Buick discontinued the LaCrosse in the United States after 2019MY but the mid-size sedan continued in China where it received a facelift. Because the saloon body style is still relevant in the world’s most populous country, the fourth generation will go on sale next year. Meanwhile, revealing pictures have appeared on the government Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) as part of the homologation process.
The design is a significant change from the previous model, though we can’t help but think of the Toyota Avalon or Mirai. To be fair, the next-gen LaCrosse appears to be inheriting design cues from the Wildcat EV Concept that launched in June as a styling preview of Buick’s future. Despite the fresh appearance, the basis is largely the same as riding on the familiar E2 platform.
As is usually the case, the MIIT the website also divulges most of the technical specifications. The CN-spec 2023 LaCrosse is 4,996 millimeters (196.7 inches) long, making it 30 mm (1.18 inches) shorter than the model it replaces. It has an identical width of 1,866 mm (73.5 in) and the same wheelbase measuring 2,905 mm (114.4 in). At 1,472 mm tall, this mid-size sedan is 10 mm (0.4 in) taller than before.
We also learn that the car weighs nearly 2,100 kilograms (4,630 pounds) and comes with a choice between 18 and 19-inch wheels. It reaches 230 km/h (143 mph) thanks to a 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine that produces 227 horsepower (169 kilowatts). The outgoing model is offered with the same engine but produces an additional 10 hp for a total of 237 hp. Speaking of the current LaCrosse, it can be had with the smaller 1.5-liter turbo engine with 169 hp, but it’s not listed. MIIT document.
Reports from the Chinese state Buick intend to officially unveil the car in mid-April 2023 at the Shanghai Auto Show and go on sale soon after.