The Buick Regal GS emerges as the athletic sibling within the Regal Sportback family, presenting a bolder aesthetic to Buick’s evolving lineup of vehicles. Equipped exclusively with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, a nine-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive, the 2018 Regal GS is designed to capture the attention of a younger demographic seeking a dash of excitement in their daily drive.
While the Regal GS undeniably boasts eye-catching aesthetics and incorporates cutting-edge technology, its aspiration to excel in driving dynamics unfortunately falls short of expectations.
Sporty Design, Mellow Performance
Under the hood, the GS houses a V6 engine that delivers a respectable 310 horsepower and 282 pound-feet of torque. With selectable Normal, Sport, and GS driving modes, one might anticipate distinct driving personalities. However, in reality, the Regal GS presents a driving experience that, while competent, lacks a truly defined character.
In its default Normal mode, the nine-speed transmission prioritizes seamless gear changes, aligning with the demands of everyday commuting and fuel efficiency. Engaging Sport or GS mode results in minimal discernible change. While gear holding is slightly prolonged, there’s no significant enhancement in throttle responsiveness or the transmission’s shift behavior. The absence of paddle shifters further limits driver engagement, and a manual transmission option is not available.
The Buick Regal GS is not engineered for aggressive corner carving. The Sport and GS modes are intended to enhance suspension stiffness via Continuous Damping Control, adapting chassis dynamics in real-time. The Regal GS demonstrates sufficient agility in corners for drivers seeking a moderately sporty experience, effectively absorbing road imperfections and prioritizing ride comfort over outright firmness. Regrettably, the distinction between the drive modes remains subtle, primarily affecting steering weight. Normal mode offers a light steering feel, while GS mode introduces a more substantial weight.
The integrated stop-start system operates discreetly and cannot be deactivated. This fuel-saving technology contributes to the Regal GS’s EPA-estimated fuel economy of 19 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined. Real-world testing yielded a combined figure closer to 19.2 mpg, acknowledging the pursuit of the vehicle’s purported sportiness during evaluation.
Exterior Appeal, Interior Compromises
The test vehicle’s Sport Red exterior finish accentuates the Sportback’s streamlined silhouette, a departure from traditional Buick designs. The car’s profile evokes comparisons to the Audi A5 Sportback, while the front fascia’s slender headlights and prominent air intakes suggest an inherent athleticism.
However, the interior ambiance contrasts with the exterior’s allure. Economical materials, hard plastics, and an overall dated design aesthetic detract from the cabin experience. Were it not for the inclusion of an 8-inch touchscreen, the interior could be mistaken for a design from an earlier decade. The dashboard presents a predominantly flat design, and certain button sizes appear disproportionately large.
Despite the interior shortcomings, the front seats stand out as a highlight. The standard sport seats in the GS offer exceptional support and embrace occupants comfortably. Equipped with heating, cooling, and massage functionalities, these seats provide a premium level of comfort.
The Regal Sportback body style translates into impressive cargo capacity. Offering 31.5 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, expanding to 60.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, the Regal GS rivals some compact SUVs in practicality, surpassing many compact crossover utility vehicles. This makes the Regal GS a compelling option for individuals prioritizing cargo space without favoring the SUV form factor.
User-Friendly Technology Integration
Buick’s IntelliLink infotainment system is accessed through the central touchscreen interface. Minimal physical buttons streamline the dashboard, with the system’s intuitive layout facilitating ease of use.
The IntelliLink system incorporates integrated applications, including news briefs and the Marketplace feature, enabling in-car transactions such as reordering from Dunkin’ Donuts. The navigation system proves user-friendly and accurately interprets street names.
For users preferring smartphone integration, both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard features, along with a Wi-Fi hotspot. Wireless smartphone charging is available, and the Regal GS provides ample connectivity options with three USB ports and a 12-volt outlet.
An available head-up display projects driving information onto the windshield with clear graphics, visible even through polarized sunglasses.
Standard safety features across the Regal GS range include blind-spot monitoring and a rear-seat reminder. Adaptive cruise control is offered within the Driver Confidence II package, providing full-speed range functionality down to a stop, with a brief pause before disengagement.
Sportback Versatility and Market Positioning
The 2018 Buick Regal Gs starts at an MSRP of $39,995, excluding destination charges. Adding the Driver Confidence Package II for adaptive cruise control enhances the vehicle’s appeal.
Key competitors include the Kia Stinger, offering a twin-turbo V6 and rear- or all-wheel drive configurations at a lower starting price point. More premium alternatives encompass the Audi A5 Sportback and BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe.
The Buick Regal GS distinguishes itself through its blend of practicality and everyday comfort, presenting a unique alternative to conventional sedans and crossovers. While commendable for its distinctive approach, the Regal GS ultimately leaves room for improvement in delivering a truly engaging sporty driving experience to match its athletic styling.
