As I was rolling around town in the Buick Regal GS I couldn’t help but notice a few other drivers looking my way. I get recognized every now and then but it is very difficult to spotlight a specific driver behind the wheel. Alas it was not me that was causing attention; it was the elegant design of the midsize sedan I was handling.
This all-new Regal GS blends a 270-horsepower Ecotec 2.0 liter turbo engine, six-speed manual transmission and Interactive Drive Control System (IDCS) suspension technology. Bottom line – the get-up-and-go was crazy good and the manual transmission was so easy it was like shifting through butter.
Buick’s exclusive Interactive Drive Control System is standard on the Regal GS. It allows drivers to choose from three operating modes – Standard, Sport and GS mode. The different modes change the suspension settings and steering sensitivity according to driver preferences.
One reason the Regal GS received so many glances and stares is its unique body-color front and rear fascias. The front fascia incorporates vertical air intake slots accented in a satin-metallic finish. The rear fascia has a pair of integrates, satin-metallic exhaust outlets. The GS also has rocker panel extensions and a real spoiler. And it’s a real looker.
Inside the GS has an ebony interior with satin-finish elements on the instrument panel, steering wheel and console. The instrument panel glows white when the driver selects the GS mode of the IDCS.
Standard and available features include passive keyless entry with push-button start; standard XM Satellite Radio; Harman/Kardan premium 336-watt, 5.1 Matrix Surround Sound system with nice (yes, NINE) speakers; Bluetooth phone connectivity; and metal sport pedals.
The Buick Regal GS can be compared to the Audio A4, Acura TSX, Volvo S40, Lexus IS 250 and the Infiniti G25. Starting MSRP is $35,310 with the fully loaded model I tested priced at $38,650.