The completely redesigned 2018 Buick Regal shares the same platform as the 2018 Chevy Malibu, allowing it to be larger, lighter and have more rear passenger space than its predecessors. The 2018 Regal exudes class and refinement, while also being quite functional with its sport back design. While much of the buying market has shifted to SUVs, it’s refreshing to see a mid-sized sedan like the 2018 Buick Regal making small changes to help bridge the gap.
MODERN EXTERIOR
The gracious curves and easy flowing design of the Buick Regal has stood the test of time, so it’s no wonder this style of design has made its way into the 2018 Regal. Attracting attention without seeming ostentatious is perhaps the best way to describe the exterior design, which incorporates a sleek overall shape and a simple yet refined design.
There are however some bolder features and highlights but they are presented subtly, allowing the 2018 Regal to be a head turner without blatantly standing out. Highlights like the chrome accents, the wide and narrow headlights and some hood accent lines come together to complete the front end design. The rear end is equally refined with a wide and narrow look, sleek tail lights and dual-exhaust chrome tailpipe tips. A quick glance at the side profile and you’ll be pleased with the sleek overall shape, which is also aerodynamically functional as well.
Overall, the 2018 Buick Regal has a stately and refined look, with enough road presence to set you apart in a world of over the top designs for cars and SUVs on the road today.
PREMIUM INTERIOR
While the 2018 Buick Regal takes a page from the timeless design book for the exterior, it’s quite the opposite for the interior design. The dual tone colour scheme makes for a very cozy and sporty atmosphere. All the materials used are of exceptional quality and soft to the touch. The combination of stitched leather on the dash, the glossy black and shiny chrome accents and the beige and black soft touch materials all come together for a modern and stylish look.
There’s ample room for all passengers, with three adults fitting comfortably in the rear, though the rear headroom may become a bit tight for taller adults. The seats are some of the most comfortable and lumbar-friendly in the segment, making for a comfortable and supportive ride. The cabin of the 2018 Regal is also one of the quietest, thanks to the Quiettuning technology which really helps block the outside noise.
The sportback term used by Buick to describe the 2018 Regal is a combination of a sedan and a hatchback, allowing the trunk to open similar to a hatch and provide a much larger opening while still maintaining the sporty look of a trunk. The rear seats can also be folded to provide even more versatility for the cargo you can transport.
While the focus of the 2018 Regal was to provide a great driving experience, it hasn’t shied away from providing one of the most feature-rich infotainment systems that we have seen in a car. At the heart of this system is a crisp 8-inch touchscreen display that can put many tablets to shame. The interface is very intuitive and makes accessing the different features very easy. There is also a wireless charging mat in an intuitive form of a slot, allowing anyone to just drop a wireless charging compatible phone in and it starts charging. Another forward thinking features is the 4G LTE connectivity with a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot allowing passengers to connect to the Regal’s wifi network.
PERFORMANCE AND DRIVE
Confidence inspired by stability can be the phrase that sums up the driving experience from the 2018 Buick Regal. Keeping things simple, Buick offers two models for the 2018 Regal – the more basic, everyday driver focused Essence model or the sportier, performance focused GS model. Both models come well equipped and include the latest safety technology, but the GS has a bit more focus toward performance along with a few other premium options that come as standard.
The 2018 Buick Regal Essence is equipped with a 2.0L turbo charged four cylinder engine that outputs 250hp and is paired with an 8 speed automatic transmission. The 2018 Buick Regal GS comes equipped with a sportier 3.6L V6 engine outputting 310hp and paired to a 9 speed automatic transmission with a sport mode selector button and the upgraded Brembo performance brakes. Both engines have plenty of power and responsive acceleration, but the performance oriented driver will definitely appreciate the extra lengths to which the GS goes to impress.
The ride quality of the 2018 Regal is top notch and definitely provides the feeling a premium brand should. Powerful, smooth and responsive accelerations combine with an active twin clutch for seamless gear changes throughout the power spectrum. The even weight distribution combined with the low center of gravity, really makes the Regal stick to the road through turns and provides a feeling of confidence while driving with a bit of enthusiasm!
The smaller engine of the 2018 Regal Essence is able to keep fuel consumption in check, while still providing plenty of power. The 2018 Regal achieves a fuel economy of 10.7 L/100km in the city and 7.4 L/100km on the highway, which is quite impressive for a 250hp sedan!
FINAL THOUGHTS
The 2018 Buick Regal provides some amazing features, paired with a luxurious and versatile cabin and a powerful and sporty driving experience. Overall, the complete package is very well rounded and delivered in a refined and timeless exterior design. With a starting price of $31,945 you get a lot of bang for your buck and to truly appreciate the finer details, you should take a 2018 Regal for a test drive yourself!
