The Buick Regal GS, a sportier variant of the Regal Sportback, emerges as a compelling option for those seeking a departure from the conventional luxury sedan. This model year, the 2018 Buick Regal Gs, exclusively equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, a nine-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive, targets a younger demographic with an appetite for spirited driving and distinctive styling.
While the 2018 Buick Regal GS boasts undeniable curb appeal and a wealth of user-friendly technology, its execution in delivering a truly engaging driving experience leaves something to be desired. Let’s delve into the details of this sporty-ish hatchback.
Sporty Aspirations, Muted Performance
Under the hood, the 2018 Buick Regal GS packs a respectable punch with its V6 engine, generating 310 horsepower and 282 pound-feet of torque. Buick offers three distinct driving modes – Normal, Sport, and GS (effectively Sport+) – promising varied driving dynamics. However, the reality is more subdued.
In its default Normal mode, the nine-speed automatic transmission prioritizes seamless gear changes and fuel efficiency, aligning with everyday commuting needs. Engaging Sport or GS mode results in minimal perceptible changes. While the transmission holds gears slightly longer, throttle response and shift mapping remain largely unchanged, lacking the immediacy expected from a sport-oriented vehicle. The absence of paddle shifters further limits driver engagement, and a manual transmission option is not even on the table.
The 2018 Buick Regal GS is not designed to be a corner-carving sports car. While the Sport and GS modes are intended to stiffen the suspension via Continuous Damping Control, adapting chassis characteristics in real-time, the difference between these modes and Normal mode is subtle at best. The ride quality remains comfortable and compliant, effectively absorbing road imperfections. However, the anticipated transformation into a more agile and responsive machine never truly materializes. The most noticeable difference between drive modes is the steering weight, which shifts from feather-light in Normal to pleasantly weighted in GS mode.
The standard stop-start system operates with commendable smoothness, a positive attribute given its non-disable feature. Theoretically, this fuel-saving technology contributes to EPA fuel economy ratings of 19 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined for the 2018 Buick Regal GS. Real-world testing yielded a combined figure closer to 19.2 mpg, suggesting that spirited driving can impact fuel efficiency.
Striking Exterior, Underwhelming Interior
The 2018 Buick Regal GS commands attention with its Sportback silhouette and available Sport Red paint. The sleek lines and curves are a welcome departure from Buick’s more conservative designs. The front fascia, characterized by slim headlights and prominent air intakes, hints at a sporty persona, drawing visual comparisons to the Audi A5 Sportback.
However, the interior of the 2018 Buick Regal GS fails to live up to the exterior’s promise. The cabin is marred by the use of cheap-feeling plastics, oversized buttons, and a dated overall aesthetic. Were it not for the inclusion of an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, the interior could easily be mistaken for a design from the mid-2000s. The dashboard is overwhelmingly flat and uninspired, and the large, clunky buttons detract from a sense of modern sophistication.
Despite the interior shortcomings, the front seats of the 2018 Buick Regal GS are a standout feature. The standard sport seats offer exceptional support and comfort, effectively cradling occupants. Equipped with heating, cooling, and massage functions, these seats provide a genuinely luxurious and pampering experience.
The Regal Sportback configuration translates to impressive cargo capacity. The 2018 Buick Regal GS offers 31.5 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, expanding to a generous 60.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. This cargo volume rivals that of compact SUVs like the Mazda CX-5, making the Regal GS a practical choice for those needing ample storage without opting for a traditional SUV.
Tech-Savvy and User-Friendly
Buick’s IntelliLink infotainment system, accessed through the 8-inch touchscreen, is a highlight of the 2018 Buick Regal GS. The system is intuitive and well-organized, with minimal physical buttons, streamlining the user interface.
IntelliLink includes integrated apps offering features like news podcasts and the Marketplace function, allowing for in-car ordering from services like Dunkin’ Donuts. The navigation system is user-friendly and accurately handles voice commands, even for complex street names. Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration further enhance connectivity, along with a Wi-Fi hotspot. Wireless smartphone charging is available, and the 2018 Buick Regal GS provides multiple USB ports, including two in the rear, and a 12-volt outlet.
An available head-up display projects clear and bright information onto the windshield, customizable to driver preference and visible even through polarized sunglasses. Every 2018 Buick Regal GS includes standard blind-spot monitoring and a rear-seat reminder. Adaptive cruise control is offered as part of the Driver Confidence II package, capable of bringing the car to a complete stop and holding for up to 3 seconds before disengaging, though it does not activate below 20 mph.
Sportback Appeal and Market Positioning
The 2018 Buick Regal GS starts at an MSRP of $39,995, excluding a $925 destination charge. Adding the Driver Confidence Package II for $1,690 to gain adaptive cruise control brings the total to a still reasonable $40,760.
Key competitors include the Kia Stinger, offering a twin-turbo V6 and rear- or all-wheel drive, with a more engaging driving experience even in its base 2.0-liter configuration and a lower starting price. More premium alternatives include the Audi A5 Sportback and BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, offering greater refinement and performance at a higher price point.
The 2018 Buick Regal GS appeals as a comfortable and practical daily driver, standing out from typical sedans and crossovers with its Sportback design. Buick deserves credit for venturing beyond the norm, even if the final product falls short of delivering the full sporty experience suggested by its aesthetics.
Comparable Picks:
- Kia Stinger
- Audi A5 Sportback
- BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe
