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 Regal. 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.
Will there be a button to disable the stop/start system?
The Cruze got one this year, and the new trucks have one too. So hopefully that means GM is seeing the light on allowing customer’s some selectivity on this feature.
I had start-stop on rented Malibu and it sucks. So you stop at traffic light and engine shuts down. That’s okay you will not even notice. But then you release brake pedal a little and car suddenly shudders and you get scared. And then engine continue to run. So most of time engine runs at stop and the whole concept does not save any fuel and only annoys you.
Start/stop is the way of the future (for all the wrong reasons). Some let you disable it, but you must do so every time you start the vehicle. Others, have no such option and all are trending that way.
Consider a Ford. Same problem, but a forscan hack will let you modify such things.
Obviously I haven’t driven everything out there so more could exist, but the only vehicles I’ve seen without a stop/start “off” button were made by GM.
You are correct that in pretty much everything you have to hit the button with each ignition cycle (although “sport” or “track” modes seems to turn it off too), but automakers must know it sucks and people want it turned off because they’re generally putting the button in a convenient location. BMW is even nice enough to integrate it into starting the car:
tinyurl.com/y9a7wmfs
Also as I wrote earlier today, GM is *adding* an off button to the Cruze and pickup trucks so I’m hoping that means the tide is turning.
Mercedes GLK didn’t have a disable – admittedly that ended production as a 2015 model.
The stop/start system in the Malibu is horrific. The car shudders to life. The start/stop in the 2017+ LaCrosse is one of the best in the industry for being invisible both on stop and start. The 3.6L V6 in the 2017+ LaCrosse is unique to the P2XX/E2XX platform it is built on and was built with the intent of stop/start, versus the, “oh ya, lets add this to the powerplant.”
Not a defense of stop/start – but the system in the Malibu with the 1.5T is night and day different from the 2017 LaCrosse with the 3.6NA.
Rear end is a HUGE improvement. I’ve only seen 3 of these in real life in Los Angeles. All 3 rentals.
Wow, that looks great from all (both) angles.
Just look at a 2019, except for the tail lights it hasn’t really changed
The LaCrosse has always been a good looking car (minus the first generation) in pictures. Less good looking in person because of its larger than you would expect and sometimes odd proportions but still not bad.
+1
Looks like the spawn of an Aston and a futuristic pod.
It’s a Ford on the front and a Camry for the rest. Made in China by GM.
Modern but nothing spectacular. Soon to be seen without wheels in a writup by Murilee Martin.
RHD, hardly. The Lacrosse that I have thus far (3 years) is screwed together very well. I have had one issue, a cam sensor fouled triggering intermittent CEL, was replaced under warranty. Since then flawless.
Mine is a hencho in Kansas City car, so I can’t speak to the Chinese developed cars but it drives like a dream. I think most on here would be surprised how well the car drives and what an overall pleasant place it is to spend ones time.
RHD
The Lacrosse is built in Hamtramck Michigan.
The 2017+ LaCrosse is built in Detroit.
Looks like a Ford Fusion
Agreed actually – you don’t have to squint hard to see it. I’d argue the entire class looks largely the same due to CAFE and pedestrian safety rules.
The next Holden ??? after Insignia/Commodore dies as a result of the OPEL sellout to PSA.
downunder,
GMH a few years back wrestled with the idea of a Chinese Holden Commodore. The Opel won out because of consumer backlash.
The new Commodore isn’t selling that well, so the Euro Commodore might have been a poor choice.
This Chinese Buick would be nice with a rear wheel drive and a blown 3.6.
Funny that sounds like a Commodore, perhaps a worthy successor, if it came with rwd or fwd/awd! Perhaps shipping that assembly line off to China from Elizabeth will pay dividends. :)
downunder,
Make it a little bigger than a Kia Stinger with 100 more kilowatts, being Chinese it could be priced competitively (or cheaper) and it will sell.
Dirt cheap thrills.
Oh, let HSV and GMH do the suspension! Australia has some of the best suspension tuners in the world.
VW CC
IMHO GM really is on a roll when it comes to car (not truck) styling. They can do some things right.
The other day I saw a handsome sedan in traffic and wondered what it was, turned out it was a brand new Buick. I haven’t seen a new Buick around here in years!
In flesh this Buick has a presence – we had one on our parking lot(rental of course). Unlike the original LaCrosse or even CT6 and XTS,
Can I be first to say “LaCrosstour”?
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