2012 Buick Regal GS Review By Larry Nutson

SEE ALSO: Buick Buyers Guide

2012 Buick Regal GS - A Surprising Sports Sedan

By Larry Nutson
Senior Editor, Chicago Bureau
The Auto Channel

Just about one year ago, I drove the 2011 Buick Regal in the CXL trim and powered by the 182HP 2.4L Ecotec 4-cylinder. I liked that car a lot with much of my liking coming from its Opel designed German-roots. I’ve heard and read good things about the Regal GS and was looking forward to my driving experience.

The 2012 Regal GS is a midsize luxury performance sedan that is powered by a high-output Ecotec 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder delivering 270HP driving through the front wheels. The little “surprise and delight” feature of my test car was the six-speed manual transmission. The manual trans even surprised a few folks who were checking out the Regal and caused one restaurant valet to sweat a little over his stick-shift ability. A six-speed automatic will be available mid-model year.

On the performance side, 0-60 mph acceleration is estimated at 6.7 seconds. This is balanced with respectable EPA ratings of 19 city mpg and 27 highway mpg. Premium fuel is recommended but not required. The 18.5 gallon fuel tank will get you about 500 miles down the highway. EPA estimates are not yet available for the automatic, but I would guess they will be better than the manual.

Rounding out the 3700-pound Regal GS are four-wheel disc brakes with Brembo four-piston front calipers, larger ventilated front discs and high-performance linings. The four-wheel independent suspension has a HiPer Strut front suspension that reduces torque steer and improves grip and cornering power.

The standard Interactive Drive Control System has a GS mode that allows drivers to change suspension settings and steering sensitivity for a more spirited driving experience. I thought the Standard-mode steering effort was a little on the light side for my liking with the Sport and GS modes much improved.

The connection to the road is by the standard 19-inch wheels fitted with 245/40 all-season tires. The optional 20-inch wheels, which were fitted to my test car, have 255/35 summer-rated performance tires. If I were a Regal GS owner living in snowy-winter states I would have an extra set of wheels mounted with winter tires.

On the outside the Regal GS has some distinctive design elements. The front and rear fascias are unique to this model and incorporate large air intake slots in the front and dual exhaust outlets in the rear. Along with rocker panel extensions and a rear spoiler, the ride height is slightly lower for a sportier, more aggressive appearance.

On the inside, leather-appointed seats are standard along with a leather-wrapped, flat-bottom sport steering wheel. Heated driver and front passenger seats with a 12-way adjustment are included. I was looking for a heated steering wheel, but to no avail. I prefer driving without gloves…usually better when interacting with a nav system…so that heated steering rim is a nice-to-have feature in Chicago winters when the temperature is hovering in the single-digits. The metal covering on the pedals is a nice look but a touch slippery immediately after you get in the car with snow on the bottom of your shoes or boots. The standard equipped front and rear ultrasonic parking assist is a big help when parallel parking or nosing-in to a garage parking slot.

The Regal GS is priced at $34,450. My test car was equipped with an optional stereo/nav package for $1145, the power sunroof at $1000, and the 20-inch wheels for $700. With the $860 destination charge the grand total came to $38,155.

The Regal was a 2011 Top Safety pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and is equipped with the full contingent of safety equipment that consumers come to expect in a car today, OnStar included.

My review of the Regal from a year ago can be viewed here on The Auto Channel.

At that time Regals were built in Germany. Since then GM is now assembling all Regal models in Oshawa, Ontario Canada. The Regal GS contains 60% parts content from the U.S. and Canada.

The Regal has a 5-year/50,000 mile powertrain warranty and a 4-year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty.

Summing up, I like the Regal GS’ teutonic roots and its overall balanced performance and comfortable ride. This 5-passenger 4-door is a nice size for city living and at the same time will fit well into nearly any suburb. I did notice a few-head turns as I drove around, so it does stand out from the crowd a bit. As I mentioned in my earlier Regal review, I like the positions of the driver controls. I’m missing a heated steering wheel. One item I have thought over a few times is the exhaust note, or lack thereof. Should this GS have a little more distinctive exhaust sound or is it better just being understated?

© Larry Nutson