Buick is making a full-hearted effort to win over younger buyers. The Lucerne is a perfect example of that with modern features combined with V8 power and techno necessities like an MP3 input jack, blind-spot warning system and even a heated steering wheel.
The Lucerne is big and bold with large headlamp clusters, sleek sides and a slightly European feel.
We test drove the new Super version, which is the first time the “super” tag has been used in 50 years. It joins three other trim levels, two of them with V6 power instead of the Northstar 4.6-liter V8 that is available in the Super and CXS trim levels. There’s an easy way to tell which engine is under the hood by looking at the front fenders. If there are three traditional Buick portholes on the flanks, it’s a V6. Four holes means it has the Northstar V8.
Mated with a four-speed automatic, the Lucerne offers 275 horsepower. But, the big engine is a gas hog, averaging only about 20 miles per gallon on the freeway and 15 around town.
The Lucerne replaced the LaSabre as Buick’s flagship sedan in 2006. Available with an optional front bench, the Lucerne can seat six, or five with front buckets.
And, there’s still plenty of room in the trunk for a family’s travel needs. There’s even a cargo net to keep things in place.
What the Lucerne offers is a luxurious ride with comfortable seats and plenty of leg room. The front buckets can be heated or cooled.
Our test model was fully loaded with leather seating with suede inserts, power telescoping steering wheel with audio and cruise controls and remote vehicle start. The bottom line was $42,780, which is on the high end of the mid-level luxury car market. However, you can drop into the upper $20,000 range if you opt for the base trim and the V6 engine.
Even though the Lucerne had navigation and a screen for display, there was no back-up camera as found in many competitors. But it did have the blind spot warning system that flashes on the outside mirrors when another vehicle enters either blind spot from behind. If you drift over the lane lines, another warning lets you know you’ve strayed out of your lane. The outer mirrors also have arrows that flash when you are turning.
Buick offers what it calls “quiet tuning” that dramatically cuts down on noise levels. Special attention is paid to details like the design of the windshield wipers and carpet thickness to provide a quiet, comfortable ride.
As you might expect from a large sedan, the ride is smooth without being mushy. The handling is acceptable, although the turning radius is huge.
The Lucerne only offers front-wheel drive which isn’t a problem unless you’re totally set on rear-wheel drive. Then, you might have to look at the Chrysler 300C, the only competitor with a V8 and rear-wheel drive in this segment.

Ryan’s Ride –
After the demise of the Oldsmobile division, Buick has GM’s mid-level luxury segment all to itself now.
I have to say, the Lucerne is a very nice looking car on the outside. There’s enough bling with the chrome headlight clusters, door handles, port holes and the bright, chrome wheels to please anyone. The Lucerne even has chrome tail pipe covers.
The car doesn’t feel as big when you’re driving. It handles very nicely and the ride is ultra smooth.
Buick’s blind spot and lane departure warning system are great safety features and compliment the full array of airbags and side curtains. I also like the warning arrows on the mirrors when turning.
There are very few shortcomings in this Buick. The interior fit and finish could be a little nicer and a five-speed transmission would be an improvement.
But overall, the Lucerne is a very solid car. It will probably appeal more to older buyers because of its size and traditional place in the auto world. But Buick is thinking young and the Lucerne just might appeal to some younger buyers … if they can afford the gas.

Marilyn’s Moment –
My grandparents drove Buicks. I remember back when I was a girl that I thought I would never drive a big car like that.
It’s a little disheartening to realize that I’m a grandmother now and the Lucerne is targeted to buyers my age. Sorry, GM, but I’m not buying into it. I’m still only 30, right?
There’s nothing wrong with the Lucerne. It’s just not for me. It handles and drives very nicely and lord knows there’s plenty of room for passengers and cargo. There are plenty of storage areas in the driver’s compartment and the controls are simple to use. I do like the remote start feature because you can start the car while walking across the parking lot and it will start to cool down before you get inside.
I was quite surprised while driving the Lucerne, however. Several clients came out to pour over the car, ask questions and said that they had been looking at buying one. The biggest surprise came when a 20-something clerk at the drive-through pharmacy raved about it and said he was thinking about buying one.
Maybe I’m just missing something.