Maybe it's a good thing Americans don't get this anymore.
The Buick Regal has just received a facelift and it's certainly… something. The model, which was discontinued in the US as a sportback in 2020, has managed to live on in China as Buick continues to thrive in the far eastern market. In a bid to keep the sedan relevant, it appears the company decided it was the Regal's time to receive the updated styling inspired by the Buick Wildcat concept. Unfortunately, where it has worked in other situations, we think Buick completely missed the mark on this update.
When the model left our shores, it left as a competent sedan-cum-sportback that offered solid luxury and performance for the price. Unfortunately, even given its stylish and sporty GS and underrated TourX wagon versions, it never managed to find its footing here. It was axed as Buick finally decided to cut ties with sedans in the US. After seeing the first refresh abroad, we longed for the sedan's return. Not anymore, though.
The first refresh for the model was more of a continuation of what we had here, with a revised lower front fascia and hooked headlights. It looked handsome and cohesive and helped to give it a presence worthy of the Buick badge. Unfortunately, whatever cachet the vehicle once had has now been washed away, as the new update with its gaping maw looks like it will swallow young children in its path.
The proportions are all off and show you can't just take a concept and fit it to each of your models without serious consideration for proportions and public decency. No interior pictures have been shown, but we assume the model will continue with the same interior it's had for nearly six years since it seems more like an afterthought than anything else.
The model also features Buick's unintentional new tri-shield logo, which is the only decent design change to the car.
Seeing what Buick is selling abroad makes us somewhat happier to see what it's selling here. Sure, the lineup is full of generally boring crossovers, but the models are wearing the new corporate face much better than the Regal. Models like the upcoming Buick Envista are offering premium looks and options for a not-so-premium price, and CarBuzz even uncovered that there might be a standalone performance GS model in the works.
Things are hopefully looking up for Buick here in the US. Let's hope it stays that way.
Keyword: Buick Regal Refresh Has A Face Only A Mother Could Love