There was always a lot to like about the Buick Regal. Capable and understated, CR finds it well-honed and agile—even calling it one of Buick's best offerings. For 2018, that quiet, subtle sports sedan has been redesigned with a striking new profile in the form of the Regal Sportback, managing to adopt coupe-like styling with a convenient hatch. No traditional sedan is expected.
The silhouette is reminiscent of the Audi A7, with the German sports sedan automaker having long been a benchmark for Buick's breakout improvements, beginning with the sporty Regal GS in 2011. Given the specs released by Buick, it is almost a surprise that this model isn't being called the Regal Sportback GS.
Like the midsized and sporty 2017 Regal GS, the Regal Sportback will be available in both front- and all-wheel drive. Both configurations get a 250-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The AWD version will have an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the FWD iteration will have a nine-speed automatic.
Buick says that the front-drive Sportback will get all-new tire insulation to reduce road noise. This is a newer tire innovation that we have seen on a few other premium models with wheels larger than 19 inches, including the Audi A8 and Lincoln Continental. The AWD version will have a five-link rear suspension, the same setup that gives the Regal GS more athletic handling.
The Regal Sportback, with its tailored profile, weighs in at about 200 pounds less than the previous-generation sedan. With the wheelbase extended more than 3 inches, the proportions should provide more space for passengers and cargo alike.
The cargo space is one of the biggest triumphs in the Regal Sportback. The five-door layout doubles the amount of usable space over the 2017 Regal sedan. This is achieved with split-folding rear seats: a 60/40 rear seat is standard and a 40/20/40 is available.
A 7-inch infotainment system is standard, while an 8-inch will be offered. Both get Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a five-year subscription to OnStar Basic, and they are equipped with OnStar 4G LTE WiFi capabilities. Only the 8-inch system gets built-in navigation.
In an innovation for Buick, the Regal Sportback will get a standard active-hood pedestrian safety system. This setup utilizes a pyrotechnic actuator that lifts up the back of the hood 4 inches upon impact with a pedestrian, lessening the force of the impact and possibly reducing the severity of injury.
Additional safety features are available, but are not standard, as we'd prefer. Front pedestrian braking, lane-keep assist with lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control are only available on the most expensive of the Driver Confidence packages.
The 2018 Regal Sportback will be available in four trim levels (Regal, Preferred, Preferred II, and Essence) with pricing to become available closer to its on-sale date in late 2017.
Read our complete Buick Regal road test.
