In this episode of car reviews, Nianhan wants to talk with car friends about Buick's newly launched heavyweight model, the Regal GS. Are you excited?
This car will be launched on February 28, directly unleashing a "one-price" bombshell move. The current regular version's starting price of 159,800 is already aggressive enough. What new tricks can the GS version pull off? Don't worry, let me explain slowly!
Without further ado, let me first highlight the key information for car friends who are short on time: a new sports package, retention of the 2.0T+9AT golden combination, and an estimated price likely controlled around 180,000.
To be honest, with this price and its positioning as a sporty coupe, I'm afraid it will make the neighboring Volkswagen CC and Honda Accord hybrid scratch their heads!
It is no exaggeration to say that the new car's exterior makeover is comparable to head-swap surgery! When I saw the real car photos, my jaw dropped straight down!
Can you imagine that this front face directly cures the regular version's "chrome maniac" attribute? The flying-wing trim retaining chrome can be considered as saving some face for the family design, while the rest is directly blacked out.
This honeycomb grille directly maxes out the front end's aggressiveness. Combined with the huge air intakes on both sides of the bumper, it is simply a fierce character ready to hit the track.
The rear is even more full of bold moves! That blackened rear wing on the trunk lid is even more exaggerated in size than the products of some tuning shops.
Although the shape of the taillight assembly has not changed, paired with the black trapezoidal diffuser and dual chrome exhausts, the presence is completely that of a factory-modified car.
As for dimensions, although there is no hard confirmation yet, referring to the current model's 4904mm length and 2829mm wheelbase, this car will definitely be the prettiest one when parked in a parking lot!
Although the official specific parameters have not yet been announced, Nianhan can estimate that this 2.0T+9AT should still be GM's star combination. 237 horsepower is completely enough for this B-segment car, and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in under 7 seconds is definitely no problem.
However, what I want to complain about is that it is already 2024, and the neighboring Lynk & Co 03+ has already reached 265 horsepower. Isn't it time for Buick's powertrain system to be updated?
Judging from the available information, the Regal GS is very likely to launch only one configuration version.
Nianhan boldly predicts that it will come standard with: Brembo-supplied brake calipers (they must be painted red!), AGR-certified sport seats, and an adaptive suspension system. If the HUD head-up display and BOSE audio can be added, the cost-performance ratio would simply become legendary!
Alright, after rambling so much, I have roughly summarized and sorted out the pros and cons of this car. It may please some and may offend others, but I don't care.
Let me mention three advantages:
1. The factory-modified style directly saves the trouble of later tinkering.
2. The 2.0T powertrain has ample reserve, and the 9AT's smoothness is guaranteed.
3. The estimated price of around 180,000 makes it a price butcher among joint-venture sport sedans.
We can't spoil the disadvantages either, right? Here are also three:
1. The interior design is still the same old Buick style, and it does not even come with a dual-screen setup.
2. The long-distance comfort of the sport seats is questionable.
3. Later maintenance costs are higher than those of the regular version (high-performance tires are not cheap).
Next is the part car friends are most interested in, namely competitor comparison to see the truth!
Compared with the Volkswagen CC: it lacks frameless doors but is 50,000 cheaper; compared with the Lynk & Co 03+: it has more space but slightly weaker power; compared with the Camry sport version: power crushes it but resale value is worrying.
So which types of consumers are suitable or not suitable? Don't scroll away, keep reading:
Suitable for three types of people:
1. Young car owners who want a sporty appearance but are afraid of being inspected for modifications.
2. Practical buyers with a budget under 200,000 who want a 2.0T joint-venture B-segment car.
3. Individualistic consumers who are tired of the Japanese big three.
Not suitable for two types of people:
1. Performance enthusiasts pursuing ultimate driving control.
2. Greasy middle-aged people who need business reception.
Finally, Nianhan wants to say that in today's era where new energy dominates, Buick still dares to launch a fuel-powered sport sedan, and this courage deserves praise.
However, to carve out a bloody path amid the pincer attack from new energy and fuel vehicles, relying on a sports package alone is not enough. Do you think the Regal GS can recreate the glory of the former "Corner King"?
