Buick · 2004–present

Buick LaCrosse

The Buick LaCrosse is a four-door, front-wheel-drive sedan manufactured by Buick since the 2005 model year, and marketed variously across four generations for the North American and Chinese markets. The first-generation LaCrosse replaced the Century and Regal in North America beginning for the 2005 model year as a five- or six-passenger, four-door, front-wheel-drive, V6-powered sedan using GM's mid-size W platform—and marketed in Canada as the Buick Allure. Notably, the first generation was also offered with a V8 engine, as a high-performance sub-model marketed as the LaCrosse Super (2008–2009). LaCrosse production and marketing began for China with the 2006 model year. The second-generation LaCrosse was introduced for 2010 as a larger premium sedan for North American and Chinese markets using a long-wheelbase (LWB) variant of the Epsilon II platform shared with the Cadillac XTS—and available solely as a five-passenger sedan with a range of four- and six-cylinder engines. The third generation was introduced for North America and China for the 2017 model year using the GM Epsilon platform shared with the Chevrolet Impala, notably offering a mild hybrid powertrain combining 20-kilowatt (27 hp) electric and 2.5-liter Ecotec gasoline engine. North American production ended with the third generation, with the 2019 model year; however, it continued to be offered in China, with a 2019 facelift. The fourth-generation LaCrosse, launched in 2023, is currently manufactured and marketed solely in China. It is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter or 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.

Text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Predecessor: Buick Century|Pontiac G6

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Background and name

In the year 2000, Buick showcased a LaCrosse concept featuring styling features that referred to Buicks of the late 1940s including a descending swage line (featured on Buicks starting in 1940 and sporadically until the 1970s) and front fender port holes. Unique features included a removable rear roof and trunk panel (converting the trunk into a truck bed) and voice recognition instead of traditional switches for basic interior functions. The Buick LaCrosse concept was based on the GM G body shared with the Buick Park Avenue. As the Buick nameplate, the term lacrosse refers to the sport. Out of caution, GM chose to market the model in Canada as the Allure because the words "faire la crosse (make the cross)" are a slang Québecoise phrase meaning "to masturbate"—even though the words la crosse themselves translate as "the cross" in French and are not generally problematic.

First generation (2005)

=== North America === The first generation LaCrosse debuted in late 2004 as a 2005 model, replacing the Century and Regal—solely as a four-door, front-drive sedan. The nameplate was borrowed from the 2000 Buick concept of the same name. Using the MS2000 variant of GM's long-lived front-drive W-body platform, the LaCrosse was initially available with two powerplants and three trim levels: a 3.8 L 3800 Series III V6 available in CX and mid-level CXL, and a 3.6 L HFV6 V6 in the CXS model. The CXS was replaced by the LaCrosse Super sub-model in North American markets, with the CXS available partly through the 2008 model year. Sales of the CXS continued in Canada until January 1, 2008. Structurally, the engine cradle, previously steel, was replaced by a stiffer, stronger, and lighter extruded aluminum cradle, weighing 20 pounds less. The LaCrosse used more high-strength steel than its predecessors, as well as a magnesium cross-car beam behind the instrument panel, another cross-car beam behind the rear seats, steel reinforcements in the rocker panels, interlocking door latch system, high-strength steel door beams, and a double-thick Quiet Steel floor pan and firewalls. CX and CXL models used the 4T65-E automatic transmission and Super models used the 4T65-E HD variant. The LaCrosse, along with all other GM vehicles powered by the 3.8 L V6, became the first SULEV-compliant vehicles for 2006. All models were manufactured at GM Oshawa Assembly. Front driver and passenger airbags were standard, with optional side curtain airbags — which became standard for 2006. All LaCrosse models featured an acoustic package, marketed by Buick as QuietTuning, to reduce, block, and absorb cabin noise. Features of the system included acoustical windshield and front side laminated glass; steel l

Second generation (2010)

