2014 Buick LaCrosse revealed with refreshed design and technology
Buick has lifted the covers on its updated 2014 LaCrosse saloon, featuring new interior materials, advanced infotainment and revised exterior styling ahead of its New York debut.
Buick has officially revealed the refreshed 2014 LaCrosse ahead of its public debut at the New York Auto Show. This update marks the first significant revision to the LaCrosse since the current generation was introduced in 2009. The changes for 2014 focus primarily on enhancing the car's technology, interior materials, and design details, with mechanical aspects remaining unchanged.
2014 Buick LaCrosse: Unveiled Ahead of New York Auto Show
Exterior Updates: Modernised Lighting and Styling
On the outside, the 2014 LaCrosse receives a number of styling updates that help bring the model in line with newer offerings in the Buick range. The front end features a newly designed grille and the addition of prominent wing-shaped LED daytime running lights. At the rear, the car is fitted with LED wraparound tail lamps, contributing to a more contemporary appearance. Higher-specification models are equipped with bi-xenon high-intensity discharge headlamps, further improving visibility and road presence. While the car's overall silhouette and proportions remain familiar, these lighting and grille enhancements give the LaCrosse a fresher, more modern look.
The use of LED technology is a notable aspect of this update, reflecting a broader industry trend towards more efficient and visually distinctive lighting solutions. These changes are intended to make the LaCrosse stand out in a competitive full-size saloon segment, where visual appeal can be a key factor for buyers.
Interior Enhancements: Comfort, Technology, and Luxury
Inside the cabin, Buick has placed a strong emphasis on improving material quality and the overall user experience. For 2014, the LaCrosse is available with four new interior colour combinations, offering buyers more choice in personalising their vehicle. The Ultra Luxury Interior Package introduces semi-aniline leather seating and unique Sangria and Ebony colour options, aiming to appeal to customers seeking a more premium environment.
A major change to the interior layout is the redesigned centre console. Buick has streamlined the controls, reducing the number of physical buttons from 17 to just 7. This simplification not only gives the cabin a cleaner appearance but also makes it easier for drivers to access essential functions without distraction.
Technological improvements are also a highlight of the 2014 update. The new 8-inch touchscreen features Buick's IntelliLink infotainment system, which now supports better voice command functionality, greater customisation options, and integration with apps such as Pandora. In addition, the traditional gauge cluster has been replaced with a fully digital 8-inch display, providing drivers with a modern and configurable interface for vehicle information.
No Mechanical Changes for 2014
Despite the extensive updates to the LaCrosse's appearance and interior, Buick has made no changes to the car's engine or powertrain for 2014. The model continues to offer the same range of petrol engines as before, with no new hybrid or diesel variants introduced as part of this refresh. The focus for this update is clearly on enhancing comfort, technology, and visual appeal rather than altering performance or efficiency.
This decision may appeal to buyers who are satisfied with the current powertrain options and are seeking improvements in the areas of luxury and convenience. It also means that existing owners and fans of the LaCrosse can expect a familiar driving experience, with the benefit of a more modern and comfortable cabin.
Market Launch and Global Reach
The refreshed 2014 LaCrosse is scheduled to arrive at US dealerships in summer 2013. Buick has also confirmed that the updated model will be introduced to the Chinese market later in the year. Since its original launch in 2009, the LaCrosse has achieved global sales of over 500,000 units, with China remaining a particularly important market for the brand. The introduction of the updated model in both the US and China demonstrates Buick's commitment to maintaining the LaCrosse's relevance in key regions.
The LaCrosse's international presence is a reflection of Buick's strategy to position itself as a premium brand not only in North America but also in rapidly growing markets abroad. The 2014 update is likely to help the model remain competitive against rivals from both domestic and foreign manufacturers.
Summary of Key Changes
- Revised front grille and new wing-shaped LED daytime running lights.
- LED wraparound tail lamps and available bi-xenon headlamps.
- Four new interior colour combinations and Ultra Luxury Interior Package with semi-aniline leather.
- Redesigned centre console with reduced button count (from 17 to 7).
- 8-inch IntelliLink touchscreen infotainment system with improved voice command and app integration.
- Fully digital 8-inch gauge cluster display.
- No changes to engines or transmissions.
Looking Ahead
With its 2014 refresh, the Buick LaCrosse aims to strengthen its position in the full-size saloon market by focusing on luxury, technology, and design. While the lack of mechanical updates may disappoint some looking for advances in performance or efficiency, the improvements in cabin quality and user experience are likely to appeal to a broad range of buyers. The combination of updated styling, enhanced comfort, and advanced infotainment features positions the LaCrosse as a strong contender for those prioritising refinement and modern amenities in their next vehicle.
