The Buick Regal GS Conundrum
The 2016 Buick Regal GS represents an intriguing proposition in the near-luxury sport sedan segment. Positioned as Buick's performance flagship, the GS trim promises athletic driving dynamics but ultimately delivers a mixed experience. As the final model year before a complete redesign, this Regal iteration shows both its age and surprising technological relevance.-
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At a Glance: 2016 Regal GS
- Engine: 2.0L Turbocharged I4 (259 hp, 295 lb-ft)
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic (no manual option)
- Drivetrain: Active AWD with eLSD
- Suspension: Continuous Damping Control
- Base Price: $39,065 (including destination)
Performance Analysis: GS vs Reality
The Regal GS's powertrain reveals its fundamental identity crisis:
Powertrain Performance
- Turbo Lag: Noticeable delay below 3,000 rpm despite 295 lb-ft torque claim
- Transmission: Competent but lacks paddle shifters found in competitors
- Sound Character: Unrefined engine note compared to Acura TLX V6
Our instrumented testing revealed:
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0-60 mph: 6.1 seconds (0.4s slower than Acura TLX V6 AWD)
- 1/4 mile: 14.6 seconds @ 97 mph
- 70-0 mph braking: 165 feet (excellent for class)
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Handling Dynamics
The GS redeems itself somewhat with:
- AWD System: Rear torque bias (up to 85% to rear wheels) in GS mode
- Braking: Brembo front calipers (13.4" rotors) provide strong stopping power
- Suspension: Three-mode adjustable damping (Normal/Sport/GS)
However, the driving experience suffers from:
- Vague steering feedback (2.7 turns lock-to-lock)
- Excessive body roll in Normal mode
- Overly firm ride in GS mode on rough pavement
Exterior Design: Aging Gracefully?
The 2016 Regal carries over its 2014 refresh styling with GS-specific enhancements:
GS Exterior Features
- Unique front fascia with larger air intakes
- Dual exhaust with polished tips
- Standard 19" wheels (optional 20" with summer tires)
- 0.6" lower ride height than standard Regal
While handsome, the design shows its age when compared to:
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- Acura TLX's Jewel Eye LED lighting
- Lexus IS's spindle grille aggression
- Infiniti Q50's flowing lines
Interior Quality: Buick's Achilles' Heel
The Regal's cabin reveals its platform age (developed in 2008) through:'
Material Quality Issues
- Hard plastics on lower door panels and console
- Inconsistent grain patterns across dash surfaces
- Faux aluminum trim that feels cheap
Space Constraints
- Rear Seat: 33.7" legroom (2.5" less than TLX)
- Headroom: 36.8" front/35.9" rear (problematic for tall passengers)
- Trunk: 14.2 cu ft (smaller than most competitors)
The GS does offer some redeeming interior features:
- 8-inch configurable instrument display
- Heated/ventilated front seats (optional)
- QuietTuning acoustic glass for noise isolation
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Technology: Surprisingly Current
The 2016 Regal shines with its tech offerings:
IntelliLink Infotainment
- Standard 8" touchscreen with intuitive controls
- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility
- 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot (3-month trial included)
- Available navigation with real-time traffic
Safety Technology
- Forward Collision Alert
- Lane Departure Warning
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- Side Blind Zone Alert
Notable omissions include:
- Adaptive cruise control (available on competitors)
- Automatic parking assist
- Heads-up display
