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By John Rettie
New flagship delivers elegance, ride, handling.
Introduction
Buick is overhauling its lineup and the Lucerne is the second new car, following last year's introduction of the LaCrosse. In keeping with tradition, the 2006 Buick Lucerne is positioned as an affordable entry-level full-size luxury car. The Lucerne replaces the LeSabre and the Park Avenue, which are no longer being made.
Buick says the V6 models compete with the Toyota Avalon and Lexus ES 330, and likes to compare the V8 models with the Infiniti M and Lexus GS, which cost much more than the top of the line Lucerne CXS. In any case, we found the new Lucerne to be a plush, highly competent full-size sedan at a compelling price.
Buick's new flagship sedan boasts clean lines suggestive of fine German sedans, while maintaining Buick traditions. Inside, it's elegant and comfortable and easy. Underway, the Lucerne is smooth and quiet, but its steering is precise and it handles winding roads with aplomb. These are benefits of a new chassis and structure the Lucerne shares with the all-new 2006 Cadillac DTS. The DTS and Lucerne represent GM's new, full-size, front-wheel-drive luxury sedans.
The most enjoyable of the new Buicks is the Lucerne CXS with its Magnetic Ride Control, a sports suspension developed for the Corvette and Cadillac XLR that further improves handling. Yet we might opt for the Lucerne CXL V6, a very enjoyable car to drive, with agile handling and plenty of performance.
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