2019 Buick LaCrosse Goes Sporty as it Battles the European Sedans

While other vehicle manufacturers may be reducing or eliminating the number of sedans they produce, Buick is coming out with a new trim package designed to compete with the European luxury models. The 2019 Buick LaCrosse will add a new Sport Touring (ST) model to the lineup this summer.

2019 LaCrosse Adds Sporty Accents

Buick has been successful positioning Buick as a luxury or premium vehicle. It is continuing that theme with monochromatic ST model of the 2019 LaCrosse. The new ST will replace the chrome accents on other versions with body colored trim around the grille and side vents. The 2019 LaCrosse ST adds a rear spoiler, black mesh grille, 19-inch midnight silver wheels and ST badging on the trunk lid.

The 2019 LaCrosse ST is aimed squarely at the luxury sedan market with competitors like BMW, Mercedes and Lexus at more affordable prices.

“The LaCrosse ST emphasizes the importance of design, while also complementing the safety, refinement and technology of our flagship sedan,” said Phil Brook, vice president of Buick and GMC Marketing. “The LaCrosse exemplifies what we mean by attainable luxury, offering Buick’s signature QuietTuning, spirited and efficient performance and the latest in-car connectivity all at a tremendous value to customers.”

The 2019 LaCrosse ST comes standard with a 310-horsepower, 3.6L V-6 and a 9-speed automatic transmission. Pricing starts at $40,295, including a $925 destination fee. Buick did not release the LaCrosse’s fuel economy numbers. The 2019 LaCrosse ST will have five available exterior color options: White Frost Tricoat, Satin Steel Metallic, Quicksilver Metallic, Red Quartz Tintcoat and Ebony Twilight Metallic.

Sedan Sales Sliding

The announcement of the new 2019 Buick LaCrosse trim comes as sedan sales are expected to hit a 60 year low. Automotive News is reporting that car sales are only expected to hit 5.3 million units this year, the lowest since 1958. Automotive News also says that trucks are outselling cars by a 2-1 margin as of May of 2018.

Buick however has had huge success in China and many of the company’s decisions are based on what will sell the best in that market. General Motors is still more committed to sedans than Ford or Fiat-Chrysler. Chevrolet has refreshed several of its vehicles for the 2019 model year, including the Chevrolet Camaro and the Malibu.

In its statement, Buick describes its approach to the 2019 LaCrosse as giving customers attainable luxury. “With one of the freshest lineups in the industry, Buick has found success offering premium SUVs and cars with sculptural designs, refined performance, modern interiors and thoughtful personal technologies. Buick’s award-winning customer service and sales experience, along with the new Avenir trim, the highest expression of Buick luxury, are attracting new buyers to experience Buick’s unique approach to attainable luxury.”

While Buick is still pursuing the sedan market, its bread-and-butter vehicles remains its popular crossovers like the Buick Enclave, Encore and Envision.