2015 Buick Regal GS AWD

When initially hearing about this vehicle a few years back, it was dismissed. I was then told about it by the guys at GM, once again I sort of shrugged my shoulders about it. As soon as vehicle delivery was scheduled, I started comparing it in my mind to the old Grand National. After taking delivery though.. Everything changed again.

Buick to me is something I would never want to own. That is a certain point in your life type of car. I'm not going to stereotype and say old - sort of thinking experienced, or even mature. Thinking about owning a Buick, personally I don't think I'm there yet. Maybe someday, but right now Chevrolet, Ford, Dodge - they all seem to fit my age bracket, personality, and income all at once. The only Buick ever seriously considered by most enthusiasts is the Grand National, but even those are now becoming collectors items that you would almost feel bad about driving daily. Skip the 90s altogether, just because. Move into that early 2000s period when GM started to improve, but still, just don't drive those either. Here we are in 2015. Marty McFly said we'd be flying in cars, but instead we have the 2015 Buick Regal GS.

When you look at this thing, the commercials are true. You really, honestly don't see the old Buick. They have done a great job styling and improving their image. Keep in mind, I am only talking about the GS model Regal. Personally I still think the regular Regal is a little too vanilla. This one though with the big wheels, black paint and better fascias; it really does look good. The Buick badges are even toned down to be one color and not all sticking out multicolored like, although they could be a bit smaller around back along with that silver stripe. We are in the middle of January here in Akron, so the AWD model was sent our way, and thank goodness.

Driving

Day one of our road test led me straight into heavy snow and basically SUV territory. I abandoned the TBSS and plunged into Hoth like conditions in the Regal. Absolutely amazing. The Regal didn't skip a beat and guided me safely though one of the larger storms of the year. This AWD system is only a couple years old here in the US, but it seriously was impressive. There is quite a bit going on under there, which I won't try to explain...

Onto the non-winter driving. I was finally given some dry days to see what this car could do. When you look at the GS specs, I notice one glaring issues. A turbo four cylinder is installed in this guy. The major power that we love and crave is missing, but this car has enough. It isn't something to go crazy over, but all you have to do is point and shoot and it will get you there. The suspension is smooth, comfortable and easy on your back, even being GS. Once you press that magic GS button on the dash though...Everything comes alive. The shifts sharpen, steering effort is increased and feels tighter and of course the suspension magically gets rougher. Even the gauges change! I mistakenly assumed and read online that this suspension is magnetic. Buick social media was quick to correct me, not magnetic. Either way though, the GS button was constantly on during my test because it made the car perfect.

Interior

The GS has one of the nicest interiors I have ever experienced. Even looking back to the V-Sport I drove last Summer, this thing just comes together perfectly in a way the big Caddy can't match. The seating, steering wheel, electronics and driver position are all perfect. Sitting inside, it has a cockpit like feel that you don't expect in a Buick. Being $45k though, it is absolutely loaded from head to toe with everything you would need. Power everything, IntelliLink, navigation, digital dash, heated seats/steering wheel, adaptive cruise and much, much more. The electronics on these vehicles all seem to be non-wowing anymore because they work so well. The navigation/Onstar integration worked flawlessly as did the IntelliLink. GM and Buick have pretty much ironed all the bugs out of making an interior advanced and reliable. I cannot stress enough how amazingly good the seats were in this. Being GS, they are specific to that trim line and I'm not sure how different they are compared to the standard Regal, or if you can get them anywhere else at all. They were comfortable and supportive with great bolsters and nice looks. It didn't take long to feel right at home inside this car because it basically fit around me like a pair of Mechanics Gloves.

Overall

Like I said before, this car was an unexpected surprise. Really going into it with little excitement, then leaving wanting more. The selling point for me is the interior setup. Everything was laid out perfectly and the seating was amazing. When you drive this car, taking in the overall experience is what makes it so good. If you base it solely on the performance, plan to miss out on some great stuff. This car does perform, it does go in the snow, the interior is comfortable and the amenities work flawlessly. Pack that altogether and you have a great whole package vehicle. I mention in the film that you won't draw attention to yourself in this. For some people, that is a great thing. When you pull up in a Buick, people will not be running out to give you high fives and put you on their Instagram. That is all ok though. The GS has the goods to make you happy and make you feel like you drive something unique. Buick has come a very long way in the past twenty years. If you are considering going with one of these, just know that you will absolutely not be disappointed.

Clothing for this review provided by Buckeye Clothing Company - Click the logo to visit their site!