As expected Buick has unveiled their all-new 2018 Regal with the upcoming New York Auto Show. But a surprise was the new Regal TourX wagon that will take on Subaru Outback and Audi Allroad.
Just last month we gave you a sneak peek at the 2018 Buick Regal in the form of the Opel Insignia reveal from the Geneva Auto Show. There we showed the sport wagon sans off-road packaging that Buick has actually chosen to offer us here in North America.
While the driving enthusiasts out there might be disappointed Buick chose to bring us a lifted and all-wheel drive off-roady Regal wagon, the smart money is really better spent going head to head with the likes of the very popular Subaru Outback, Volvo Cross Country, and Audi Allroad to which it will go head to head.
To wit, it features a higher ride height than the Regal Sportback along with the expected plastic body cladding and wheel arch trims that wrap around its 18-inch alloy wheels. The wagon itself does has a pleasing design I think, with some pretty unique detail in the rear three quarter view at the pillars.
Facial design is nearly identical to the Open Insignia with exception of the Buick winged grille. LED daytime running lights are standard while optional are LED headlamps. LED taillights are however standard at the rear.
The TourX comes with “Intellegent AWD” that uses an active twin-clutch arrangement that serves to vector torque side to side at the rear axle more directly instead of depending so heavily on the anti-lock brake system to do so.
Power will come exclusively from a 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque and paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. An auto start stop system will help when it comes to fuel economy.
The interior Buick says is class leading over the vehicles I mentioned with some 73.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the first row of seating. The rear liftgate also features a Buick logo foot lamp and power opening capability.
The interior doesn’t stray far from the Buick recipe of luxurious appointments. Here you will find a higher quality material palette than before, including top-end leather trims as you see here. Faux woodgrain trim is included as expected but is subdued and tasteful.
A standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system includes the now expected Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. The top trim grade includes a larger 8-inch touchscreen with Bose audio and navigation as shown.
Manufactured in Germany by now stand-alone Opel who will be owned by PSA the 2018 Buick Regal TourX will join the 5-door Regal Sportback this fall in North American showroom. Pricing and final specifications will come closer to that time.