Buick introduced the Lucerne in 2006 as a replacement to the LaSabre and Park Avenue. The 5-passenger front-wheel-drive sedan made its first public appearance at the Chicago Auto Show on February 9, 2005. Buick Lucern has so far been churned out in three editions, the latest being in 2008.

Buick aims to consolidate its position in the full-size sedan market with the launch of the Lucerne. Initial response for the vehicle has been quite encouraging. If reports are to be believed, the car has occupied 24% of the full-size sedan market in the United States.

Lucerne promises superior styling, unmatched comfort, innovative design and technology. In addition, Buick has reintroduced a V8 engine in the Lucerne after a gap of 10 years. Buick last used a V8 engine in the Roadmaster way back in 1996. This new front-wheel-drive sedan has the power of 4.6-liter Northstar V8 capable of delivering 275 horsepower and 290 lb-ft of torque.

The Lucerne is currently available in three trim levels, CX, CXL and CXS. The trim variety is set to expand with Buick introducing the Lucerne Super. The Super comes with 4.6-liter V8 that delivers 292 horsepower.

The Lucerne offers a quiet with a Quiet Tuning program. The program absorbs noises by applying sound insulation in the wheel wells, the engine and on the firewall. Furthermore, the Lucerne has left no stone unturned to ensure a smooth ride and handling by integrating Magnetic Ride Control with StabiliTrak. This front-wheel-drive sedan is the first from Buick's stable to have the integrated Magnetic Ride Control with StabiliTrak. Lucerne is also equipped with revised H-body platform of the outdated Pontiac Bonneville.

Lucerne has a truly tough job ahead, on one hand, the vehicle is taking over the mantle from the LaSabre and Park Avenue. On the other, it is up against the likes of the Toyota Avalon, Mercury Sable and Hyundai Azera in the entry level-luxury segment. It remains to be seen how the Lucerne handles pressure both from within and outside.