2011 Buick Regal Palmyra

Buick is reintroducing the Regal for its 2011 model year. The redesigned entry-level luxury sedan is based off the successful Opel Insignia from General Motor's European Division. Owners can choose a four-cylinder engine or a turbo-charged version. Packing a lot of features in for the price, the reintroduction of not only the Regal, but the Buick brand will likely be a great decision by GM.

'11 Buick Regal Handling

If you're thinking that the ride will feel floaty and disconnected, think again. When stepping into the Buick Regal and you should leave your expectations at the door. Featuring linear and exacting steering and a firm attitude on a winding road, the Regal has plenty of sport sedan credibility. The superb handling doesn't compromise ride quality, however. And inside, you'll notice little road noise no matter the surface you're riding on. The turbo-charged engine offers a broad power spread yielding plenty of around town moxie and when shunting up to higher speeds on freeway on-ramps. The six-speed automatic runs smooth offering timely shifts. Yielding 220 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, it’s a perfect complement to the Buick lineup. Even curvy mountain roads didn't phase the Regal - the turbo accelerated with ease on the ascent. The Regal offers a fun driving experience - exactly what you’d expect from a turbo powertrain, and it feels right fitted to the midsize Regal. Even the turbo version delivers relatively good gas mileage at 19/29 mpg, which is just slightly less than what the base model delivers while you enjoy all that power.

2011 Buick Regal Design

Virtually identical to its European cousin, the Opel Insignia, the 2011 Buick Regal, with its sculptured design, is likely to attract a much younger and broader audience. The Regal's elegant look is notable no matter which of the available colors you choose: white, silver, beige, dark gray, dark blue or black. The sedan has a clean line, a nice stance, and one of the most dashing trunk lids around. Standard features include 18-inch wheels (19-inch available), moldings with a bright window surround, sill plates, front body-colored fascia, chrome waterfall grille, halogen composite headlights with the flash-to-pass feature, fog lamps, daytime running lamps, heated, power adjusted mirrors, and body-colored door handles.

Inside the 2011 Regal

In an entry-level luxury sedan you'd expect nothing less than a cabin with premium materials - and the Regal delivers. The interior has a clean, no-nonsense design aesthetic that exudes luxury. The front seats are
supportive and roomy. In the backseat, passengers can take advantage of a wide center armrest. At 14.2 cubic feet, the trunk is sizable with a wide opening to both the cargo area and into the cabin when the split backseat is folded.

The dash layout is sophisticated and easy to use. Standard features include leather upholstery, XM stereo, CD and MP3 player in a 7-speaker audio system, USB port with iPod connectivity, steering-wheel mounted audio and cruise controls, Bluetooth, 8-way power driver seat with 4-way power lumbar adjuster, 8-way power front passenger seat adjuster and 4-way power lumber adjust, 2-way adjustable front head restraints, rear split-folding seats, tilt and telescopic manual steering column, leather-wrapped steering wheel, compass display, and a bevy of other features. Even the base model gives the owner a sense of being wrapped in luxury. Optional features include rear parking sensors, a nine-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, a hard-drive based navigation system with digital music storage and a sunroof.

2011 Buick Regal Lineup

Currently the 2011 Buick Regal is available in two trims, Regal CXL or Regal Turbo. The Regal CXL is a sport-injected sedan with a direct-injected 2.4 liter 4-cylinder engine. The CXL gets 30 miles per gallon on the highway. The performance-tuned suspension, traction control and manual shifting are great highlights on this trim level.

The Regal Turbo offers a racing-inspired engine, and an available Interactive Drive Control System that gives you a choice of three modes that will adjust the car's suspension, steering, throttle and transmission settings (in real time) to adapt your driving experience to the conditions and your driving style. StabiliTrack, a stability control system with brake assist, is standard on both trim levels. Standard safety equipment includes traction control, OnStar, front seat side-impact airbags and full-length side curtain airbags.

Conclusions

Reborn, redesigned and reignited, the 2011 Buick Regal marks a new beginning for General Motors and the cars that were so much a part of Americana. The New Buick Regal is a great competitor with other entry-level luxury brands and will no doubt win many fans with its beautiful styling, interior creature comforts and loads of standard features. Kudos to GM - the 2011 Buick Regal is simply a great car. Stay up-to-date on the latest news on this vehicle by visiting the official Buick Regal website.