Launched at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, the second-generation Buick LaCrosse was completely redesigned, becoming Buick's flagship sedan. The exterior used faux vents and a falling swage line, marketed respectively as VentiPorts and Sweepspears—and making reference to styling elements Buick had incorporated in various forms since introducing them in 1949. The second-generation used a long-wheelbase (LWB) variant of the Epsilon II platform, shared with the Opel Insignia, 2010–2012 Saab 9-5, and the Cadillac XTS. The design was based on 2008 Buick Invicta concept, and replaces both the Chinese and North American models. The final design work was carried out at the GM design center in Warren, Michigan. The LaCrosse was marketed in Mexico starting in 2010, as the Buick brand returned to the country after 13 years. Engines. The 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinder replaced the 3.0L V6 as the standard engine on the CX model in the first quarter of 2010. The 3.6L V6 continues to be an option on the CX and front-wheel-drive CXL and standard on the CXS and all-wheel-drive CXL. All V6 models are equipped with the Hydra-Matic 6T70 6-speed automatic transmission. Reception. The New York Times said the new LaCrosse combined design elements from classic American cars of the 1930s and 1950s with traditional Chinese aesthetic elements: U.S. News & World Report aggregated the following ratings based on numerous reviews of the models years, also for the 2016 model year. Results of the analysis were given on a scale of 1 to 10, where a higher number indicates positive reception. The overall result for the 2016 model year was 8.7, critics' rating 8.8, performance 8.1, interior 8.4, and safety 9.7. Technology and features. The 2010 Buick LaCrosse CXS was the f

Third generation (2017)

The third-generation LaCrosse debuted at the 2015 LA Auto Show as a 2017 model using the E2XX platform shared with the 2016–2020 Chevrolet Impala. The platform switch and use of high-strength steels reduced weight by about 300 pounds (140 kg), despite slightly growing in length and width. The car was powered by a 1.5-liter GM Small Gasoline Engine and 2.0-liter GM Ecotec engine in China for tax credit purposes and by a 3.6-liter fourth-generation GM High Feature engine in North America. Since 2018, the LaCrosse came standard with an eAssist drivetrain, consisting of a mild hybrid 20-kilowatt (27 hp) electric and 2.5-liter Ecotec gasoline engine sending power to the front wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission. In order to make room for an upcoming new product in the Kansas City facility, the production of the LaCrosse was moved from GM Fairfax Assembly to Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly. The main difference between the North American and Chinese model LaCrosse was the drive system. Models sold in the Chinese market were front-wheel drive vehicles only, compared to their American counterparts which were available in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Third-generation features included: Automatic parking assist (front ultrasonic parking assist is now present) Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for the Buick IntelliLink infotainment system An all-new 3.6-liter direct-injection VVT V6 engine (LGX 310 hp (231 kW; 314 PS)/282 lb⋅ft (382 N⋅m)), with stop-start and cylinder deactivation. Aisin (AWF8F35) automatic transmission (2017 only) From 2018, an all-new 9-speed GM 9T60 (M3G) automatic transmission with the optional V6 Safety. The 2017 LaCrosse received a Top Safety Pick in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's Crashworthiness test and a Poor rating for headlig

Fourth generation (2023)

In 2023, Buick unveiled the fourth-generation LaCrosse, adopting Buick's new Pure Design philosophy first seen on the Buick Century minivan, as well as Buick's new corporate emblem. The fourth-generation LaCrosse is available in four trims: Beyond, Enjoy, Premium, and Avenir. The LaCrosse was only offered with a turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine at launch; a 1.5-liter four-cylinder for the base model will be available later in 2023. This generation Lacrosse is the first of its kind to have the gear selector in the style of a column shifter compared to previous generations which used the floor shifter based gear selector.

Sections adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0); text is shortened. Read the full article for the complete history and citations.

Specifications

name

Buick LaCrosse

Manufacturer

Buick (General Motors)

Production

September 7, 2004 – February 15, 2019 (US), February 2006–present (China)

Model years

2005–2019 (US), 2006–present (China)

aka

Buick Allure (Canada, 2005–2010), Alpheon (South Korea, 2010–2015)

Predecessor

Buick Century (for 2005), Buick Regal (for 2005), Buick Lucerne (for 2012)

Class

Mid-size car

Body style

4-door sedan

Layout

Front-engine, front-wheel drive, Front-engine, four-wheel drive (2010–present)

Specification summary from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0). Check the linked sources for citations.

More photos

US EPA fuel-economy records

US EPA test figures (US MPG, US test cycle).

Sources

• Wikidata — https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q498843CC0 1.0 · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buick_LaCrosseCC BY-SA 4.0 · Text © Wikipedia contributors; revision 1376721963 · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Wikimedia Commons — https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:BUICK_LACROSSE_FOURTH_GENERATION_China_(5).jpgCC BY-SA 4.0 · Photo: Dinkun Chen · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Manufacturer website (link only) — https://www.buick.com.cn/lacrosse/Link only; no content copied · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Car Model Index — https://models.autoculturesociety.com/Compiled record. Sources that do not permit reuse are not copied; this index is credited instead.

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