2011 Buick Lucerne Sedan Review

Buick Lucerne

The 2011 Buick Lucerne receives only minor updates, including streamlined trim levels, new audio systems and standard stability control on all models.

Of course, some buyers may appreciate the Lucerne's old-school vibe. Check. Check. As basic transportation, the 2011 Buick Lucerne is good enough. The 2011 Buick Lucerne is a full-size luxury sedan offered in four trim levels: CX, CXL, CXL Premium and top-of-the-line Super. Five-passenger seating is standard and six-passenger seating with a 40/20/40 front split bench seat is available on all trim levels except Super.

The 2011 Buick Lucerne CXL Premium includes the Driver Confidence package, plus chromed alloy wheels, a driver auto-dimming mirror, a lane-departure warning system, a blind-spot warning system and a nine-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

Finally, the Super trim takes the Lucerne experience to another level with V8 power, 18-inch chrome alloy wheels, a sunroof (optional on CXL and CXL Premium), adaptive magnetic ride control, magnetic steering, perforated leather/faux-suede upholstery, heated and cooled front seats, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a touch screen navigation system with real-time traffic. The front-wheel-drive Buick Lucerne offers two engines from which to choose.

Safety

Every 2011 Buick Lucerne is equipped with antilock brakes, traction and stability control, front side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags. The Buick Lucerne has not been rated using the government's new, more strenuous 2011 crash testing procedures. The seats are comfortable, with ample room front and back, and a Lucerne advantage is the ability to seat six if needed.

Presented as a CX, CXL, CXL Premium and Super trim level, the 2011 Buick Lucerne shares safety items GM's Stabilitrak, tire pressure monitoring system, 6 airbags and four-wheel anti-lock breaking on all models. On the 2011 Buick Lucerne CX, CXL and CSL Premium, power comes from a 3.9 liter, 227 horsepower V-6 engine which is E85 compatible. The 2011 Buick Lucerne Super is the only trim level offering a 292 horsepower 4.6 liter V-8 engine.

The Buick Lucerne now comes in four different models: base CX, mid-level CXL and EXL, and top-of-the-range Super. Both engines in the front-wheel-drive "Buick Lucerne" come with a 4-speed automatic transmission.