According to Autoblog, GM has been taking their time building LaCrosses, shipping 300-400 or so in August and then stopping for a few weeks to work out bugs. Given the importance of this car to Buick, and how often LaCrosse advertisements compare the car to Lexus, patience in manufacturing to work out quality issues may be a virtue.

But we weren’t patient to find out how the new LaCrosse would perform, so following our typical testing timetable we grabbed one of the first to hit dealers’ lots. Our loaded LaCrosse CXS comes with GM’s 3.6-liter V6; lesser-level LaCrosses come with a 3.0-liter V6 similar to the one in our tested Chevrolet Equinox. A 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine will become optional this winter.

Our car has the touring package (19-inch wheels, continuously variable suspension damping), navigation, and an “oversized” sunroof. (That makes it sound like it doesn’t fit, or there is no roof left.) All in, the car lists for $37,555. Given the car’s size and content, it is a relative bargain compared to a comparatively-equipped Acura TL or Lexus ES.

You might be wondering if a Buick really should be mentioned next to a TL or ES. After all, most recent Buick sedans have been based on dated platforms. So far, our logbook entries suggest that this is indeed a very different Buick:

“Impressive drive. Very refined and inviting.”

“Wide A-pillars and short rear window impact outward visibility.”

“Driving position is narrow – high console and footwell intrusion from left.”

“No car with 40-series tires should ride this well.”

“Wish it was a Cadillac. Not sure if people who would appreciate this car would appreciate buying a ‘Buick.’”

“Good steering, smooth powertrain.”

“Sea of buttons in center stack.”

“Lots of features for the money--a good step forward for GM.”

“Trunk access is a bit tight.”

“Feels like sitting in a tub with high beltline with a very deep dash.”

“Nav system is easily the best that I’ve used. This one actually agrees with the route picked from (previous) mapping. Recalculates quickly, no U-turn, no persistence (to stay) on the planned route.”

“Great handling, nice steering feel.”

“World-class luxury interior. Quiet.”

“Big A-pillars are like blinders. Other than that and the busy control layout, a delightful car overall. I might like this more than the CTS.”

“Wraparound dash limits access and inside door pulls put style over function.”

“Refreshing styling. A woman wanted to trade her Camry for the Buick.”

“Overall quite competitive. It drives like no other Buick ever before, but falls down on some important details.”

“Was told it looks like a Lexus--maybe GM can pull this off after all…”

Our initial thoughts show that, in general, we’re pretty impressed with the LaCrosse. We’ll see how it does against the redesigned Ford Taurus and other large sedans soon.

—Tom Mutchler