BUSINESS

2017 Buick LaCrosse vs. 2016 Jaguar XJL

Two rejuvenated brands are turning heads this year with stunning full-size sedans that bookend the luxury segment: The entry-lux 2017 Buick LaCrosse and top-of-the-line 2016 Jaguar XJL. Detroit News auto critic Henry Payne test drove both and offers his impressions.
Two rejuvenated brands are turning heads this year with stunning full-size sedans that bookend the luxury segment: The entry-lux 2017 Buick LaCrosse and top-of-the-line 2016 Jaguar XJL. Detroit News auto critic Henry Payne test drove both and offers his impressions.
Henry Payne | Jim Fets
The 2017 Buick LaCrosse is the first GM product built on the lightweight, Epsilon II platform.
The 2017 Buick LaCrosse is the first GM product built on the lightweight, Epsilon II platform.
Henry Payne, The Detroit News
The Buick LaCrosse's Epsilon II chassis lost 150 pounds from its predecessor, part of a 300-pound diet that has made LaCrosse a fit 3,650 pounds.
The Buick LaCrosse's Epsilon II chassis lost 150 pounds from its predecessor, part of a 300-pound diet that has made LaCrosse a fit 3,650 pounds.
Henry Payne, The Detroit News
Clay model for the Buick LaCrosse.
Clay model for the Buick LaCrosse.
Henry Payne, The Detroit News
Buick LaCrosse designer Takahiko Suginoshita developed the car from sketches through a clay model.
Buick LaCrosse designer Takahiko Suginoshita developed the car from sketches through a clay model.
Henry Payne, The Detroit News
The 2017 Buick LaCrosse can be fitted with 18- or 20-inch tires.
The 2017 Buick LaCrosse can be fitted with 18- or 20-inch tires.
Buick
The Buick LaCrosse's 310-horse V-6 is mated to GM's excellent, smooth-shifting 8-speed transmission.
The Buick LaCrosse's 310-horse V-6 is mated to GM's excellent, smooth-shifting 8-speed transmission.
Henry Payne, The Detroit News
The 2017 Buick LaCrosse is not a boat. Combined with a new five-link rear suspension and torque-vectoring, GKN-developed, dual-clutch all-wheel drive system, the LaCrosse delivers superb handling for a big car.
The 2017 Buick LaCrosse is not a boat. Combined with a new five-link rear suspension and torque-vectoring, GKN-developed, dual-clutch all-wheel drive system, the LaCrosse delivers superb handling for a big car.
Henry Payne, The Detroit News
Top view of a 2017 Buick LaCrosse.
Top view of a 2017 Buick LaCrosse.
Buick
The 2017 Buick LaCrosse is wider and lower than the previous model.
The 2017 Buick LaCrosse is wider and lower than the previous model.
Henry Payne, The Detroit News
Out front, the Buick’s new, winged grill – first seen at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show on the Avenir concept – accentuates the car’s lower, more horizontal lines.
Out front, the Buick’s new, winged grill – first seen at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show on the Avenir concept – accentuates the car’s lower, more horizontal lines.
Henry Payne, The Detroit News
But the real achievement of the Buick LaCrosse is that it’s turned the clock back and made Buick pretty again. In Portland, Buick rented out space in the artsy Pearl District to show off her curves.
But the real achievement of the Buick LaCrosse is that it’s turned the clock back and made Buick pretty again. In Portland, Buick rented out space in the artsy Pearl District to show off her curves.
Henry Payne, The Detroit News
The Buick LaCrosse's dash lines are sleek – check out the chrome bezel under the console that runs uninterrupted from the instrument panel to passenger door. Gorgeous.
The Buick LaCrosse's dash lines are sleek – check out the chrome bezel under the console that runs uninterrupted from the instrument panel to passenger door. Gorgeous.
Henry Payne, The Detroit News
Interior detail of a 2017 Buick LaCrosse.
Interior detail of a 2017 Buick LaCrosse.
Buick
Over curvy Route 47 in Oregon timber country, the Buick LaCrosse was fun through the twisties, rotating with minimal body roll before putting the 305-horse, 3.6-liter V6’s hammer down.
Over curvy Route 47 in Oregon timber country, the Buick LaCrosse was fun through the twisties, rotating with minimal body roll before putting the 305-horse, 3.6-liter V6’s hammer down.
Henry Payne, The Detroit News
Out front, Buick LaCrosse’s new, winged grill – first seen at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show on the Avenir concept – accentuates the car’s lower, more horizontal lines.
