Redesigned styling gives the car a more aggressive look.
Performance
Standard on the Regal GS is a 2.0L inline four. The engine is then turbocharged and intercooled to produce 270 HP and a pretty impressive 295 FT-LBS. For a car that weighs in at 3700 lbs, there is a surprising amount of get-up-and-go. Put your foot down, and the car has no problems with taking off. As to be expected, there is noticeable turbo lag, but once you hit the sweet spot between 2300 and 4900 RPM it's game on. One grudge I do have with the power delivery (while very smooth and predictable) is that the car really falls on it's face from 5000 RPM all the way up to its 6500 RPM redline. Buick claims 0-60 times in the mid 6s. Didn't really have the chance to confirm. One final note is that the speed you are going is very deceiving. The car is very quite, but if you stomp on it on the freeway to pass, you'll be going 90 MPH before you know it. Even at close to redline, there is very little noise coming from the engine bay. It's kind of a shame, because the vehicle has a really nice, deep exhaust note that I'd love to hear more often. You can hear the turbo, which is sweet.
Most importantly, this is the first Buick in a LONG time that has been offered with a manual transmission. The transmission has a relatively short-throw with a very positive feel and good feedback. Overall, it's really nice to drive, but it's kind of strange shifting for yourself in a mid-lux car.
So the car has the goods to get going, and get going quickly, but can it stop? Yes, yes it can. Hiding behind the 20 inch rims are 14 inch diameter rotors, paired with large Brembo calipers. The stopping power is immense, with a very linear brake feel. It's not overly grabby, but very firm and confidence-inspiring.
Handling is where this car shines the most. The one I've got came with 20 inch wheels and matching Pirelli P-Zero tires. They grip and grip, no-holds-bar. Specs say the car will pull 0.90 Gs in the bends... I'd believe it. On top of the good tires is a very good suspension. The suspension is definitely on the stiff side - but that's what the car is aimed for. In the default setting, it's comfortable. You can tell there are imperfections in the road, but it's not obtrusive or annoying. Looking closely at the center stack, you'll see two buttons in the upper left corner, "Sport" and "GS." Pressing them offers two different levels of handling changes. Sport mode features a stiffer suspension, while GS boasts an even stiffer suspension, along with increased steering response. On some more interesting on-ramps and back roads, the GS mode is awesome. The car will fly through the corners in a way I'd never had expected from a Buick. Ever. This car is great to drive from just about every aspect.
Comfort
I touched on the briefly, but there's not much to it. This car is comfortable and competent. The stiffer suspension allows the the excellent driving characteristics, but it would still be comfortable to drive 500+ miles. The seats are incredible - very deep and well-bolstered. The driver's seat has more aggressive lateral support than the passenger seat. For someone like me with a little wider shoulders, it was almost too much. Almost. The back seats are also comfy, with plenty of leg and head room for someone who is 6 foot plus.
Driver controls and radio/info center buttons are all within reach. They are also easy and pretty intuitive to use. Only grip is the location of the cup holder. If there's a taller drink in there, the drink gets in the way while you are going for a shift.
Practically, Economy, and Standard Features
Lots of storage space in the cabin, as well as a very large trunk space. About what you'd expect from a car in the category.
Fuel economy is 19 city and 27 highway. Seeing as it is only a 2.0L, this seems feasible, as long as you can keep you foot out of the go pedal (which is kinda tough, because the turbo is so addicting).
This car is very well-equipped, coming with just about everything you would want. Nav, power windows, locks, keyless entry and ignition, sunroof, leather, heated seats... the list goes on and on.
Reliability
Can't say...
All-in-all, the new Buick line-up is really different from Buicks of the past. If I was in the market for a car in this category, the Regal GS would definitely be on the top of my list. It's great to drive, yet still comfortable - almost the perfect combination. Fully loaded it tops just under $40K, so it's not THAT bad for what you get.
