|  The Buick Lucerne is the brand's flagship sedan. Its clean lines are suggestive of fine European imports yet maintain Buick traditions. Inside, Lucerne is elegant, comfortable and easy. Underway, it's smooth and quiet; but with precise steering and a chassis that handles winding roads with aplomb. we find the Lucerne to be a plush, highly competent full-size sedan at a compelling price.
The Buick Lucerne returns this year available in four trim lines: CX, CXL in either a V6 or V8, and CXS. Standard amenities for all models include keyless remote entry, all power conveniences, tire pressure monitor, and Burl Walnut Wood interior trim. Adding to the standard list, the CXL and CXS trims include leather wrapped steering wheel, garage door opener, and OnStar with Hands Free communication. Optional features on the CXS include a moonroof, heated leather steering wheel, and a Titanium interior trim. New for 2007 are a Cocoa/Light Cashmere and a Cocoa/Shale interior trim.
The Lucerne is available with one of two engines. In the CX or CXL, the 3.8-liter V-6 meets Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle standards and produces an estimated 197 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 227 pounds-feet of torque. Standard in the CXS and optional in the CXL, the 32-valve dual overhead cam all-aluminum 4.6-liter V-8 delivers an estimated 275 hp at 5,600 rpm and 295 pounds-feet of torque. Both engines work with a four-speed automatic transmission, run on regular-grade gasoline and feature electronic throttle control.
The Lucerne's interior is cleanly designed with just enough touches of wood and chrome trim to make it luxurious without being opulent. The dashboard is fairly traditional in design with a smallish instrument pod containing three round gauges in front of the steering wheel.
The center stack is located high up for easy access, and contains large knobs for operating the climate control and audio system. Standard on all '07 Buicks is OnStar with Turn-by-Turn service, which allows customers to talk to a live advisor, who in turn downloads complete step-by-step directions to the vehicle through the OnStar system. Audio directions are then automatically played through the vehicle's stereo as they are needed, triggered by the OnStar system's GPS capabilities. Drivers can be directed to their destinations without having to take their hands from the wheel or eyes from the road.
Lucerne ’s body structure is engineered to provide maximum occupant protection and minimum intrusion under a wide range of impact conditions. Active safety and handling features offered on Lucerne include a four-channel anti-lock braking system and traction control; an auto-level rear suspension that automatically adjusts the vehicle height for heavy loads; and four-channel StabiliTrak electronic stability control with brake assist, which senses emergency braking situations and boosts the power as needed.
All Lucerne models have six air bags standard: a dual-stage driver front air bag, side-impact thorax air bags, roof-rail curtain air bags and the segment’s only dual depth front passenger air bag. The dual depth air bag can deploy in two different shapes and pressures depending upon crash impact, seat belt usage and seat position. Working with other front passenger safety features, such as a weight-based occupant detection system, the dual depth air bag deploys in one of two different sizes from behind the instrument panel within milliseconds to provide optimal restraint for the front passenger.
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