Luxurious performer: 2015 Buick Regal sedan
The 2015 Buick Regal sedan injects more performance into the Buick sedan lineup, but in an efficient and responsible way. Based on the award-winning Opel Insignia, the Regal features a modern, sleek design with great attention to detail and excellent build quality.
Regal wears the appearance of contemporary Buick, with cues that reinforce its low, wide proportion and convey an upscale ambiance through technology. The prominent, sweptback headlamps are available in two versions, including halogen projector beams and Xenon high-intensity discharge. Available LED daytime running lamps form a distinctive wing profile above the headlamps, designed to give the Regal an unmistakable signature on the road, and at the rear, LED wing-shape tail lamps give the car a familial look. A chrome accent bridges the tail lamps to further enhance Regal’s wide stance.
The 2015 Buick Regal sedan is available in Regal (1SL), Premium I (1SN), Premium II (1SP), and GS (1SX) models. Exclusive design cues inside and out distinguish the GS from other Regal models, beginning with a slightly lowered ride height that projects a sportier stance. The Regal GS also wears unique body color front and rear fascias, with the front fascia incorporating prominent, vertical air intake slots accented in a satin-metallic finish. The rear fascia has a pair of integrated, satin-metallic trapezoidal exhaust outlets. Body color rocker panel extensions, rear spoiler and unique GS decklid badging completes the look.
Standard power for the Regal sedan is generated by an Ecotec 2.0L turbo four-cylinder engine joined to a Hydra-Matic 6T70 six-speed automatic. A GM F40-6 six-speed manual gearbox is an available option for the front-wheel drive Regal GS model.
An advanced Haldex all-wheel-drive system is optional, giving Regal drivers the most of traction in all driving conditions – and enhancing the cornering capability of the Regal GS when driven in the GS mode of the Interactive Drive Control System.
The standard control hardware for the Regal sedan consists of a four-wheel independent suspension with MacPherson struts, specifically tuned coil springs, hydraulic ride bushings and a direct-acting stabilizer bar in front. Rear control components include a four-link setup with a H-arm suspension, hollow stabilizer bar and continuous damping control (FWD).
Suspension hardware for the GS models is controlled by Buick’s exclusive Interactive Drive Control System which allows drivers to choose from three operating modes – Standard, Sport and GS Mode – according to driver preferences. The Regal GS features a four-wheel independent suspension with a unique High Performance Strut (HiPer Strut) front suspension design. This particular suspension design improves ride and handling by reducing torque steer; improving vehicle sensitivity to tire irregularities and wheel balance; more linear and communicative steering through improved camber control; and improved impact isolation on bumps and rough surfaces.
A lower ride height, 19-inch, 5-Twin Spoke alloy wheels (20-inch, 5-Twin Spoke polished alloy wheels with summer-rated performance tires are available) and four-piston Brembo front calipers also contribute to the GS’ performance persona.
Inside the passenger cabin, Regal adds new technologies for 2015, including OnStar with 4G LTE with and standard built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, as well as IntelliLink with Text Messaging Alerts and Siri Eyes Free. OnStar with 4G LTE and standard built-in Wi-Fi hotspot provides a mobile hub for drivers and passengers to stay connected. The hotspot is on whenever the car is on and comes with a three-month/three-gigabyte data trial.
The interior also blends sculptural beauty and refinement with technology, centered on Buick’s next-generation IntelliLink infotainment system. The instrument panel “center stack” houses the system’s eight-inch color touch screen. It is designed for easy operation with intuitive controls and smartphone-influenced swipe recognition for easier navigation.
The center stack is also home to the dual-zone climate controls which, like the IntelliLink screen, feature capacitive-touch operation – and are framed in chrome.
A high-resolution, 4.2-inch color display is the focal point of the instrument cluster, delivering vehicle information, navigation, audio system functions, phone features and more.
In Regal GS, an eight-inch configurable color instrument cluster screen is standard. It allows the driver to customize the displayed information with adjustments via steering wheel controls. This premium instrument display is framed with chrome accents and delivers chronograph-style graphics in two modes: Touring and Sport. It is also complemented with a pair of semicircle mechanical instruments for the tachometer and other vehicle functions, befitting of the GS’s driver-oriented mission.
Dimensions & specifications
Wheelbase: 107.8; overall length: 190.2; width: 73.1; height: 58.4
All vehicle measurements are in inches
Engine: 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder – 259 hp at 5,300 rpm and 295 lbs-ft of torque at 3,000 – 4,000 rpm; GS – 259 hp at 5,300 rpm and 295 lbs-ft of torque 2,500 - 4,000 rpm.
Transmission: six-speed manual, six-speed automatic
EPA Fuel Economy: 21 city/30 hwy, (FWD automatic); 19 city/27 hwy. (AWD automatic); 20 city/31 hwy (GS manual).
Cargo capacity: 14.2 cubic feet
Safety features
Dual front airbags, front seat mounted side-impact airbags, outbound rear seat thorax side-impact airbags, dual head curtain side-impact airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, full-function traction control, StabiliTrak vehicle stability control system, Bluetooth hands free phone system, OnStar communications system, remote keyless entry, rear vision camera, content theft alarm, daytime running lights, automatic headlamps, fog lamps, battery rundown protection, and tire pressure monitor system. Premium I (1SN) adds E-Z key passive entry system, remote vehicle start (automatic transmission only), push button start, universal home remote, and ultrasonic rear parking assist. Premium II (1SP) adds Bi-Xenon high intensity discharge projector lamps.
Optional safety features include: forward collision alert, lane departure warning, lane change alert, side blind zone alert, rear cross-traffic alert, following distance indicator, collision preparation (with collision mitigation braking) and full-speed-range adaptive cruise control.
Warranty
Basic: 4-year/50,000 mile
Powertrain: 6-year/70,000 mile
Corrosion: 6-year/100,000 mile
Roadside Assistance: 6-year/70,000 mile 24-hour
Pricing
The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2015 Buick Regal sedan starts from $29,990 for the Regal 1SL upto $39,810 for the GS AWD 1SX model. Destination charges add $925.
