2009 Buick Lucerne Super

The 2009 Buick Lucerne Super earns its trim name with a powerful 32-valve, 4.8-liter V8. Matched with a 4-speed overdrive automatic, the powertrain puts out 292 hp and 288 ft-lbs of torque at 4,500 RPM. Fuel economy slips to 15/22 mpg. Other distinguishing features include Magnasteer power steering and Magentic Ride Control, which adjusts steering and handling to minimize body roll, and climate-controlled front sport seats with upgraded leather upholstery. Extra exterior chrome and a rear spoiler also mark this front-wheel-drive full-size sedan as a Super trim.

The Super gets larger 18-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires and a stiffer independent Macpherson strut front and multilink rear suspension. Other interior upgrades include a Harmon Kardon 9-speaker sound system, remote start, and memory settings for the 8-way power driver's seat and power heated mirrors. Already standard are an 8-way power passenger seat, power windows and locks, programmable remote entry, a trip computer, and wheel-mounted cruise, audio, and Bluetooth controls. The CD/MP3 player features an input jack and satellite radio. Alloy replaces the wood trim, which complements the leather wrap on the steering wheel and shifter. Tilt and telescopic steering, intermittent wipers, a tachometer, a temperature gauge and compass, and a front power outlet are also standard. A sunroof, touchscreen navigation system, and a 6-CD changer cost extra.  

The 2009 Lucerne Super adds parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, heated washer fluid, foglights, and cornering lights to safety equipment. Helping the sedan rate highly in crash tests are standard traction and stability control, 4-wheel disc and ABS brakes with brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution, and dual-stage dual front-side and side curtain airbags for both rows. OnStar with navigation is standard, along with a tire monitor, automatic halogen headlights, and auto-dimming mirrors. A lane-departure warning system and blind-spot sensors can be added. The sedan seats four, with legroom measuring 42.5 inches up front and 41 in the back. The 17-cubic-foot trunk comes with a net.