Good-looking, comfortable, smooth and loaded with standard features, the 2011 Buick Lucerne carries on the tradition of entry-level luxury. This full-size five- or six-passenger sedan stands just below Cadillac in terms of status and appeal, and is available in four trims, the base CX, mid-level CXL, up-level EXL and the top-of-the-line Super. Lower-level trims are powered by a flex-fuel V6, while the Super gets a regular-gas-only V8. Boasting a larger trunk than its LaCrosse stablemate (17 cubic feet), the Lucerne still offers plenty of passenger room and enough cabin ambiance to satisfy all but the most discerning tastes. Meantime, Chrysler’s legendary 300, Ford’s re-introduced Taurus, Hyundai's well-regarded Genesis and Toyota's new-look Avalon remain the Lucerne’s most avid competition. Relatively unchanged from 2010, this showboat should boast standard electronic stability control and available Bluetooth hands-free communication technology across the lineup. Rumor has it that the Lucerne may even be available in a rear-wheel-drive version at some point in the near future.

For 2011, the front-wheel-drive-only (FWD) Lucerne is expected to stick with a pair of engines, with a standard 3.9-liter Flex Fuel V6 powering the lower-end trims and a 4.6-liter V8 equipping the top-shelf Super trim level. The Flex Fuel V6 puts out 227 hp and 237 lb-ft of torque, and variable valve timing allows an estimated 17/26 mpg. The Super’s V8 will pound down 292 hp and 288 lb-ft of torque at an estimated 15/22 using recommended premium unleaded gasoline.

Expected standard appearance, comfort and convenience features for the 2011 Lucerne CX should include 17-inch aluminum wheels, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats with power-adjustable driver’s seat, remote keyless power door locks, power windows and heated mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel with mounted audio and cruise controls, dual-zone automatic climate control, universal remote garage door opener, single-CD player with six speakers, XM satellite radio and OnStar navigation (with subscription). The notched-up CXL adds a power moonroof, leather-trimmed upholstery, driver memory functions and heated, power-adjustable front seats. The up-level SXL throws in standard full-leather upholstery, DVD navigation and upgraded Harman Kardon audio with nine speakers, while the top-shelf Super adds 18-inch chrome wheels, heated, power-adjustable telescoping tilt-wheel steering and an adaptive suspension.

Expect options, meanwhile, to range from new-for-2011 Bluetooth technology, leather and front bench seating in the CX trim to upgraded premium audio with a 6-CD changer, chrome wheels, HDD navigation and remote engine start in the CXL and EXL trims. The Super, meanwhile, tacks on available suede-trimmed leather and rear-seat DVD entertainment.

The 2011 Lucerne CX is expected to be delivered with such standard safety features as four-wheel disc ABS, traction control, new-for-2011 stability control, front side-mounted airbags, front and rear head airbags and daytime running lights. The CXL adds standard parking sensors and vehicle alarm, while the EXL and Super add standard front fog/driving lights, remote anti-theft alarm and lane-departure and blind-spot warning systems.

Owners of the 2010 Lucerne complain of some build-quality issues and chintzy interior materials, while mileage is also considered less than perfect. Some owners also find the four-speed automatic dated from a mileage perspective, though admittedly smooth and dependable. The once-deplored lack of standard stability control, however, is expected to be remedied for 2011. Owners do find the Lucerne a stylish, comfortable and family-friendly sedan that’s priced right, boasts better-than-adequate performance features and remains loaded with all the bells and whistles one could want.