2011 Buick LaCrosse CXS

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The LaCrosse offers a great design, a suite of advanced personal technologies and safety features, and a choice of two fuel-saving powertrains. A fuel-efficient, direct injected Ecotec 2.4L four-cylinder engine is the standard engine in CX and CXL FWD models (it was added to the lineup in mid-2010 on CX).

The Ecotec 2.4L diversifies the LaCrosse's powertrain lineup, which also includes a 3.6L V-6 with variable valve timing and direct injection; it is rated at 280 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. AWD is available on 3.6L-equipped models.

The 2011 LaCrosse is offered in three models - CX, CXL and CXS:

• CX - the Ecotec 2.4L engine and six-speed automatic transmission are standard, along with cloth seats, a rear spoiler, XM Satellite Radio and more.
• CXL FWD - it comes standard with the Ecotec 2.4L and offers a 3.6L direct injected V-6; it also adds leather-appointed heated seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, fog lamps, outside rearview mirror with LED turn indicators and puddle lamps, and 18-inch alloy wheels. An advanced all-wheel-drive system with electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD) is available. Electronic limited-slip differential splits torque across the axle to whichever wheel has more grip to enhance control in icy or wet conditions.
• CXL AWD - includes similar equipment to the CXL FWD, but comes standard with the 3.6L V-6.
• CXS - also equipped with the 3.6L direct injection V-6; the CXL also offers real-time active-dampening suspension; perforated, leather-appointed, heated and ventilated seats, and chrome-plated 18-inch alloy wheels (19-inch optional with the Touring package).

Changes are minor for 2011 and include the Ecotec 2.4L as standard on the CXL FWD, along with variable-effort electric power steering on 2.4L-equipped models. Also, a tire repair kit is available and replaces the standard compact spare tire and jack.

Buick LaCrosse CXS: Review (2/2)