I was impressed to see Bluetooth microphones in the rear seats, a subtle nod to GM’s commitment to connectivity. The stunning, fully configurable 8.0-inch information display nestled in the instrument cluster is backed up by a head-up display, and the gauges are clear and easy to read. There is a second eight-inch screen in the centre stack which caps off the infotainment system. This system comes with Android Auto and Apple Carplay as well as 4G LTE wireless connectivity. A wireless charging tray is also available.

The ergonomics for the driver are first class, with no reach needed to access the key functions for the radio (volume, tune) which are accessible via the touchscreen, the steering wheel controls and also via redundant hard buttons. The gear selector module has been shrunk down to an ultra-compact size, allowing the BMW-style lever to be placed closer to the driver – optimizing storage space and also driver ergonomics. It also allows for a floating bridge console and a storage pass-through underneath.

The eight-way adjustable front seats have massaging features and are extremely supportive. Rear access has been improved with wider-opening doors and the 402L trunk has been designed to accept four golf bags.

Front pedestrian braking has been added to improve safety as has lane-keep assist. They join already available features like lane departure warning, blind spot detection, adaptive cruise control, forward collision alert, rear-vision camera and the ten airbags. GM’s safety-alert seat which vibrates to warn the driver has been applied here, removing the tell-tale beep that let your passengers know you were drifting in your lane.

The Buick Lacrosse will be built at the Detroit-Hamtramck facility and will be available early in summer of 2016.

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