Table of Contents
The LaCrosse was officially discontinued for the North American market after the 2019 model year. Is there any potential for a 2024 Buick LaCrosse to be resurrected here?
The LaCrosse was introduced in 2004, which is widely deemed as a challenging time for the automotive industry. During the devastating period, the sedan model helped upscale car manufacturer to survive the recession by boosting its offering. Despite it all, the luxury sedan was axed out of production for the North American market in 2019. Considering that the nameplate continues to exist in China, is there a chance for a 2024 Buick Lacrosse to come and revived the model in the United States?
An Insight into the Buick LaCrosse
The LaCrosse is a full-sized, 4-door sedan manufactured by Buick. It was launched as the replacement of the Buick Regal, Buick Century, and Oldsmobile Intrigue following the brand’s discontinuation by General Motors. The nameplate was introduced as a concept car in early 2000, which refers to lacrosse sport intending to appeal younger demographic market of the Buick brand.
The car then entered the production phase in 2004 and was released for the first time as a 2005 model year in North America. The first gen Lacrosse lasts until 2009 when a new generation that brought dramatic redesign and marked a fresh era for Buick was introduced in 2010. The second-generation LaCrosse received a facelift that upgrades its exterior styling in 2013.
The third generation LaCrosse, which also happens to be the last, transformed it into a stunning large sedan. However, as North American automotive customers progressively lean more into crossover models, the LaCrosse was announced to be discontinued in 2019. Domestic market production remains in China.
The New LaCrosse that Persists in the Chinese Market
For those who aren’t familiar with the China automobile scene, the decision to push on the LaCrosse production there might sound strange. However, the brand Buick is very popular there. The Chinese market was what helped the company endure the late 2000s financial recession. Not to mention, China currently holds the largest auto vehicle market globally.
The sales number achieved by GM in China is nearly five times higher than it does in the United States, surpassing other US automakers that distribute their productions there. The primary factors why Buick is so loved in China is because of its great offerings to Chinese consumers, strategic partnerships, and notable history.
Not much is known about the 2024 Buick Lacrosse that’s available in China at this point. However, it probably will be equipped with the same 2L four-cylinder engine shared with the Cadillac XT4, which generates up to 237 Horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine is most likely to be paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission.
The 2024 Buick Lacrosse is also predicted to retain its sportier and wider winged grille. Since it was discontinued for the North American market, the new LaCrosse sports upgraded headlights with thinner LED parts. It also receives a slimmer intake and fresh trim for its lower fascia. In the back, it boasts adjusted taillights that protrude a bit from its frame. The dramatic changes, especially on the exterior section, make the vehicle model looks even more refined and upmarket.
How Possible for a 2024 Buick Lacrosse to Come Back to the US?
It is not hard to see why LaCrosse is persisting in the Chinese market where it is given up in America. Since its launch in 2006 in China, the large sedan has reached over 1.2 million sold units. Despite being launched two years earlier in North America, Buick only sold roughly 670,000 units in the United States.
However, a 2024 Buick Lacrosse launch is highly unlikely, considering that the American market shifts toward crossover SUVs. In 2020, Buick officially turned into an all-SUV automaker in the U.S. However, it has announced that it’s going to launch its first all-electric car in 2024. Perhaps, just perhaps, the new era can open the door for sedans and coupes to come back.