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.