Updated 2/20/2012
La Crosse eAssist
Buick is back.
That's not my opinion, or at least not just my opinion, but the opinion of numerous reviewers and, more important, new car buyers.
Honest luxury at a fair price. That's the new Buick, and the new Buick LaCrosse eAssist hybrid adds a nice improvement in fuel economy to the Buick brand. |
|
While based upon GM's old mild hybrid - think the now defunct Chevy Malibu hybrid - eAssist hybrid technology is almost a brand new powertrain. Everything in eAsist has been upgraded, most importantly, the battery.
Unlike GM's old mild hybrids, the Buick LaCrosse eAssist hybrid uses a lithium-ion battery, rather than a NiMH battery, which is mated to a 2.4 liter, inline 4-cylinder engine. Coupled with a small 15-horsepower electric motor that utilizes regenerative braking, a fuel cutoff system and start-stop technology, the new eAssist hybrid powertrain provides up to a 25 percent gain in fuel economy over the conventional LaCrosse according to GM – in both city and highway traffic. That translates to 25/37 mpg city/highway.
A 25 percent improvement in fuel economy? That's the point of hybrids in the first place, right?
Additionally, the new LaCrosse hybrid is outfitted with aerodynamic body panels underneath the car and low-rolling-resistance tires, as well as a special lower grill that closes at highway speeds to improve fuel economy.
While the La Crosse hybrid is listed at $30,820, today it can be picked up for about $28,221 according to TrueCar as of November.
Yes, that means there is still a hybrid premium, but in addition to the 25 percent improvement in fuel economy, the 2012 LaCrosse hybrid also adds 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity.
So, why buy a Buick LaCrosse eAssist hybrid?
The LaCrosse eAssist hybrid isn't the most fuel efficient hybrid in its class when it comes to city fuel economy. However, when it comes to highway fuel economy, the LaCrosse eAssist offers very competitive numbers in a very luxurous package at a very cost-competitive price.
Moreover, eAssist has legs and is shaping up to be the base powertrain of GM's future, the Buick LaCrosse eAssist hybrid isn't some kind of hybrid gimmick, it's a glimpse of GM's future.
|
Key LaCrosse Hybrid Facts
- 25/37 mpg city/hwy
- $30,170
- Intellichoice "best value" for 2012 |
