The new 2018 Buick Regal lineup throws the conventional sedan body style out the window in favor of a trio of more compelling options: the Regal Sportback and the Regal GS, both hatchbacks, and the Regal TourX wagon. Even though these Regals continue to share much with the Europe-market Opel Insignia, these redesigned versions aim for new territory and push Buick a bit further upscale. We got a chance to wring out pre-production examples of each of these new Regals on a ride-and-handling test loop. Here are our first impressions from the brief seat time C/D had in each version.
Regal Sportback: Middle of the Road
Don’t be misled by the swoopy lines or the word Sport in its name, because the standard 2018 Regal is not an overtly sporting machine. Its front-wheel-drive chassis is shared with the Chevrolet Malibu (all-wheel drive is optional), and it doesn’t feel all that different from the 2.0T-equipped Malibu. If anything, the Regal is tuned to be a bit softer than the Chevy, with light, overboosted steering and a compliant ride that verges on floatiness over larger bumps. At least the brake pedal is firm and confidence-inspiring. The front-wheel-drive version we drove accelerated strongly, with the 2.0-liter turbo four providing plenty of midrange grunt and the nine-speed automatic transmission shifting quickly and smoothly (an eight-speed automatic is standard in all-wheel-drive models).
Regal TourX: Practical and Placid
Predictably, the longer and heavier TourX wagon feels a bit more ponderous than the Regal Sportback. But with even fewer sporting pretensions, the TourX has a calm demeanor that is fitting for this wagon that is chasing crossover shoppers. It should be a pleasant road-trip machine, thanks to a quiet cabin and a nicely settled ride. The somewhat plain interior with plenty of ordinary-looking plastic trim won’t worry Audi or Mercedes-Benz designers, but the controls are well laid out, and the seats are comfortable. The TourX is also remarkably spacious and versatile, with a capacious rear seat and tons of cargo space. The 40/20/40 split-folding rear seatbacks also fold easily and create a completely flat load floor. Wagons FTW!
Regal GS: That’s More Like It
While the Sportback name might not be the best descriptor for the base Regal, the GS’s numerous performance tweaks live up to its promise on paper. The 3.6-liter V-6 is eager to rev and sounds throaty, while the nine-speed automatic is programmed intelligently and always seems to be in the right gear. Paddle shifters are a notable omission, but at least the transmission won’t shift on its own in manual mode. The steering is weighted much more heavily than in the Sportback and offers better on-center feel and sharper turn-in. The standard adaptive dampers help the GS feel considerably more buttoned down through bumpy corners. Outright grip from the all-season rubber could be better; disappointingly, Buick says it won’t offer summer tires as an option, but, then again, the Regal isn’t a track car by any means.
Although we’ve only just gotten a taste of these new Buicks, we’ll have a chance to spend more time with the 2018 Regal lineup before they go on sale. The Regal Sportback will arrive at dealerships first, going on sale this fall with a starting price of $25,915; the $29,995 TourX and the $39,995 GS will follow it by a few months.
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