Buick Regal dimensions

After a somewhat disappointing debut last year, the 2012 Buick Regal deserves some much-needed enhancments. But unless you spring for the GS version, it's still quite a ways off from its lofty sport sedan positioning. Buick Regal GS offers the following pros: Sporty handling; high fuel efficiency from Eassist model; upscale cabin; lots of traditional features. Buick Regal GS drawbacks are: Sluggish acceleration; some dashboard convenience and visibility issues; narrow cargo.

The 2012 Buick Regal is provided in base, Turbo and GS trim levels.

Traditional features for the base Buick Regal include 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, heated mirrors, foglights, cruise control, dual-zone automatic conditioning, full performance accessories, remote keyless entry, leather upholstery, heated front seatings, an eight-way power-adjustable driver bench with performance lumbar (power height adjustment only for the passenger), split-folding back seatings, a tilt-and-telescoping helm and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Also traditional are Bluetooth, Onstar and a seven-speaker audio system with a CD player, radio, an optional stereo slot, Ipod connectivity and Intellilink smartphone integration (late availability).

Base Buick Regal consumers can opt for the Luxury 1 suite which adds keyless ignition/entry, remote starting, back parking sensors, an eight-way performance front passenger bench and a 120-volt performance outlet. All Luxury 1 features are traditional on Buick Regal Turbo and Eassist models. The Luxury 2 suite is available on the Base and Turbo Buick Regal models and steps things up with automatic xenon headlights, a nine-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system and back passenger side airbags. The Luxury 3 suite is only provided on the Buick Regal Turbo and adds 19-inch wheels and adaptive suspension dampers with selectable drive modes (standard, sport and tour).

The Buick Regal GS deserves all of the above, plus Brembo brakes, a sport-tuned suspension, front sport seatings, a thick-rimmed three-spoke steering wheel, front parking sensors, original look and dashboard accents and a sportier GS driving mode (replaces Tour mode). The Buick Regal GS is also eligible for auxillary 20-inch wheels with summer performance tires. Other features available on this and supporting trims include a sunroof and a navigation system. .