The automotive landscape is ever-evolving, with models constantly being refreshed or replaced to keep up with consumer demands and technological advancements. In the realm of entry-level luxury sedans, the Buick LaCrosse has been a contender, often drawing comparisons to rivals like the Lexus ES. The 2015 Buick LaCrosse, especially the eAssist variant, represents a significant step forward from its predecessors, embodying a blend of Buick’s traditional comfort with a touch of modern efficiency.
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This iteration of the LaCrosse can be seen as GM learning from past iterations, much like the evolution of the Pontiac Fiero. If the 2010 LaCrosse was akin to the initial, somewhat flawed ’84 Fiero 2M4, the 2015 model emerges as the improved ’89 Fiero GT V6 – a vehicle that finally realized its potential and addressed earlier shortcomings. It’s a mature product, refined enough to attract discerning buyers, yet the question lingers: how much mileage does this generation have left before a complete overhaul is necessary?
Exterior Styling: A Mature and Confident Design
The 2015 LaCrosse showcases a more assertive and polished exterior compared to the somewhat amorphous design of the 2010 model. The updated grille and taillamp design contribute to a more predatory and focused aesthetic. The proportions, once perceived as tall and narrow, are now harmonized, lending the car a confident stance on the road.
For a vehicle in the mid-$30,000s price range, the LaCrosse’s styling holds its own. Compared to similarly priced European rivals from BMW or Audi, which might appear either entry-level or compact, the LaCrosse presents a substantial and visually appealing presence. The design prompts an interesting comparison: is it more upscale or visually appealing than a Lincoln MKZ? While the MKZ boasts a unique and bespoke profile, the LaCrosse, despite its improvements, still carries a hint of GM’s parts-bin approach. The character line, while distinctive, might not be aging as gracefully as other design elements.
However, the LaCrosse’s design priorities are evident, particularly its focus on the Chinese market, where a spacious rear seat is a significant selling point. This design brief translates to a generous rear passenger area, a feature that should arguably be standard in Cadillac sedans but is not consistently delivered, with the exception of the platform-sharing XTS. The ample rear legroom proved its worth during a 1,461-mile road trip with four adults, two of whom worked on laptops comfortably in the back. A notable detail is the rear windows that fully retract, a feature often overlooked but appreciated by passengers.
Interior Comfort and Practicality: Space for Passengers, Less for Luggage
While the 2015 Buick LaCrosse excels in passenger space, particularly in the back, its cargo capacity presents a trade-off, especially in the eAssist model. The eAssist battery pack, substantial in size, intrudes significantly into the trunk space, making it noticeably smaller than the standard LaCrosse.
For the aforementioned road trip, luggage management became a strategic exercise in spatial Tetris. Fitting luggage for four occupants required careful packing and compromises, highlighting the reduced trunk volume in the eAssist version. Opting for the standard 3.6L V6 engine, a no-cost alternative, might be a consideration for those prioritizing cargo space over the mild hybrid’s fuel efficiency benefits.
eAssist Mild Hybrid System: Efficiency Without Compromise?
The eAssist system in the Buick LaCrosse is often described as a “mild hybrid,” but it delivers tangible benefits in fuel economy and refinement. At its core, the system utilizes a 15-horsepower electric motor, belt-integrated with the engine. During deceleration, this motor acts as a generator, recuperating energy to charge a lithium-ion battery pack. This stored energy powers the car’s accessories during auto-stop and assists the engine during initial acceleration.
Unlike some less refined start-stop systems, the LaCrosse eAssist implementation is seamless. The engine restarts are virtually imperceptible, maintaining climate control and audio functions without interruption. This contrasts favorably with less sophisticated systems that can be jarring and intrusive. The eAssist system’s operation is more akin to the smooth, integrated hybrid experience found in vehicles like those from Ford and Toyota.
However, one peculiar behavior is noted: shifting the car into “Park” while in auto-stop mode restarts the engine. Ideally, the system should remain in electric mode until battery depletion necessitates engine restart, especially in environments where idling is discouraged.
On the road, the eAssist powertrain provides adequate performance. While not overtly sporty, it offers acceleration comparable to a four-cylinder Honda Accord or Toyota Camry. The engine delivers sufficient power for merging onto highways and navigating traffic, without feeling underpowered. It’s a functional and satisfactory drivetrain, prioritizing efficiency over outright performance thrills.
Fuel Economy: Real-World Efficiency Gains
The eAssist system’s primary benefit is improved fuel economy. While the original review context involved unique circumstances (trackside idling), the initial 600 miles of the test, which included typical driving conditions with auto-stop engagement, yielded an impressive 31.6 mpg. This figure, corroborated by fuel fill-up data, demonstrates the real-world fuel savings achievable with the eAssist system under normal driving conditions.
Ride, Handling, and Refinement: A Comfortable Cruiser
The 2015 LaCrosse excels in ride comfort and noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) reduction. The cabin remains remarkably quiet and composed, even on extended drives. The updated interior, particularly with leather seating in higher trims, represents a significant improvement over previous generations. In terms of ride quality and NVH, the LaCrosse convincingly rivals the Lexus ES, surpassing many competitors, including the Honda Accord and Ford Fusion.
The configurable LCD instrumentation, reminiscent of the Chevrolet Corvette C7, is highly legible in various lighting conditions. The center stack layout is also improved in both aesthetics and functionality, although some tactile elements, like the temperature controls, feel somewhat budget-oriented. Ample 12V power outlets and a cleverly designed center armrest enhance practicality, though the armrest hinge may be prone to detachment under stress. Overall, the LaCrosse is well-suited for long-distance driving, providing the comfortable and refined experience expected of a Buick sedan.
Despite its comfort-oriented nature, the LaCrosse demonstrated surprising composure on a racetrack in wet conditions. Equipped with all-season tires, it exhibited stability even in standing water at higher speeds. Handling at the limit was predictable, with progressive understeer communicated effectively through the steering. While not engineered for track performance, the LaCrosse proved more capable than expected, even withstanding a few hard laps without significant issues with the eAssist system or brakes.
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Value Proposition and Conclusion: Worth a Look?
The 2015 Buick LaCrosse eAssist presents a compelling value proposition in the entry-luxury sedan segment. Priced competitively, especially when considering its size, features, and level of refinement, it offers a strong alternative to more expensive rivals. While it might not surpass the Honda Accord Hybrid in all aspects, particularly in trunk space and outright fuel efficiency, the LaCrosse eAssist caters to buyers prioritizing a larger, more luxurious sedan with enhanced fuel economy compared to traditional gasoline engines.
For those seeking a comfortable, well-equipped, and fuel-efficient sedan from GM, and whose budget doesn’t extend to a Corvette, the Buick LaCrosse eAssist warrants serious consideration. It represents a mature and refined offering from Buick, addressing many of the shortcomings of its predecessors and delivering a surprisingly competent and enjoyable driving experience.
