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Buick is bringing a mild hybrid back to the LaCrosse lineup for 2018. As in the previous-generation LaCrosse, the system is called eAssist and will be the base powertrain for the big Buick sedan. As such, the 2018 LaCrosse’s base price drops by $ 2500 and its EPA fuel economy rises by around 4 mpg compared to the current V-6 model. Also new for 2018 is a nine-speed automatic transmission for the V-6 LaCrosse, replacing last year’s eight-speed, and wider availability of all-wheel drive.
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The LaCrosse’s mild hybrid setup combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with a small electric motor that sources power from a 0.45-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Total power output is 194 horsepower and 187 lb-ft of torque, significantly down from the V-6’s 310 hp, but GM estimates that fuel economy will rise to 25 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 29 mpg (4 mpg better than the front-drive V-6 across the board). As in previous GM mild hybrids, the electric motor is too small to power the car on its own, but provides extra torque under acceleration and helps smooth out the start/stop system that shuts the engine off when stopped. Regenerative braking also is included, and a six-speed automatic transmission is the sole transmission choice.
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The 2.5-liter eAssist powertrain is now standard on all versions of the LaCrosse, other than those equipped with all-wheel drive. That means the 3.6-liter V-6 engine and its new nine-speed automatic will be an option on the Preferred, Essence, and Premium trim levels, while the base LaCrosse will be eAssist only. All-wheel drive, previously available only on the top Premium trim level, is now also offered on the V-6–equipped Essence.
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- Tested: 2017 Buick LaCrosse AWD
- GM Drops eAssist from the Impala
- Buick LaCrosse Research: Reviews, Specs, and More
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Three new exterior colors—Satin Steel Metallic, Dark Slate Metallic, and Red Quartz Tricoat—round out the changes to Buick’s biggest sedan for the new model year. It goes on sale in the fall with a starting price of $ 30,490.
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