Despite the serious cloud hanging over General Motors' future, Buick’s biggest sedan, the Lucerne, is back again in 2009. Buick has managed to maintained its consistency in delivering a premium full-sized sedan with technology, comfort and performance.
With the 2009 Lucerne, Buick has introduced its flex fuel system for the first time in a passenger car. This will give it the ability to run on either unleaded gasoline or E85 (a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline) or a combination of the two. GM stands by their commitment to reduce oil demand through increasing their flex-fuel vehicles which they say can reduce greenhouse emissions by as much as 23% over gasoline.
2009 Buick Lucerne Performance and Features
In 2008 Buick launched the Lucerne Super, with its powerful 4.6-liter Northstar V8 engine that delivered a huge 292-hp and in 2009 the Super is here again with the same power. A step down is the CX and CL models who each offer a 3.9-liter V6 engine and 227-hp, however this is a fine improvement from last year’s 3.8-liter 197-hp engine, and despite the extra power, GM claims an extra one mile per gallon fuel economy (now 17mpg in the city and 26mpg on the highway). The Super offers 15mpg in the city and 22mpg on the highway, which is to be expected from a V8, but in these days of high fuel prices has attracted some criticism. All of the range have a 4-speed automatic transmission.
This year the Lucerne range carries an enhanced list of standard features, including standard cornering lamps, six-way powered passenger seat, and an electric throttle that maximizes fuel efficiency by matching driver input with the engine response. There are even heated power rear-view mirrors and 17-inch premium painted wheels (18-inch for the Super). The Lucerne still seats five passengers, but now also offers a six-seat option for increased versatility. The Lucerne Super also features Buick’s own version of Magnetic Ride Control technology that helps to reduce body roll in cornering and allows for even greater driver control. It is certainly an improvement on the CX and CL that have a tendency to roll in the turns. The StabiliTrak stability control system and an upgrade in steering components give the Super greatly improved responsiveness. A new chrome grille, exhaust tips, fascias and rocker panels give the Super an even classier look this year, and comes in the very sophisticated colouring of Dark Mocha metallic, Gold metallic and white.
2009 Buick Lucerne Interior
On the inside, the Buick Lucerne Super features walnut wood finish, premium floor mats featuring the Buick logo, leather-encased instrument panel and suede trim on the heated seats and doors. Add to that the nine-speaker 280-watt Harman Kardon audio system, voice-guided navigation system and a power tilt and telescoping steering column and you have the epitome of style and comfort. However even the CX and CL models are well appointed with their dual-zone automatic climate control, universal remote control that can be programmed to open the garage door as well, rear parking assist and Buick’s own Quiet Tuning system to block out road noise. New for the CXL models are heated front seats with memory programming and a heated steering wheel. The overall impression is only let down by a few lightweight plastic panels which seem quite out of place for the luxury tag the cars carry.
2009 Buick Lucerne Competition
The Lucerne has a reputation as a luxury vehicle, and these new models are certainly luxurious in fit-out, performance and appearance, but the CX and CL let the team down a little in the handling department, and means that the Lucerne remain a step behind the impressive Chrysler 300. The Toyota Avalon is also direct competition in this large luxury sedan class, but remains a conservative option to the more stylish and luxurious Lucerne. While the CX remains the best value for money, however, spending a bit extra for the better handing and power of the V8 Super can be well worth it.
2009 Buick Lucerne Safety
The Lucerne range offers safety features including ABS, traction control and Buick’s antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. You can also choose to add the lane-departure warning option that makes use of a camera between the rear-view mirror and windscreen to alert drivers if the car veers out of its lane. The Blind Zone Alert can also be included as an option, which is a radar system that alerts the driver if vehicles enter within an 11 foot zone of the car.
- Antilock Brakes
- Traction Control
- Antiskid System
- Front Side Airbags
- Curtain Side Airbags
- Rear Side Airbags