2014 Buick Regal GS AWD Review and Road Test

In my mind, Volkswagens used to be the "Euro Buick." Positioned as a note above the mass market rabble, VW's Passat shared parts with Audi's A4, the Touareg and Phaeton were luxury cars with a mass market logo on the hood. Then Volkswagen decided this was the wrong strategy for them so they repositioned VW as the German alternative to Toyota and Chevrolet. This left a gaping hole in the market for shoppers looking to step into a Eurpoean near-luxury vehicle that flew under the radar. And then Buick stepped in. Say what? That's right, Buick's Opel-based product offensive has transformed the brand from Barcalounger wheels for the octogenarian to a window into the soul of GM's German brand. This transformation isn't an easy one as Buick's problem wasn't just blue-haired buyers and slinky-soft springs. Buick is the penultimate middle child. Jammed between Chevrolet and Cadillac, brand B's mission is to give Chevy buyers something to aspire to and Cadillac buyers something to graduate from. The Buick Regal I had for a week is in even more of a tight spot being the middle child's middle child slotting between the Verano and LaCrosse.
Drive
GM's HiPer Strut suspension is designed to bring the steering axis more in line with the tire centerline, something you typically find in rear-wheel drive cars. Aligning the axises more closely results in better tracking, less torque steer and a front tire with a more consistent camber across the suspension's travel. Versus the outgoing model, the front tires contact patch is improved in corners when the front suspension is loaded resulting in higher grip. Coupled with an AWD system that sends 50% of the power to the rear under hard acceleration, we get the first Buick in a long time with virtually zero torque steer.
The downside to the trendy new steering knuckle design is feel. Steering is very precise but suffers from the same Novocaine-laced feeback as everything else out there with electric power steering. Coupled with a 58/42 F/R weight distribution, the Regal GS has impeccable manners up to 9/10ths where things go pear-shaped and you start oversteering off into the bushes. Trouble is without steering feedback it's hard to tell where 9/10ths is located. In contrast, the Volvo S60 T6 AWD and S80 T6 AWD offer less grip but more feel.
2014 Buick Regal GS AWD Exterior-007
Driving a FWD Regal back to back with out AWD tester, I kept thinking "there's just something I dislike about the FWD model". As it turns out there is a reason the FWD Regal felt unsettled in the rear over broken pavement, the AWD model gets an entirely different "H-Link" independent rear suspension. Coupled with the active dampers, the Regal felt well composed on a variety of road surfaces despite being tuned firmer than the rest of the American and Swedish competition.
Put your foot to the floor and the 2014 GS will run to 60 in 6.7 seconds, exactly the same as the W-Body Regal GS I remember with fond memories. The difference of course is that the W-Body's torque steer made the car feel like it was part car ans part carnival ride while the 2014 model tracks straight and true with zero drama all the way to a 15.2 second 1/4 mile. Stacking this up with the competition, the Regal is notably slower than the Cadillac CTS/ATS 2.0T and Volvo's 3.0L turbocharged models; and a hair slower than the 3.7L Lincoln MKZ, Lexus ES 350 and Acura TL.
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[@emjayay]

"One thing to keep in mind..." is Alex is the most comprehensive and speed talking car reviewer on KZbin.

[@chronos4573]

Traded in my 2012 Regal Premium and took delivery last month of a 2017 GS in black metallic macked out with all the options. Enjoyed your review Alex, I learned that the front grille badge is actually an antenna. On my display, it gives me a distance indication onscreen in the front so I don't strike a curb or parking space and damage my 20 inch rims.

[@sciberrasal]

Thank you for this review. Very informative. I appreciate the details. I just purchased a 2015 GS tri-coat black. I love it.

[@leedawson22]

Your reviews are excellent! Your very thorough and very knowledgeable

[@scarbourgeoisie]

Since GM is just re-badging Opel's for N.A., why not just phase Buick out (while keeping the Brand a mainstay in China), and just phase in the Opel brand. Opel would fill in for what Pontiac used to stand for, while maintaining it's German flair. The Regal name basically killed this car for N.A. Should have been the Buick Insignia.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

When you think about it Buick has to exist in the USA for it to be attractive in China. You can't sell a brand on it's Americanness if it doesn't exist in America.

