Buick rolls out a sharp new one in Lucerne CXS

This week we test-drive Buick’s new Lucerne CXS, a competitor in the full-size premium sedan market. Our top-of-the-line model features the Northstar V-8 engine, which is also found in Buick’s sister manufacturer Cadillac DTS.

Previously, only Oldsmobile shared Northstar technology; so let’s hope Buick succeeds with the Northstar/DTS sharing development where now defunct Oldsmobile failed.

Currently down to just five models in its dealer offerings, could Buick possibly be headed the way of Oldsmobile? Although we’d hate to see another of the famous GM brands go away, Buick’s big problem right now is identifying its customer and competing in a class that features some stiff competition, both foreign (Toyota/Lexus) and domestic (Chrysler).

Still, we have plenty of praise for front-drive Lucerne, which is given the unenviable task of replacing both the full-size LeSabre and Park Avenue in Buick’s line. In addition to the powerful 4.6-liter Northstar DOHC V-8 that cranks out 275 horses, Lucerne CXS highlights include DTS inspired Magnetic Ride Control — you could almost say “magical” ride control as it’s very smooth; and Quiet Tuning, a process that helps reduce unwanted cabin noise and makes that smooth ride quiet as well.

Lucerne’s four-door exterior is a mixture of old and new that creates a sharp stance. The front is perhaps too traditional, featuring Buick’s old-style waterfall, vertical bar grill and large, centered chrome Buick emblem. Move to the side, however, and the Lucerne picks up 21st century style. The refined front fender portholes, a Buick design trademark for decades, feature three for the V-6 and four for the V-8. At the rear, CXS sits high and strong, finishing off a relatively “high-performance” inspired rake.

Lucerne’s cabin is a mix of traditional and modern, and again, most of it works. Loaded with convenience and comfort, CXS features universal home remote; eight-way power driver and front passenger seats with power lumbar support; heated driver and front passenger seats; memory setting for two drivers; auto dual-zone climate control; AM/FM stereo with CD and MP3 player; nine-speaker Harman/Kardon System; XM satellite radio; front and rear carpet-savers; leather-appointed seating and leather-wrapped steering wheel, among numerous standard features.

The options on Lucerne tester totaled $3,640, including $1,795 for touchscreen navigation radio (certainly modern); $650 for chrome 18-inch wheels; $500 for cooled and heated front seats; and heated washer fluid for $100. The final option is a $595 driver confidence package, which includes a remote vehicle starter system, theft-deterrent system and rear parking assist.

While loaded with features and extremely comfortable, we have a few issues with the interior. A compartment for sunglasses was noticeably absent, and there are just two small cup-holders. Additionally, neither telescopic steering nor adjustable pedals are offered. Want high intensity discharge headlights? Not available.

An area where the Lucerne shines is safety. CXS features driver and passenger front air bags, front and rear head curtain air bags, and a tire inflation monitoring system. Buick’s reputation for reliability is also noteworthy, as the division receives many awards for building excellence.

Other performance features of note include four-wheel disc ABS brakes, magnetic variable-assist steering, Stabilitrak stability control and traction control.

Important numbers include a 115.6-inch wheelbase, 3,764-pound curb weight and 17 cubic feet of cargo space. The Lucerne gets 17-mpg city and 25 highway with the Northstar V-8. The base CX Lucerne comes with the GM 3.8-liter V-6, while the middle-of-the-road CXL offers either the V-6 or the Northstar V-8.

Despite our criticisms we like Lucerne, which is named after the notable Swiss town. Our concern is that it has neither the standout modern looks of the rear-drive Chrysler 300 nor the reputation of an import competitor such as Toyota/Lexus. But it is sharp, and it’s from a legendary American manufacturer. Thus, we give CXS a solid 8 on a scale of 1 to 10.

Likes: Smooth, safe and quiet ride; Northstar V-8 goes zero-60 in 7.6-seconds.

Dislikes: Lacks storage space; common interior offerings missing.