2017 Buick LaCrosse Priced from $32,990

First, let’s look on the bright side of this price increase: at $32,990, the 2017 Buick LaCrosse undercuts the 2017 Lincoln MKZ ($35,935 with destination). The difference is even more significant when you compare the retail price of the new LaCrosse to that of the 2016 Lexus ES ($39,025 with destination).

As standard, the LaCrosse is equipped with a 3.6-liter V6, the LGX found in the mid-range 2016 Chevrolet Camaro, and an eight-speed automatic with something called Electronic Precision Shift. The latter is just PR talk for an electronically controlled shifter, something BMW has in its cars since eons.

With 305 horsepower and 268 lb-ft (363 Nm) of torque sent to the front wheels, the 2017 Buick LaCrosse is sufficiently powerful as is. There’s no other motor available. In China, the LaCrosse is also available as a hybrid (1.8-liter ICE plus two-motor drive unit) and with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder mill.

Also as standard, the third-generation LaCrosse boasts an eight-inch Buick IntelliLink infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Why the 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot feature is an optional extra is something beyond my understanding. Other things like Adaptive Cruise Control and Automatic Parking Assist are also optional.

Slated to arrive this summer at Buick dealerships across the United States, the 2017 LaCrosse can be further spruced up with goodies such as leather upholstery everything, heated seats and heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats with massaging function, Damping Control active suspension with selectable Touring and Sport modes, a dual-clutch all-wheel-drive system, as well as wireless charging.

If you’re not careful with the number of boxes you tick from the options list (an extensive one of those, to he honest), the 2017 Buick LaCrosse can get wildly expensive.