[@scarbourgeoisie]

I'll have to disagree with you on that point. The Buick brand is popular in China because of the Mark's history that dates back to the 30's when it was the choice of car by the last Emperor. So it was only natural to resurrect the brand when GM decided to court auto business in China. In fact, GM China gets a huge say in how the cars are designed, and how they look, and what equipment they get. In fact there are models that are exclusive to China. The Brand could easily go by way of the dodo in N.A. and it would still survive in China. We're not getting Buicks in N.A. anymore. Just rebadged Opels.

[@wadeaiken1948]

I test drove both the ATS AWD and the Regal GS AWD, I bought the Regal. I hated the touch radio/climate controls in the Caddy and the Regal just felt better.

[@dongravenor9153]

As usual, a fantastic non-biased detailed review. Agree that it would not be among my first choices in this segment although depending on the price I would look at it (if cheap enough)

[@takhayc]

Very informative video and professional host. Plus I dont get the feeling that you are paid by car companies to suck up to them. Suscribed.

[@bgreenjr7149]

Great review, thanks for your extra input at the end.

[@weirdshibainu]

Good review. I sold Buicks until a year ago. Buick has a very solid lineup of vehicles. The gs is a good car. The single biggest impediment to buick sales in the u.s. is the brand name. Unfortunately, it is closely associated with the buick image of yesteryear of being a senior citizens car. The gs was a tough sell, because it skewed to younger drivers, who just don't want to be seen as buick drivers in their twenties.

[@brucec43]

Then again not many really young drivers buy $40K cars. Instead they lease base 3 series.

[@svtcarboy]

Bruno TaTa I don't see the Regal GS as a car for Millenials, but rather for Generation X, those in the mid-30's and 40's, people who have outgrown the need or the desire to impress other people with the make of one's car.

[@kun0608]

Very detailed and nice review. Amazing job!

[@Trades46]

I was very torn between this Regal GS AWD & the ATS 2.0T AWD because they cost a stone-throw from one another yet going by logic the Regal GS seems like much more value: more gadgets, more features, more room, same engine (as the ATS 2.0T) and the rest. I lamented unless I step up to to ATS 3.6 the Regal GS would be a better everyday (with some fun weekend backroading) car to have. However, listening to your comment in 19:55 help me clarify my priorities. This purchase is going to be my family's 3th car, My father has an SUV for weekend/getaway use while my mother has a Mercedes sedan for her workplace. This is primarily my personal transportation, not ferrying others. I'm a car enthusiast who enjoys every moment behind the wheel. Going by what you said, I think I will save up for an ATS. Going for (hopefully) a test-drive tomorrow. Thanks again Alex.

[@yippie6862]

At 190.2 inches long the Regal is not longer than the BMW 5 Series (193.4), the Acura TL (194), or the Cadillac CTS at (195 inches). I am not sure why you thought that?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

My apologies there. I seem to have mangled by notes and swapped the overall lengths of the CTS and the Regal around.

[@philosopher1967]

This is an excellent review. Thank you, Alex.

[@rantanamo]

lol @ some calling for just using the Opel badge. I bet all of you are using no name phones too. Brand recognition is huge. Buick is a well known brand with a stellar reputation in the US. Look how hard it is to sell a CTS in Europe despite it regularly outperforming its European counterparts. Besides at the OPC's price, wouldn't you run into better GM cars. They are already fighting against model crossover. That would make for a car that isn't recognized and isn't in a distinct spot. The GS is in a sweet spot of sort of value luxury. You start going up model and you run into the ATS which is just a nicer car in any trim.

[@svtcarboy]

The Volvo S60 does have the head room issue. I'm 6'2" and I could not fit in the front seats or the rear seat since the headroom was inadequate. I find wood trim to be loathesome, so it is not a plus in my book. I also found the Cadillac ATS several thousand dollars more expensive than the Regal GS and it is a size class smaller. In the end, I ordered a Regal GS manual because there is no other option in the US marketplace that delivers the same overall package for $40K.

