2011 Buick LaCrosse Trims and Specs

Stylish and well-endowed with standard features, the 2011 Buick LaCrosse CX is a solid five-passenger midsize family sedan. In addition to the usual power accessories, OnStar hands-free communications and navigation, rear spoiler, and single-CD player with seven speakers and satellite radio, this handsome auto is delivered with standard 17-inch steel wheels, power-adjustable front seats, telescoping tilt-wheel steering, memory for driver's settings, and air conditioning, as well as leather, simulated wood, and simulated alloy cabin trim accents. Options, meanwhile, include dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth technology, Harman Kardon premium audio, remote engine start, and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Safety features for the CX include four-wheel ABS, traction and stability control, dual front side-mounted airbags, front and rear head airbags, remote anti-theft alarm, daytime running lights, OnStar safety management system, and post-collision safety system. Additionally, rear thorax airbags are available, as well.

Standard power for the 2011 LaCrosse CX comes from a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder (I4) engine that’s managed by a six-speed auto-manual transmission. This combo nets 182 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque and, with variable valve timing, is estimated at 19/30 mpg. But if that’s not enough oomph, the base CX is available with a 3.6-liter V6, again with the six-speed auto-manual transmission and variable valve timing. This potent powerplant puts out 280 hp and 259 lb-ft of torque and gets an estimated 17/27.

For 2011, the front-wheel-drive Buick LaCrosse CXL five-passenger sedan represents the midlevel trim in its lineup. Such added standard amenities as 18-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, heated front seats, an eight-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, remote engine start, heated outside mirrors, universal garage door opener, Bluetooth communications technology, and Sun Sensor lighting and climate-control modulation distinguish the CXL from its entry-level sibling. Further options include a heated steering wheel and keyless start with the Luxury Package, as well as a power sunroof, a Harman Kardon premium audio upgrade, HDD navigation, and a rear-view camera system. Additional standard safety equipment includes turn-signal-integrated mirrors and front fog/driving lights, with rear parking sensors, HID headlights, blind-spot warning, and a heads-up display as optional safety items.

A 182-hp, 172-lb-ft/torque variable-valve-timed 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder (I4) is standard in the 2011 LaCrosse CLX, with its standard six-speed auto-manual transmission managing this power to the tune of 19/30 mpg. An optional upgrade is available in the form of a 280-hp, 3.6-liter V6 that mates with the standard six-speed auto-manual transmission for 259 lb-ft of torque and, with variable valve timing, an estimated 17/27.

As its name implies, the 2011 Buick LaCrosse CXL AWD midsize sedan adds all-wheel drive to the list of standard and optional features common to the CXL trim level. The AWD system is managed by a mechanical center-mounted limited-slip differential that ensures full-time power to all four wheels. Leather upholstery, heated front seats, and satellite radio are among this five-passenger sedan's standard amenities, while a power sunroof, HDD navigation, and Harman Kardon premium audio components are included in a host of packaged and stand-alone options.

As befits its traction-heavy status, the 2011 LaCrosse CLX AWD is powered by a standard variable-valve-timed 3.6-liter V6 engine with its accompanying six-speed auto-manual transmission. This combo puts out 280 hp and 259 lb-ft of torque and is good for 16/26 mpg.

The top-shelf trim in the Buick sedan lineup is the 2011 Buick LaCrosse CXS. This feature-heavy five-passenger sedan covers all the lower trims' amenities, while adding standard 18-inch chrome alloy wheels, premium leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, reverse-tilting power windows, and a 380-watt Harman Kardon premium audio system with 11 speakers onto the list. Additional options for this snazzy sedan include 19-inch aluminum wheels, rear-seat DVD entertainment, and a selectable suspension featuring a sport driving mode. A rear spoiler, standard on the lower trims, is optional for the CXS. Additional standard safety features, meanwhile, include rear parking sensors, with a blind-spot warning system and heads-up windshield display as options.

Like its CXL AWD sibling, the 2011 LaCrosse CXS is delivered with the standard 3.6-liter variable-valve-timed V6 and six-speed auto-manual transmission. This combo nets 280 hp and 259 lb-ft of torque at a 17/27 mpg clip.