There is a lot of competition in the midsize sedan segment, but there isn’t much style. Then there is the Buick Regal, combining German engineering and gorgeous proportions to offer the discerning buyer a performance sports sedan beyond the ordinary.

 

With a starting MSRP of $26,245, the Regal was chosen by U.S. News & World Report as the “#1 Best Upscale Midsize Car for the Money” for 2011, and Consumers Digest named it a “Best Buy.” One look at the Regal’s elegant exterior design and you know this is no ordinary sedan. The Regal’s sweeping greenhouse takes on the look of a sleek coupe while its wide stance, stretched wheelbase and standard 18-inch wheels reveal the athleticism of a luxury sports sedan.  

 

Stepping inside the Regal’s cabin, you’ll be greeted with high-end, soft-touch materials everywhere. Leather-trimmed seats are standard and the front bucket seats are heated as well. The Regal features state-of-the-art audio and entertainment in a cabin specifically designed for maximum quiet and optimum acoustics. Standard Bluetooth^® hands-free calling is available right from the leather-wrapped steering wheel, which also features cruise and audio system controls. 

 

The buttons on the center stack are thoughtfully laid out, and dual-zone automatic climate control is standard on every Regal (not found on the Volkswagen CC). A USB port located in the center console makes it easy to access your music or charge your phone. Standard XM Satellite Radio comes with a free three-month subscription while OnStar Directions & Connections is available for you for six free months.

 

The Regal features plenty of passenger room for up to five adults with 42.1 inches of front legroom and a very impressive 37.3 inches of rear leg real estate. A generous 14.2 cubic feet of trunk space ensures plenty of room for shopping bags, groceries and luggage.

 

While the Regal features unsurpassed levels of standard equipment, the discerning buyer can go even further with options like a power sunroof, 320-watt harman/kardon^® sound and 40GB hard drive, in-dash voice-activated navigation and Rear Park assist.

 

The real story begins when you get behind the wheel and drive. There are two powertrain choices for 2011. The Regal CXL utilizes an efficient, yet powerful direct injected 2.4-liter ECOTEC^® four-cylinder with 182 hp and 172 lb/ft of torque. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission with Driver Shift Control, this Regal can go as far as 500 miles on a single tank of gas, returning EPA fuel economy of 30 mpg on the highway.

 

The Regal Turbo offers a direct-injected and turbocharged 2.0-liter ECOTEC four-cylinder that doles out an impressive 220 hp and 258 lb/ft of torque. All that power can be routed through a choice of a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic with driver-selectable shift points. The turbocharged Regal features a class-exclusive Interactive Drive Control system, allowing drivers to select from Sport, Tour and Standard modes that adjust handling and agility settings to the driver’s needs.

 

This system works so well in part because every Regal features one of the most advanced four-link independent rear suspension systems on any vehicle. The sport-tuned suspension gives the driver the freedom to feel the thrill of dynamic driving characteristics while bumps and rough surfaces are effortlessly soaked up thanks to advanced suspension geometry and kinematics.

 

When road conditions become challenging and the need to maneuver occurs, Regal’s standard StabiliTrak^® electronic stability control with Traction Control works with the four-wheel antilock brakes with Brake Assist to keep you pointed in the right direction with optimal traction at all times.

 

The Regal features double-pretensioned front safety belts, GM’s patented Pedal Release System, which automatically moves the pedals away from the driver’s feet in the event of a serious frontal collision, side-impact protection beams and six standard airbags. The airbags are dual-stage up front with side-curtains for front- and second-row passengers and available seat-mounted rear thorax protection.

 

Buick’s confidence in the Regal is apparent. The entire vehicle is covered for four years or 50,000 miles, and powertrain components are covered for five years or 100,000 miles. If you need Roadside Assistance, the Regal features five years/100,000 miles of coverage for absolutely no charge.

 

The 2011 Buick Regal offers a terrific value with the performance technology, safety and looks to make the competition play catch up.