Yahoo Autos 2018 Buick Regal TourX Dissected: Exterior, Chassis, Powertrain, and More!
Length stretches to 196.3 inches, more than a foot longer than a Volvo V60 Cross Country.
Interior
The cabin’s switchgear, controls, center gauge cluster, and infotainment system are reminiscent of equipment found throughout GM’s lineup, but the driver-centric minor controls are canted toward the pilot. A 7.0-inch Apple CarPlay and Android Auto–capable infotainment display is standard on the base and mid-level Preferred trims, and an 8.0-inch display is standard in the top-of-the-line Essence. That most luxurious of TourX trims boasts ample soft-touch plastic, faux-wood trim—on the inside of the car—and leather-wrapped panels with contrast stitching. When properly equipped, the heated and cooled front seats also get the leather treatment. Buick hasn’t announced prices, but we figure the TourX will start a little higher than its one direct competitor, the Outback. Expect a base price around $30,000 with well-equipped models surpassing $40,000 when sales start this fall.
A wave of your foot under the rear bumper will open the power-operated hatch. The GKN rear differential is shared with a number of GM vehicles—and the Ford Focus RS.
Chassis
Under its sheetmetal, the TourX uses GM’s global Epsilon II, or E2, platform. As with previous Regals, the platform is shared with the Chevrolet Malibu, each vehicle riding on a 111.4-inch wheelbase. The overall length stretches to 196.3 inches in wagon form, 13.7 inches longer than a Volvo V60 Cross Country. Indeed, the TourX is the longest wagon in its class. As in the bow-ties riding the E2 platform, front struts and a multilink rear suspension locate the wheels. Every little bit counts, so the combination of larger tires and different springs net the TourX 0.6 inch of additional ground clearance compared with the also new Buick Regal Sportback sedan, allowing it to clear the steepest driveway transitions.
Powertrain
Propelling the TourX is GM’s familiar transverse-mounted, direct-injected 2.0-liter inline-four. The turbocharged and intercooled mill is good for 250 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 295 pound feet of torque starting at 3000 rpm and falling off past 4000 rpm. Its dual overhead cams operate with continuously variable timing for efficiency’s sake. At the TourX’s launch, power will be routed solely through an eight-speed automatic transaxle, manually shifted if desired. Although it offers no specific time frame, Buick says the all-new GM nine-speed automatic will eventually make its way into the Regal lineup.
To solidify the TourX’s rugged appeal, all-wheel drive is standard, using a system identical to that found in the LaCrosse and the Envision. To accommodate spirited driving or limited-traction situations, Buick uses GKN’s twin-clutch, torque-vectoring Twinster rear differential to put power to the ground. While Buick claims there are no other engines planned at this time, GM’s all-new diesel 1.6-liter inline-four would sit well in the wagon. It is available overseas in the Insignia, after all.
