310-HP 2018 Buick Regal GS is a Promising Performance Bargain

The 2018 Buick Regal GS has made its official debut, entering the performance sedan arena with an approachable $39,990 sticker price.

Powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine offering 310 horsepower and 282 pound-feet of torque, the 2018 Buick Regal GS comes standard with a nine-speed automatic transmission, intelligent all-wheel drive, and five-link rear suspension. The powerplant features direct injection, cylinder deactivation, and start/stop technology to maximize fuel economy, although exact figures have not been announced. Along with unique sport front and rear fascias, side skirts, and rear spoiler, the Regal GS also benefits from the second-generation Continuous Damping Control (CDC) system, which is capable of 500 adjustments per second, according to Buick.

The performance sedan will come standard with 19-inch wheels, performance brakes with Brembo calipers, and a sport-tuned exhaust system, while a head-up display and full LED headlamps will be available as an option. We also think it’s very handsome and easily one of the better-looking performance sedans currently on offer.

SEE ALSO: 2014 Buick Regal GS Review

Inside the cabin, the model gets specific AGR-certified performance seats that are heated, cooled, and massaging with adjustable seat and seat-back bolsters as well as thigh support. There’s also a sporty flat-bottom steering wheel and metal pedals.

Also standard is an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, accompanied by an eight-inch reconfigurable instrument cluster. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are standard. Along with the optional head-up display, shoppers can also opt for the Driver Confidence II package, which includes several safety features like Front Pedestrian Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert, and Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Automatic Braking.

“This is a sport sedan designed for everyday driving, but one that makes every drive special,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president, Global Buick and GMC. “The new Regal GS is in the sweet spot of the market: more refined and luxurious than the mainstream, more value for the price with style and premium features on par with higher-end competitors, and with standard features like AWD with active twin clutch and a rear sportback design that will surprise customers with its usefulness.”