2018 Buick Regal GS First Look

2018 Buick Regal GS First Look By Auto Critic Steve Hammes

With the Verano’s announced retirement and the advanced age of the current Regal, Buick’s fun-to-drive car lineup is ready for rejuvenation. Meet the 2018 Regal GS – the highest performance expression of the all-new Regal Sportback.

The traditional sedan bodystyle has been replaced with this hatchback design providing double the cargo space in addition to a new coupe-like profile.  While the other Regal models run with a 2.0-liter turbo-4, this new GS now features V6 power with 51 more horsepower than the model it replaces.

The 3.6-liter motor makes 310 horsepower and 282 pound-feet of torque and features fuel efficiency manners such as cylinder deactivation and stop/start technology.  A 9-speed automatic transmission with all-wheel drive is standard.   This setup provides 4-wheel traction from front to back and additionally moves torque between the rear wheels for improved control.  It’s complemented by an updated adaptive suspension that reacts to the road up to 500 times per second.  It can also be set to specific parameters via Buick’s Interactive Drive Control, with Standard, Sport and GS modes.

Other GS highlights include a sport-tuned exhaust, performance brakes with Brembo front calipers, 19” wheels and sport body kit.  Inside, there are massaging, performance seats, a sport steering wheel and available head-up display.

Look for it later this year with a starting MSRP of about $40,000.