu for no other reason than better better seats in the Impala.

the more heavily bolstered seats in my post above could very well be optional seats, but they look substantively different, akin to GS seats vs. regular seats in the current Regal.

Not sensing 'premium' options available here.  Until we find out more.

Not even a stinking pattern in the leather, or anything else interesting looking about the regal seats here.

 

[balthazar 7,602 3 Vehicles]

1 hour ago, regfootball said:

Hey Buick.  Where is THIS?  

FFS- it's the same F'ing car. A literal grille-n-badge job.

[ykX 862]

They look great except the cladding on the wagon. I would understand if it had some ground clearance to make it competitive to Outback/All road but without ground clearance doesn't make any sense (extra 0.6in is not doing anything).

I wish they would leave it just like the Insignia wagon, but I guess Americans are not buying pure wagons anymore.

Edited April 5, 2017 by ykX

[ponchoman49 24]

Looks nice but I sure hope the cladding is just a trim level on the wagon and that there are going to be more than two interior colors available. Also there is no mention of a V6

[Robert Hall 5,429 4 Vehicles]

2 hours ago, ykX said:

They look great except the cladding on the wagon. I would understand if it had some ground clearance to make it competitive to Outback/All road but without ground clearance doesn't make any sense (extra 0.6in is not doing anything).

I wish they would leave it just like the Insignia wagon, but I guess Americans are not buying pure wagons anymore.

Yeah, I think they think it needs the crossover wagon look to sell.  Going for the Volvo Cross Country, Outback, Alltrack, Allroad, etc style... looks sharp over all..like the profile, front and the interior. 

Going the opposite direction---the classic American wagon look w/ fake woodgrain on the sides and white wall tires----probably wouldn't have worked except for a few nostalgia sales...

Edited April 5, 2017 by Cubical-aka-Moltar

[ccap41 3,516 3 Vehicles]

That cladding does look terrible... I was going to say just paint it but even then they'll still stick out a little more than I think they should.

10 hours ago, balthazar said:

FFS- it's the same F'ing car. A literal grille-n-badge job.

uhhhh there is no plstic cladding around the wheels in his picture which make a world of a difference.

[Robert Hall 5,429 4 Vehicles]

35 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

That cladding does look terrible... I was going to say just paint it but even then they'll still stick out a little more than I think they should.

uhhhh there is no plstic cladding around the wheels in his picture which make a world of a difference.

Yes, but without the cladding it doesn't say 'X'...i.e. a regular wagon which their studies say Americans won't buy---the cladding gives it the X factor (cross over) which studies show should attract Americans.