[@brucec43]

Currently Cadillac incentives are far greater and make the ATS similar in price to the Buick. Always shop real-world prices, not MSRP or what a dealer tells you he'll sell it for. Truecar is great for this.

[@svtcarboy]

You have to add quite a few options to the Cadillac ATS to match the level of equipment in the Regal GS. Once you do that, the difference becomes $3000 - $5000 even in True Car (I priced them out to check, the incentive for me is $500 more in the ATS). Also, the ATS is a size class smaller, and claustrophobically cramped inside and the trunk is much smaller as well. Also, when one demands a manual transmission, one does not have the same market flexibility as one has with an automatic. A special order is generally required.

[@GCWieser]

Probably one of your best reviews yet in terms of comparing this to its direct competition! I'd love to see more reviews of manual cars - although I know that's not what the typical buyer will want to see.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

I wish I could as I do love a good manual. Sadly with manual sales so low in the US and the number of models with them is always dropping the manufacturers seem to rarely give them to the press. I think in 2013 the only manual transmission cars I had were a Fiesta, Focus, Challenger SRT and a half day in a base Nissan Versa.

[@GCWieser]

I figured as much... I remember your manual Focus ST review - I'm sure that's a fun car to drive!

[@fredtalmadge5307]

Alex on Autos I can't find a dealer within 100+ miles with a manual to test. Same goes for the ATS. Kind of a bummer being outside the norm.

[@bigjets]

Fred Talmadge I feel your pain. I was surprised to visit the local dealer in Chicago burbs to find an ATS 2t Stick on the show floor. Im not in the market for Cadillac, so it probably wont sell.

[@brucec43]

Fred Talmadge Here is how car manufacturers work. They stock no manuals. Then when manual sales don't materialize, they complain nobody buys manuals. Then they discontinue selling manuals citing low sales.

[@ghzcss]

I have a 2013 awd Lacrosse and love it. It is totally loaded and the ride and power is great. Bought it used as a certified vehicle. Very quiet and powerful compared to my two older Regals I had that were both V-8's

[@rmcmilla100]

Very nice review. Really enjoy your comments and thoughts about the comparable autos. That is one feature about your reviews that make you stand out from your auto reviewing video peers.

[@eurouc]

Great comment about sliding ones butt across the seat cushion side bolster. I've always been careful to lift and lower onto the seat rather than slide which makes the leather glossy. Same for a leather steering wheel: no hand lotion on your palms and no sliding the wheel through ones hands....makes it shiny and look like plastic

[@tamekaervin1189]

8:38 😂😂😂 never let them know your next move alex😂😂

[@Buc_Stops_Here]

Not a bad review but a little misleading. Alex is right that the acceleration performance is not different between the GS and the regular Regal. However, handling is quite different in the GS mode. The AWD system is a halidex AWD system that BMW now owns. It is excellent in the snow, which Alex does not mention but available on both versions. The weight balance in the GS is 52% front/48% rear so it is nearly perfect. He did mention the brakes are a little better. Otherwise, this review agrees with others and is a very detailed overview. Thanks Alex.

[@TechByZach]

Very informative video! Great job!

[@robertj2155]

excellent video , very clear and well done.

[@kicksreason]

Great review again, thank you.

[@22358]

excellent review!

[@emjayay]

The partly reconfigurable driver display, wheel mounted controls, suspension and other options, and infotainment system with connectivitiy to your smart phone in cars like this seem very well thought out and comrehensive. But for old line Buick owners, or just anyone who doesn't want to bother, it's all a blizzard of buttons and touch screens which are also different from car to car. I'm sure a large contingent of drivers just want to get in and adjust the seat and steering wheel, turn on NPR or stick in a CD, and maybe turn on the cruise control on the highway. The rest is just superfluous. For the less involved driver who doesn't want to learn a vast amount to just drive their car, the standard model would be better but still like all above low priced no option cars today involves a lot of learning curve.

[@722stirlingmoss]

Very well review

[@BenPower123]

Opel Insignia OPC has 325hp - Bucik Regal GS has only 260hp

[@jamesmorris2411]

Ben Power 270

[@BTC909]

Never seen one on the road.

