Base price for the 2011 Regal is $31,990 before taxes, freight and delivery charges. The CXL Turbo starts at $34,990, while our test car also included the $4,455 1SN Package that rounds up the aforementioned IDSC and alloy wheels, a power sunroof, rear side airbags, a 9-speaker harman/kardon stereo and xenon headlights. Our advice: skip the options and save money.
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| The Regal CXL Turbo has a base price of $34,990. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |
The final tally of $39,445 might seem excessive until you realize who Buick has in its sights as competition, namely the Acura TSX and Volvo S60. May we add the Audi A4, the BMW 3 Series and the Mercedes C-Class? In all cases, the Regal might be a tough sell, but then again, those looking for a small luxury sedan with good handling and a domestic nameplate finally have a worthy alternative.
Now, about that prejudice regarding Buicks. My girlfriend had some shopping to do, and I offered her the keys to the Regal because I wanted her opinion. She reluctantly agreed. An hour later, she called me to specifically tell me how impressed she was with the car, regarding its performance, its dynamic ride and the attention she was getting while behind the wheel of it. She never imagined a Buick would be this good. I can’t think of a better way to conclude this review.
