2017 Buick LaCrosse release date, price, specs: New lineup has three configurations, starts at $33K

Buick website

With the 2017 Buick LaCrosse rolling out, it is confirmed that as a GM standard, there will be three configurations and trim levels, with the most basic starting at $32,990.

Shipping out starting this month to dealers, the 2017 Buick LaCrosse is one of the premiere lineups of General Motors, in a bid to overcome its competitors on the sedan market. The auto maker will need to pull out all the stops, too, since figures show that in the U.S. segment, LaCrosse sales are cut down by at least one-third in the first half of the year compared to 2015 sales. Just recently, it is confirmed that in June 2016 alone, sales fell down to just 1,488 units.

This may be what GM has in mind in redesigning a more lavish sedan that is the 2016 Buick LaCrosse, both on its under-the-hood specs and interiors. However, the auto maker still has the signature variants on the overhauled sedan, as the new Buick LaCrosse comes in Preferred, Essence, and Premium options, each trim levels having packages and add-ons depending on the use.

As a basic model, the new sedan starts with a $32,990 price tag (including fees), going up to $36,990 for the Preferred trims with power tilt and telescoping steering wheel. However, even at its most expensive Premium model, the new 2017 LaCrosse only sets customer back with a $44,190, with AWD boost and interior trimmings like heated steering wheel, heads-up display, and driver-assist sensors for rear traffic, forward collision alert, and single-lane driving. Under the hood, the new LaCrosse is equipped with a new 3.6-liter V6 engine with 8-speed AT.

Speaking of how GM has long-term plans for the lineup even with the market decline, Ron Arnesen, GM executive chief engineer, stated that "There's also a possibility ... that if the market stabilizes or even continues to shrink, that some people will get out. And if they get out, our plan is to have the best car left."