2011 Buick Lucerne in Valdese, NC - $9,750

As the nameplate's most premium and elegant sedan the Buick Lucerne is loaded with safety, comfort and convenience features normally found in luxury vehicles costing thousands more. As the most premium trim level for the model, the Buick Lucerne Super sedan adds exclusive design elements, such as a new bright chrome waterfall grill, front and rear fascias, integrated dual exhaust tips, rocker panels, and Super badge on the decklid. Aluminum wheels and premium all-season tires complete the look, complementing the vehicle's sport-touring attitude.

For 2010, the Lucerne receives the following enhancements and upgrades: the entire Lucerne lineup is refreshed with rocker panels and fog lamps from Lucerne Super; new optional 18-inch chrome wheel design for Lucerne Super; updated backlit gauges on instrument panel cluster (late 2009MY change); choice of Ebony and Cocoa/Shale Super interior now standard on Lucerne CXL Special Edition; and available Bluetooth on 1CX model. Exterior colors Pearl Frost Tricoat, Light Bronze Metallic and Sand Beige Metallic are additions; Dark Crimson Metallic, Ming Blue Metallic, Gold Mist Metallic, Dark Mocha Bronze Metallic and Mystic Sapphire Tri-coat have been discontinued.

Available in CX, CXL, CXL Special Edition and Super trim levels, base power for the Lucerne is generated by a 3.9L V6 powerplant. The Lucerne Super is equipped with the 4.6L Northstar V8 prime mover. Torque is communicated to the pavement through the Hydra-Matic 4T65 electronically controlled four-speed automatic for the V6, while the V8 equipped is bolted to the Hydra-Matic 4T80 electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission.

All Lucerne models benefit from Buick's all-encompassing QuietTuning engineering initiative, designed to reduce or tune out unwanted road and powertrain sound in order to provide best-in-class levels of ride quietness.

Inside the cabin, the Lucerne boasts a complete range of comfort and convenience features such as: heated/cooled front seats; factory-installed remote vehicle start; ultrasonic rear parking assist; rain-sensing windshield wiper system; heated windshield washer fluid system; nine-speaker 280-watt Harman Kardon audio system; six-disc in-dash CD change with MP3 capability and DVD map navigation.

Interior appointments underscore Buick's focus on elegance, comfort and spaciousness. Premium materials are complimented by tasteful wood and chrome finishes and a flowing, cross-car design theme that is trimmer and sleeker than previous full-size Buick sedans. Rear leg room is impressive making the large Buick a very hospitable place.

The Lucerne Super adds to the luxury experience with: a leather-wrapped upper instrument panel with French-seam stitching; unique finish on the instrument panel center stack; leather seats with perforated suede fabric inserts for the outboard seating positions; and suede door trim inserts. A heated, wood steering wheel and shift knob finished in Walnut Burl, power tilt and telescoping steering column, front chrome sill plates and Buick embroidered floor mats round out the Lucerne Super's special content.

Dimensions & specifications

Wheelbase: 115.6; overall length: 203.2; width: 73.8; height: 58.0

All vehicle measurements are in inches

Engine: 3.9L V6 – 227 hp at 5,700 rpm and 237 lbs-ft of torque at 3,200 rpm; 4.6L V8 – 292 hp at 6,300 rpm and 288 lbs-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm.

Transmission: four-speed electronically-controlled automatic.

EPA Fuel Economy: 3.9L V6 – 17 city/26 hwy.; 4.6L V8 – 15 city/22 hwy.

Cargo capacity: 17.0 cubic feet

Safety features

Dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, dual head curtain side-impact airbags, battery run-down protection, four-wheel disc brakes with ant-lock, dynamic rear-proportioning, traction control, fog lights, daytime running lights, automatic headlights, tire pressure monitors, automatic power door locks, remote keyless entry, OnStar communications system, PASS-Key III theft deterrent system and tire repair kit.

CXL adds Bluetooth hands-free phone system and universal garage door opener. Super adds brake assist, remote engine start, ultrasonic rear parking assist, content alarm system, and StabiliTrak vehicle stability control system.

Optional safety features include: navigation system, lane departure warning system, and side blind zone alert system.

Warranty

Basic: 4-year/50,000 mile Bumper-to-bumper

Powertrain: 5-year/100,000 mile

Corrosion: 6-year/100,000 mile

Roadside Assistance: 5-year/100,000 mile 24-hour

Pricing

The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2010 Buick Lucerne sedan starts from $29,230 for the CX upto $39,230 for the Super. Destination charges add $765.