LA 2015: New LaCrosse is Buick’s key to China

There’s little question Buick’s success in China not only massively helped to drag GM out of bankruptcy, it also stopped the brand going the same way as Pontiac and Oldsmobile.

The car that drove that success was the LaCrosse – a big-selling sedan that’s ubiquitous in every Chinese city and popular because of its refined nature and rear-seat accommodation. So the new version is fundamental to sustaining GM’s advantage over its competitors in the world’s biggest car market.

Built on the same P2XX platform as the Chevrolet Impala, this all-new car is longer, wider and lower than the car it replaces – something that’s immediately apparent. While the outgoing car’s proportions are slightly awkward with a very short hood and high scuttle height compared to its length, this new car will doubtless look far more impressive on the road.

There are of course hints of Avenir concept in its form language, but also developments of the car it replaces. Most obvious is the bodyside surface which nods to the dropping feature line that kicked up over the rear wheels. Here it’s far more horizontal, visually lengthening the car while also pulling the bodyside wide point much lower, which is also helped by the positioning of the door handles. It would have been easy to let the surfacing contort awkwardly along the rear door but in fact it’s very well handled and looks impressive in person. It may be inspired by the Maserati Quattroporte but it shows the Italian how it’s done.

Thematically its interior is actually rather similar to the Cadillac XT5’s with a floating centre tunnel and metallic elements wrapping up the lower IP to define the outer air vents. Its materials are a step behind the Caddy’s though, which of course makes sense considering their relative positioning.

Rear-seat accommodation is as good as you’d expect although it’s surprising to see there isn’t a little more in terms of entertainment and surprise and delight for though all-important back-seat drivers.