2006 Buick Lucerne

All-new for 2006, the Buick Lucerne is Buick’s premium model. It and the Allure are the company’s sedan line-up, replacing the outgoing Century, LeSabre and Park Avenue, which were discontinued at the end of the 2005 model year. Specifically, Lucerne takes the Park Avenue’s spot.

The Lucerne also marks the return of V8 power to the Buick passenger-car line, with a 4.6-litre that is optional on the mid-line CXL and standard on the top-line CXS.

The Lucerne is also the first Buick to offer Magnetic Ride Control, originally available only on Cadillac; the system uses magnetically-charged particles in a synthetic fluid to almost instantly respond to varying road surfaces and driving characteristics. StabiliTrak is also available, with first-for-Buick brake-assist.

The Lucerne is available in three trim levels. The CX comes strictly with a V6; it’s also standard equipment on the CXL, but the V8 can be ordered as an option, while the CXS is V8-powered only.

Four specially-tuned suspension packages are offered, with matching tire and wheel packages. The CX has a standard suspension, with 16-inch wheels. The V6 CXL’s suspension has a slightly firmer calibration and 17-inch wheels, while V8-equipped models have firmer damping and magnetic-assist steering. The CXS comes standard with the Magnetic Ride Control system and has 18-inch wheels.

Among the comfort and convenience features on the Lucerne line are heated and cooled front seats, a Buick first; factory-installed remote start; rear parking assist; rain-sensing wipers with heated washer fluid application; a nine-speaker Harman Kardon audio system; six-CD changer with MP3 capability; and DVD map navigation. As in Buicks of days gone by, fender-mounted “portholes” will indicate the power within: six-cylinder models get three, while the V8 carries four. Sure, it’s a gimmick, but Buick is a traditional marque, and this is Buick tradition.