2018 Buick Regal GS AWD: A Sharp Sedan, Now with V6 Power [Review]

OVERVIEW

Remember back when people generally thought of Buick was generally thought of as an entry level luxo-boat for mature drivers? That’s no longer the case. The 2018 Buick Regal GS is a prime example that Buick is shaking off its older audience. It adds two more cylinders over the standard Regal for 310 horsepower, coupled to a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard intelligent all-wheel drive system.

An active twin clutch that transfers torque between the rear wheels precisely delivers more refined, efficient performance and enhanced vehicle control by combating understeer as well as torque steer.

COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE

This five-passenger 2018 Buick Regal GS is a premium sport sedan that displays unique sport front and rear fascias, side skirting and a rear spoiler. Buick also fitted a sport-tuned exhaust system and GS badging front and rear. There’s a sport-flat bottomed steering wheel and metal pedals for even more sporting flavor. LED headlamps and a Heads-Up Display are available options. The heated and ventilated massaging performance seats are specific to the GS model.

The 2018 Buick Regal GS offers connectivity through an 8-inch touchscreen along with an 8-inch-diagonal, reconfigurable instrument cluster. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility comes as standard fare. The Regal GS also comes with OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi connectivity, with access to an unlimited data plan for $20 per month. All new purchases get three months free with 3GB of data per month.

SAFE AND SOUND

Safety features of the Buick Regal GS include ten standard air bags, including frontal driver and passenger, head-curtain side-impact and throrax for front and rear outboard seating positions and knee air bags for the driver and front passenger. Side Blind Zone Alert with Lane Change Alert and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert is also on offer. A “Driver Confidence Package 2” is available with Adaptive Cruise Control, Following Distance Indicator, Forward Collision Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Front Pedestrian Braking and a heads-up display.

PERFORMANCE

The 2018 Buick Regal GS is powered by a 3.6-liter V-6 with 310 horsepower and 282 lb-ft. For those familiar with those power figures, the Regal shares this powerplant with a variety of other GM cars and crossovers.

Also new is a second generation example of Continuous Damping Control that’s capable of 500 adjustments per second. It’s directed by Buick’s Interactive Control, allowing the driver to fine tune the vehicle’s driving dynamics via three modes. There’s standard setting, Sport Mode, or a GS Mode. Each setting tune’s the car’s performance for a sharper or more relaxed experience. On the 2018 Buick Regal GS, Buick also fitted performance brakes with Brembo front calipers.

Piloting the 2018 Buick Regal GS AWD yielded a peaceful and stable competence in a variety of driving scenarios from inner city to bustling freeways. Acceleration was clearly superior to the four-cylinder engine. The nine-speed automatic intuitively chose the proper gear in virtually all levels of spirited driving situations.

Reining in the Buick Regal GS courtesy of the four-piston Brembo front brakes was smooth and confidence inspiring.

TFLCAR’S TAKE

This latest iteration of the Regal GS is worthy of the Gran Sport badging. Its style is appealing, for a start. On top of that, its performance levels are enjoyable across the board, from simply commuting to a challenging romp on twisting back roads.

SPECIFICATIONS: 2018 Buick Regal GS AWD

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