[@HadzUSA]

Another excellent review Alex. I remember seeing those Opel Insignas on our French roads when they featured an AWD V6 version. I'm not sure why but I think it looks better as a Buick. But still, even if it's great on paper, I would go for the ATS which has a better interior and a more premium aggressive style.

[@youngblood23rb]

Wrong! The AWD System can send up to 90% of the power to the rear, and LSD is always preferred with a True AWD System

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

The 90% figure is 90% marketing and 10% reality. With this type of system, the only way the rear wheels can get more than 50% of the power is if the front wheels had no traction. This goes for any multi-plate AWD system like this one, the one in the Cherokee, Patriot, Volvos, etc. The only systems that can move more power F/R without slip is a system based on a Torsen differential like Audi's Quattro or Acura's mechanical SH-AWD system which uses an overdrive unit to make the rear wheels spin slightly faster than the front.

[@stefanmlawa]

Thanks for your reviews. Very informative and useful. I noted you mentioned that you would not select the Buick Regal GS for yourself. Can you let us know why? You gave it a pretty good review. I know there is a lot of competition in the space. Thanks.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Steve Miller I think that if it were me I would opt for the Verano or the LaCrosse instead. The LaCrosse isn't that much more but it is bigger and more comfortable and the Verano with the manual is a bit more fun.

[@stefanmlawa]

Alex on Autos thanks

[@FoodyTunes]

the new Buick Haldex AWD can actually send up to 90% power to the rear wheels so the differential can actually make a difference

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

If you read the engineering documents, the only time 90% of the power can go to the rear is when the front wheels are slipping. If all four tires have traction, then 50/50 is the maximum split. This is true for the vast majority of AWD cars like the ATS/CTS, 3 and 5 series, etc. There are only two ways to apportion more power to each axle. You can use a Torsen type center differential like Audi, Jeep, the BMW X5M, and others but this isn't possible in a traditional transaxle. The only transverse transaxle layout that can send more power to the rear without the front loosing traction is the Acura SH-AWD system which has an overdrive gearset to make the rear wheels spin about 0.7% faster than the fronts which in essence causes more power to go to the rear. Of course this doesn't sound as good on marketing literature, so all manufacturers use the line "up to 90%" or "up to 100%" which is true in certain circumstances but the average person won't encounter that circumstance.

[@FoodyTunes]

Ok

[@kicksreason]

Technical question Alex, why do all the companies migrated to those old fashion trunk hinges instead of the gas/shocks stile placed outside the actual trunk, that we were seeing for such a long time with the luxury brands at least. Example Audi A4/A6, now even they use that hinge instead of the previous models that used the gas/shocks. Thank you.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

It's mostly cost savings. They are cheaper than the struts to build and cheaper to maintain since you should never have to replace the hinges on this type of trunk lid. The downside as you said is reduced trunk space and a trunk that is less practical in terms of load capacity.

[@kicksreason]

Thank you, it just seems like a poor decision, especially for the luxury brands, and not to mention the inconvenience of having them on your way in the trunk.

[@brucec43]

Alex on Autos Hard to imagine trying to save $50 on a $50,000 car. Bean counters!

[@kicksreason]

If you multiply that $50 by a few millions, thats a big savings for them.

[@CeeStyleDj]

the 2012 GS models had more power. I don't know why they detuned them to 259 vs. 270. Also, having the same engine in the GS as the regular turbo model? That's ridiculous.

[@brucec43]

GS has styling differences and bigger tires. Plus the suspension. It is a different car.

[@nischintr]

Can you review the 2015 buick regal

[@DNice403]

Good review, but what happened to the 3.8?? Overall I think this car was a fail!

[@DrSteveBrule552]

Buick, Lincoln and Cadillac have been trying really hard to shed that "old person car" image over the past few years and (in my opinion) Cadillac seems to be the only one that nailed it with the CTS. I would hate to see Buick and/or Lincoln go, they're iconic American brands, but there just doesn't seem to be a place for them in today's competitive market. Its ashame

[@brucec43]

I am surprised that the Regal is as big as a 5 series or CTS to you. I sat in one and it felt more 3 series sized.

