2020 Buick LaCrosse Leaked From Chinese Government Website
Images of the refreshed 2020 Buick LaCrosse have leaked, thanks to some help from an unsecured Chinese government website used in the certification process of upcoming models. Finally, bureaucratic screw-ups are working in our favor. While we’ve seen heavily camouflaged test mules in the past, this is our first uncovered look at the third generation LaCrosse’s refreshed bodywork. Alterations are meaningful but not overbearing.
The front end has been completely worked over, making the LaCrosse more closely resemble the Chevrolet Malibu. However, the changes were no doubt made to keep it in line with modern Buick models. Headlamps are slimmer, designed around the placement of the model’s enlarged grille, just like on the Enclave, while the taillights are pure Rega l. However, the LaCrosse carries just enough chrome to differentiate itself for those who like to pretend car spotting is a legitimate pastime.
Auto Verdict, which was the first outlet to share the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology’s low-resolution images, noted that this particular regulatory requirement has caused numerous new product leaks in China, especially for SAIC-GM and Buick. Considering the manufacturer hasn’t made any official announcements, this makes yet another slip.
Overall, the new look hasn’t hurt the model. It looks slightly more aggressive and maybe resembles the E2XX Regal too closely. You’re welcome to weigh in and tell us how it’s pure genius or an unmitigated disaster. Since the current model went into production in 2016, you’ll only be judging the new bodywork, as GM is unlikely to mess with the mechanicals. The interior could change slightly.
The 2020 Buick LaCrosse should be available with a 3.6-liter V6 delivering 310 horsepower and 282 lb-ft of torque. Base models come with a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder mild-hybrid system. There has been no news of China’s true hybrid model making it to our shores. Expect the refreshed LaCrosse to appear at the Guangzhou Motor Show, followed by the Los Angeles Auto Show later this month.
A staunch consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulation. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms based in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Dissatisfied with the corporate world and resentful of having to wear suits everyday, he pivoted to writing about cars. Since then, that man has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, been interviewed on the auto industry by national radio broadcasts, driven more rental cars than anyone ever should, participated in amateur rallying events, and received the requisite minimum training as sanctioned by the SCCA. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and managed to get a pizza delivery job before he was legally eligible. He later found himself driving box trucks through Manhattan, guaranteeing future sympathy for actual truckers. He continues to conduct research pertaining to the automotive sector as an independent contractor and has since moved back to his native Michigan, closer to where the cars are born. A contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer — stating that front and all-wheel drive vehicles cater best to his driving style.
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Looks like someone at Buick is a big fan of the Mazda 6.
I wonder if that "butt" is any taller than the current model? I'm hopping for a couple of cubic feet more trunk room. The current Lacrosse has 13 cubic ft of room - 15 cubic feet is more or less a minimum for me for family car duty. Oddly the current Lacrosse being on a newer platform than the closely related Impala and XTS has LESS trunk room than either one. Impala - 19 cubic ft XTS - 18 cubic ft