Easy on the eyes and smart technology.
Driving solo to a work conference three hours from home in an eight-passenger Toyota Sequoia didn’t make sense, so I opted to test drive a mid-size sedan. When told I would be driving a Buick Regal AWD GS, I had a flashback to my parents’ old Buick. But when I saw this chic Buick Regal parked in my driveway, I couldn’t wait to get inside.
The first thing that got my attention was the color – a gorgeous copper red metallic, giving it a sporty look. And although I love my black Sequoia, it’s a few years old and this 2015 Buick Regal AWD GS has cool technology and safety features lacking in my SUV.
I immediately got used to the keyless entry, push button ignition, rear vision camera and OnStar 4G LTE, enabling up to seven devices at a time to connect to high speed Internet. Learning to use OnStar was much easier than I thought. To connect a device, you press the voice command button and say “WiFi settings.” The vehicle’s username and password is then displayed on the Buick’s IntelliLink screen.
Small but mighty
The morning of my trip, I plugged my iPod into the USB port in the console, got directions to the conference and opened the sunroof for a smooth drive from Los Angeles to Carlsbad in San Diego County.
I was pleased to find the five-passenger Buick Regal felt spacious. My luggage got swallowed up in the trunk and easily could have accommodated my family’s gear for a short trip, too. My purse, snacks and water bottle were within easy reach but not on top of each other. The car drove like a champ, hugging turns and zooming with horsepower.
Top model looks
Once I reached the site of the conference at California’s luxurious Omni La Costa Resort and Spa, the Buick fit in beautifully with the Mercedes, BMWs and other high end vehicles. In fact, I got compliments on the metallic color that glints in the sun. I was proud to be the driver of this hot little number.
Teen approved
Back home, I drove the car on errands with my teens. They give it a thumbs-up too! Imagine that, a laid-back luxury vehicle loaded with features that’s cool enough for teens too.
What I loved
- Sleek style
- OnStar 4G LTE
- Rear vision camera
- Keyless entry and start up
- Heated driver and front passenger seats
- Eight standard air bags
- Fuel-efficient (roundtrip from L.A. to San Diego left me with a quarter tank of gas)
What You Should Know
- The Buick Regal earned the Consumer Guides Best Buy award for 2014
- Regal GS’s 2.0 Turbo Engine delivers nearly more than 35 percent more horsepower and 15 percent more torque than Audi A4’s 2.0 turbocharged engine
- eAssist is available powertrain in 2015 Regal Premium I, rated at 25 city/36 highway
- Premium gas recommended
- 2015 MY pricing starts at $30,765; $32, 675 eAssist; $33, 190 AWD GS; $40,585 GS AWD; price for the model I tested, $43,820
Disclosure: The Buick Regal AWD GS was provided to me by Buick for this review; the opinions expressed are all my own.