[@svtcarboy]

Look/Touch/Feel is a very personal thing. I also found the Regal comparable in size to the CTS and 5-series particularly in the front seat where the 3-series is tighter and the ATS is downright claustrophobic. The rear seat is a bit tight for a mid-size sedan but unlike the ATS, the rear seat isn't a bad joke.

[@ivanlowjones]

Horsepoer?

[@corystansbury]

Attractive looking car.

[@mrhawk1924]

I'm looking to get that.. its 2021 but the 14 is 17000$$$

[@halfmoonwaardy]

My God! Buick get a free car and don't chuck a 2.8 v6 engine with AWD under the "HOOD" so they do not 'offend' the competitors... you yanks are crazy! You also talk about MPG... Jesus! Import an Insignia VXR/OPC and tell Alex to review it :)

[@iBOOM]

Lol "only" 3600 pounds...in germany the insignia is known for being to heavy compared to its competitors. Sadly you do not get the goregeous Recaro Seats which can be bought at least in Germany as an option.

[@brucec43]

It's all about size, space, and trade offs. A 3 series is what, 3450 lbs now? Light cars are small cars, with few exceptions. These are sedans you can carry people in that are also fun to drive, not pure sport sedans.

[@mymail2585]

thank god none of those vents are functional cuz there's going to be all sorts of wildlife living in those giant plastic craters

[@TomCastello1]

Great review, but I am seriously offended by you calling me fat for loving giant American soda's. ;) In all seriousness though I do appreciate putting yourself in the trunk because I am a proponent of reviewers checking to see how many bodies one can fit in the trunk... no reason, nothing to see here. #lookadistraction

[@darksideofmind91]

Nice review as always. But I think you should make them about 5 minutes shorter. Probably between 16 and 18 minutes would be perfect ;)

[@blackcarmafia]

Too bad u dont get 2.8 V6 turbo with 320HP, recaro seats and OPEL badge on it :) Then again, it costs over 70 000$ here in Europe Why put Buick badge on it? Is there anything bad about Opel, all they did is put some OPC looks to Insignia and some fake wents, and a cheapy badge? Thats like VW putting Škoda badge on Passat and trying to sell in US xD

[@Skyhawk1987Turbo]

Love only American. Ars but this is to much money get a Taurus SHO

[@onurpolat8590]

Other names this car vauxhall and opel ..

[@ZombieUniverse132YT-channel]

Stuff like vauxhall insignia?

[@socalguy97]

No idea in the world what you're talking about re: Regal vs ATS, and that the ATS is better. I own the Regal GS. I took it in for service (late in the day) just a few days ago, and was given an ATS as an overnight loaner. The ATS was a crock! Handled better than the Regal? No, not in my opinion. And my car, the Regal, is far more comfortable, has more power, and to me doesn't look as stodgy. The ATS can go to hell. I'd never own one of those over the Regal. The only thing I give you on this is the exorbitant price. Buick is definitely overcharging. Outside of that, while you're entitled to your opinion, I'd love to know what informed it because my opinion was the polar opposite of yours in this review. *shrug*

[@rolandolabuena3733]

Gad whats this car a opel or a buick? What ever happened to American made cars as they builst and assebled somewhere else? No wonder our manufactoring plants aren't what they used to be....

[@emilsponga2081]

why not just sell opels over here ? they did it before( well yes at buick dealers , but shit) buick will never suceed as an expensive opel with one model really that is worth buying. lacrosse ? nah...

[@rantanamo]

people love the lacrosse, Verano and their crossovers in the US. Opel would have no brand recognition here.

[@Marco-ce8kr]

well Buick is #2 on dependability for 2015, #1 Lexus and #3 Toyota. www.jdpower.com/press-releases/2015-vehicle-dependability-study

[@nappiral]

Putting a buick badge on it made it worse.

[@justinmathew590]

It's expensive... I rather buy an Accord Camry or subaru for that price...However, i still like buick over POS Ford or POS Hyundai

[@jackiegentry4617]

Could be better