First Drive: 2008 Buick Lucerne Super
The Lucerne is Buick’s large passenger sedan, and for 2008 a new Super trim level debuts. I had a chance to drive this new V-8-powered trim on country roads near Lake Geneva, Wis., recently and found the sedan as likable now as I did a few years ago when I last tested it.
The previous Lucerne I tested was a CXS model, which was the top-of-the-line version at the time and featured a 275-hp, 4.6-liter V-8. The new Lucerne Super also has a 4.6-liter V-8, but it makes more horsepower: 292. Like the CXS, the Super offers plenty of power for daily driving. The Super also has a rather loud (for a Buick) exhaust note that makes a hearty rumble every time you give it gas. A four-speed automatic remains, but it’s a well-mannered, smooth-shifting transmission. Estimated gas mileage is 15/22 mpg.
Perhaps the Lucerne’s greatest attribute is its ride quality, which is smooth and refined without creating a car that wallows or floats excessively over bumps in the road. For such a large car, it doesn’t have much body roll, either. Some credit for this needs to go to the Super’s standard Magnetic Ride Control adaptive suspension system.
Styling changes are relatively minor on the outside. The Super has a new grille that doesn’t look a whole lot different from the one on other Lucernes. It also has twin exhaust tips and unique 18-inch aluminum wheels.
Changes to the cabin are more significant, but I wouldn’t call it a drastic overhaul. The Super gets a leather-topped dashboard with real stitching that finishes things nicely. Suede inserts go on the door panels and leather seats, and the sedan has a heated wood-trimmed steering wheel. The changes make the cabin nicer, for sure, but it wasn’t lacking before, and I’m not completely sold on the new silver-colored trim in the middle of the dash that surrounds the audio and air-conditioning controls.