Out front, Buick LaCrosse’s new, winged grill – first seen at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show on the Avenir concept – accentuates the car’s lower, more horizontal lines.
Henry Payne, The Detroit News
For the back the Buick LaCrosse is lower and more planted than its predecessor.
For the back the Buick LaCrosse is lower and more planted than its predecessor.
Henry Payne, The Detroit News
Whither LaCrosse's signature, old-school, boat-worthy Buick portholes? They have mercifully been demoted from the hood to aft of the front fender wells. The new Buick is all about wings.
Whither LaCrosse's signature, old-school, boat-worthy Buick portholes? They have mercifully been demoted from the hood to aft of the front fender wells. The new Buick is all about wings.
Henry Payne, The Detroit News
There is a Jaguar influence in the Buick LaCrosse design skethces: The coupe-like roof line, cat’s eyes headlights sweeping up to the full-mouthed grille.
There is a Jaguar influence in the Buick LaCrosse design skethces: The coupe-like roof line, cat’s eyes headlights sweeping up to the full-mouthed grille.
Henry Payne, The Detroit News
Initial design sketches for the Buick LaCrosse contained similar rocker panel chrome to the XJL (scrubbed in the final version, perhaps for cost).
Initial design sketches for the Buick LaCrosse contained similar rocker panel chrome to the XJL (scrubbed in the final version, perhaps for cost).
Henry Payne, The Detroit News
Horizontal taillight details accentuate the Buick Lacrosse's wider, more athletic stance.
Horizontal taillight details accentuate the Buick Lacrosse's wider, more athletic stance.
Henry Payne, The Detroit News
Available in a broad palette of colors, the Buick LaCrosse might look best in white.
Available in a broad palette of colors, the Buick LaCrosse might look best in white.
Henry Payne, The Detroit News
The Buick LaCrosse shared the Epsilon chassis with cousin Chevy Impala. But with Epsilon II, the LaCrosse is now 300 pounds lighter.
The Buick LaCrosse shared the Epsilon chassis with cousin Chevy Impala. But with Epsilon II, the LaCrosse is now 300 pounds lighter.
Henry Payne, The Detroit News
Blanketed in leather, the $90,000 Jaguar XJL is suitably fitted for the luxury customer.
Blanketed in leather, the $90,000 Jaguar XJL is suitably fitted for the luxury customer.
Henry Payne, The Detroit News
Once balky, the Intel processor-boosted InControl infotainment system in the Jaguar XJL is a big leap from its predecessor.
Once balky, the Intel processor-boosted InControl infotainment system in the Jaguar XJL is a big leap from its predecessor.
Henry Payne, The Detroit News
Beauty has its drawbacks, and the Jaguar XJL's rear visibility is dreadful thanks to the long, coupe-like C-pillar.
Beauty has its drawbacks, and the Jaguar XJL's rear visibility is dreadful thanks to the long, coupe-like C-pillar.
Henry Payne, The Detroit News
The Jaguar XJL gets the expected royal-lux touches for 2016 – doors that suck close, quilted seats, rotary dial rising out of the dash at ignition.
The Jaguar XJL gets the expected royal-lux touches for 2016 – doors that suck close, quilted seats, rotary dial rising out of the dash at ignition.
Henry Payne, The Detroit News
The AWD version of the Jaguar XJL comes only with a 340-horse, supercharged V-6.
The AWD version of the Jaguar XJL comes only with a 340-horse, supercharged V-6.
Henry Payne, The Detroit News
The Jaguar XJL's dual exhaust hints at the 340-horse engine within.
The Jaguar XJL's dual exhaust hints at the 340-horse engine within.
Henry Payne, The Detroit News
The long, vertical taillights of the XJL are a distinguishing feature.
The long, vertical taillights of the XJL are a distinguishing feature.
Henry Payne, The Detroit News
The Jaguar XJL is the stretched version of the lovely, full-size XJ sedan introduced in 2012.
The Jaguar XJL is the stretched version of the lovely, full-size XJ sedan introduced in 2012.
Henry Payne, The Detroit News
The Jaguar XJL is the stretched version of the lovely, full-size XJ sedan introduced in 2012.
The Jaguar XJL is the stretched version of the lovely, full-size XJ sedan introduced in 2012.
Henry Payne, The Detroit News
With its long hood and graceful lines, the Jaguar XJL sets a sculptural standard other automakers strive to meet.
With its long hood and graceful lines, the Jaguar XJL sets a sculptural standard other automakers strive to meet.
Henry Payne, The Detroit News