What's New for 2012
Two new Buick Regal variants debut for the 2012 model year: the mild-hybrid eAssist and the sporty GS. A much-needed touchscreen interface also debuts, along with Buick's IntellliLink smartphone integration.
/Introduction
When Buick reintroduced the Regal to the lineup last year, it was touted as having "a driving experience that rivals the best import sport sedans in the segment." A bold statement, to be sure, but we found that marketing line to be overly optimistic. Last year's Regal did have some nice qualities, mainly its handling chops, but its lack of performance had it coming up short of sport sedan territory.
The 2012 Buick Regal, however, comes closer to its intended premium sport sedan target with the introduction of the Regal GS. With engine output increased to 270 horsepower (up from the Regal Turbo's 220), a more firmly tuned suspension, a standard manual transmission, Brembo brakes and available summer performance tires, the GS certainly holds more appeal to those looking for driving excitement.
On the other side of the spectrum, the Regal family also gains a new eAssist mild-hybrid powertrain that increases fuel economy by 25 percent over the base 2.4-liter engine. Also new for 2012 is the availability of Buick's IntelliLink system that pairs with certain smartphones to allow for Internet streaming audio like Pandora.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2012 Buick Regal is offered in base, Turbo and GS trim levels.
Standard features for the base Regal include 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, heated mirrors, foglights, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, full power accessories, remote keyless entry, leather upholstery, heated front seats, an eight-way power-adjustable driver seat with power lumbar (power height adjustment only for the passenger), split-folding rear seats, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Also standard are Bluetooth, OnStar and a seven-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio, an auxiliary audio jack, iPod connectivity and IntelliLink smartphone integration (late availability).
Base Regal buyers can opt for the Premium 1 package which adds keyless ignition/entry, remote starting, rear parking sensors, an eight-way power front passenger seat and a 120-volt power outlet. All Premium 1 features are standard on Regal Turbo and eAssist models. The Premium 2 package is available on the Base and Turbo Regal models and steps things up with automatic xenon headlights, a nine-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system and rear passenger side airbags. The Premium 3 package is only offered on the Regal Turbo and adds 19-inch wheels and adaptive suspension dampers with selectable drive modes (standard, sport and tour).
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