Flash Drive

2015 Buick Regal GS

September 17, 2015 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2015 Buick Regal GS AWD

2015 Buick Regal GS in Copper Red Metallic exterior color and equipped with 20”wheels and sunroof.
2015 Buick Regal GS in Copper Red Metallic exterior color and equipped with 20”wheels and sunroof.

Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder gas, 259 horsepower, 295 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive

EPA Ratings: 19/City—27/Highway—22/Combined

Base Price: $39,810

As Tested: $44,670

Performance:

Very responsive, high performance drivetrain

3 driving modes: Tour, Sport, GS

GS mode is most responsive

AWD is great in snow and heavy rain

Excellent AWD makes the Buick Regal GS a great winter car.
Excellent AWD makes the Buick Regal GS a great winter car.

Nimble, fun to drive aggressively

Lowered ride height

Brembo front calipers

Excellent stopping power

Comfort:

Stretch-out front legroom

Minimal rear seat legroom

Tall passengers hit ceiling in back seat

Lots of wheelwell intrusion for back seat

Tall floor tunnel

Front seat almost touches back seat

Excellent, very thick contoured leather wheel

Perforated pedal covers

Utility:

Medium size glovebox, but no lock

2015 Buick Regal GS Ebony interior with Soleil Keisel leather seats, contrast stitching and Diamo black decor.
2015 Buick Regal GS Ebony interior with Soleil Keisel leather seats, contrast stitching and Diamo black decor.

Very small console bin

Medium size front door bins

Large navigation/info screen

Small, cheap sunvisors

Two seatback pouches

Odd shaped trunk opening

High trunk lift over

Cheap trunk carpeting

Flat floor

Split, folding rear seats

Wide pass through

Wow Factors:

Sharp, dynamic European styling

Available with 6-speed manual transmission

Aggressive, Corvette style polished wheels

Big Brembo front disc brakes

Whines:

Cramped back seat

2015 Buick Regal GS ¾ rear view with Copper Red Metallic exterior color and 20-inch Alloy polished wheels
2015 Buick Regal GS ¾ rear view with Copper Red Metallic exterior color and 20-inch Alloy polished wheels

Difficult back seat access

Small sunroof

Bottom Line:

The Buick Regal GS is an Americanized version of the German Opel Insignia sedan and it has a distinct European flavor, which is a good thing. The GS model is very much a driver’s car, which makes up for the lack of rear passenger room.