With its striking design and carefully considered luxury, the 2011 Buick Regal CXL delivers refinement, performance and craftsmanship that rivals that of the high-priced midsize sedans shipped across either ocean.
Reinforcing Buick’s tech-savvy and sophisticated resurgence, the 2011 Regal CXL (MSRP starting at $26,245) gives the company an impressive new face in the highly competitive upscale midsize sedan market. Populated by lackluster stalwarts and pricey imports alike, the newest Regal stands apart from myriad competitors by coupling cosmopolitan style and substance with appreciable affordability and value.
From the attractive cascade of its waterfall grille back, Buick’s sportiest midsize boldly announces the company’s aggressive new image. Though lines are certainly classically sculpted and beautifully stretched across the sedan’s steep sides, the overall design aesthetic is one of upscale performance. Standard 18-inch alloys, set wide and pushed to the very corners, as well as angular, signature taillamps and a subtle rear decklid spoiler serve to enhance the sporty modernism.
The CXL’s spirited performance does nothing to dispel the sport-sedan suggestion either. Housing a standard 2.4-liter Ecotec four-cylinder beneath its clamshell hood, the 2011 Regal spits out 182 hp and 172 lb/ft of torque, enough to confidently jet about town or really have some fun on the open road. Direct-injection and intelligent engineering help the 2.4 achieve up to 30 mpg while a standard six-speed automatic transmission with driver shift control delivers responsiveness with a sporty manual shift option.
Regal CXL Turbo trims show off the vehicle’s impressive German-inspired engineering by adding a 2.0-liter intercooled turbocharged engine, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission of its own, (as well as an available six-speed manual to be made available late this year). Buick’s boosted Ecotec delivers 220 hp and 258 lb/ft of torque along with exceptional acceleration and on-demand power (it also comes with an upgraded set of wheels and bigger, more powerful brakes).
The CXL’s handling also gets a fresh injection of athleticism, as the new Regal sports a remarkably nimble steering setup. A lightweight four-link independent suspension system allows ultimate contact with the road while Buick’s StabiliTrak system with integrated traction control ensures steering accuracy and precision; it’s a healthy marriage that results in a thoroughly enjoyable driving experience.
Turbocharged Regals take handling another step forward, incorporating the class-exclusive Interactive Drive Control System. With three selectable driving modes (Sport, Tour and Standard), Buick’s system adjusts powertrain and chassis settings at the push of a button (or automatically) to best suit the road ahead, whether you’re seeking aggressive, dynamic cornering or comfortable cruising.
And cruising is indeed exceedingly comfortable within the Regal’s driver-centric interior where ice-blue ambient lighting and classic craftsmanship complement soft-touch materials and attractive arrangement. Premium features like standard heated leather-appointed seats (with French stitching), dual-zone automatic climate control and elegant wood grain trim give the CXL impressive upscale appeal. A 12-way adjustable driver’s seat and sunroof are also available.
Fitting with Buick’s savvy, modern stance, the new Regal’s well-appointed center stack and steering-wheel mounted controls provide easy, intuitive access to a wealth of available technology. Beyond the Bluetooth connectivity and an integrated USB port, the CXL features an available voice-activated navigation system, which also provides 10GB of internal digital music storage. The optional nine-speaker, 320-watt harman/kardon premium audio system takes advantage of the Regal’s quiet cabin, and puts those 10GB to exceptional use. Buick’s newest also comes XM Satellite Radio capable.
For safety, the Regal matches its refinement and engineering with intelligence and practicality. Front safety belts have double pretensioners for enhanced security, door beams are reinforced for additional strength and the CXL comes equipped with antilock brakes and six standard airbags (including dual-stage inflating front), as well as two optional seat-mounted rear thorax bags for exceptional coverage. The 2011 Regal also integrates the confidence of Buick’s OnStar system, which delivers everything from turn-by-turn navigation to automatic crash response when you need it.
Impressively styled, engineered and equipped, the 2011 Buick Regal CXL continues the company’s dynamic reinvention and brings just the right amount of athleticism to a class calling out for it. Built to take on some of the best the world has to offer, the sensibly priced Regal has quickly become a seriously discussed competitor in the concentrated midsize sedan segment.
