Pricing Announced for 2012 Buick Regal GS, eAssist Models

Regardless of whether you’re a fan of fuel efficient cars or performance cars, the 2012 Buick Regal has all bases covered. With the arrival of the 2012 Buick Regal eAssist and 2012 Buick Regal GS happening this fall, Buick has released the pricing of both cars. The mild hybrid Buick Regal eAssist will start at $29,350 while the performance-oriented Buick Regal GS will be priced at $35,310; both starting MSRPs include the $860 destination charge. Pricing for the base 2012 Regal has yet to be announced.

2012 Buick Regal eAssist

Looking to go up against the Lexus HS 250 and the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, the 2012 Buick Regal eAssist provides decent fuel economy with relatively low technology. Compared to a base 2012 Regal, the eAssist will be a $2,000 option, and it uses an electric motor generator and lithium-ion battery to help improve fuel economy to 25 miles per gallon in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. Unlike other hybrids, the 2012 Buick Regal eAssist can not be propelled by electric power, but instead, the eAssist technology’s “light electrification” allows the car to operate more efficiently. This car is powered by a 2.4-liter inline-four that produces 182 horsepower and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. This system will also be standard equipment on the 2012 Buick LaCrosse eAssist and the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco.

“Regal with eAssist and Regal GS offer distinct advantages to midsize luxury sport sedan customers,” said Tony DiSalle, U.S.vice president of Buick Marketing. “The eAssist’s advanced technology delivers the most fuel-efficient option, while the high-output GS is the sportiest expression of Regal to date."

2012 Buick Regal GS

Those looking for a sportier luxury sedan will want to check out the all-new 2012 Buick Regal GS. Instead of focusing on improved efficiency, the 2012 Regal GS is all about performance with the turbocharged 2.0-liter Ecotec inline-four putting out 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels. Buick says this will help motivate the Regal from zero to 60 miles per hour in 6.7 seconds, while the upgraded four-wheel Brembo brakes will help bring the car to a quick stop. To stand out from other Regal models as well as rival cars (such as the Acura TSX, Infiniti G37 and Volvo S60), the GS features a sporty exterior design and a GS-specific interior. At launch, the Regal GS will only be offered with a six-speed manual gearbox, but Buick will eventually add the six-speed automatic transmission with Driver Shift Control early next year.

Stay tuned as we will have driving impressions of the all-new Buick Regal GS posted in the next couple weeks.

Buick eAssist Pricing Strategy

One area that is sure to get attention is the pricing similarity between the Regal eAssist and LaCrosse eAssist. Although official pricing for the latter has yet to be announced, Buick has said that the LaCrosse eAssist will be priced “at about $30,000.” While the LaCrosse will come standard with this equipment at its new, higher starting price, the Regal eAssist will be one of the top trim level models and will likely come with some equipment not offered in the base LaCrosse. Both cars will also feature identical fuel economy ratings as well.

“As is the case on all Regal models, the GS and eAssist offer the winning combination of advanced technology, no-compromise driving performance, luxurious style and passenger comfort that make Buick one of the fastest growing automotive brands in North America,” DiSalle said.