While the Buick Regal may have been discontinued in the United States back in 2020, the nameplate continues to thrive in the Chinese market, where it has recently received a refresh and a new GS variant. This update is somewhat surprising given the rapid shift towards electric vehicles in China over the past five years. The Regal, which traces its lineage back to 2018, was initially conceived as a regional adaptation of the Opel Insignia before the German brand was acquired by Stellantis. Despite its age and the evolving market landscape, Buick continues to invest in this sedan, demonstrating its enduring appeal in certain segments.
Buick has not yet disclosed the pricing for the Regal GS, but the standard Regal models are currently priced between ¥106,900 ($14,700) and ¥123,900 ($17,000). Given the GS's enhanced features and sportier positioning, it is expected to be priced slightly higher than the standard model range.
Similar to its North American predecessor, the new Regal GS offers a mildly sportier interpretation of the standard four-door sedan. Buick has been offering the GS variant in China through its SAIC-GM partnership for several years, and this refreshed version incorporates subtle design tweaks to distinguish it further. While not a radical transformation, these changes contribute to a more assertive and dynamic presence.
In contrast to the standard Regal, which received a significant facelift in 2024 with a prominent new grille design, the GS retains a design closer to the pre-facelift version. It features a smaller grille, reminiscent of the design previously offered in the U.S. market. This grille is finished in black and is complemented by new gloss black air intakes, adding a touch of sportiness.
Subtle changes have also been made to the rear of the vehicle, including distinctive GS badging and a black lip spoiler, further enhancing its visual appeal. According to local media reports, the Regal's suspension system has been revised, and Brembo brakes are now standard equipment, suggesting improvements in handling and braking performance.
The new Regal GS is available in China exclusively with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, offered in two configurations: 169 hp and 237 hp. The interior remains largely unchanged from the standard model, retaining its basic layout and features.
Given the car's origins in 2018, it is not surprising that the cabin lacks some of the more modern features that have become commonplace in newer vehicles. For instance, there is no digital instrument cluster, and the infotainment screen is relatively small and utilizes an outdated operating system.
Despite its age and the rapidly evolving automotive landscape, the updated Regal GS demonstrates resilience in a market that is increasingly shifting towards electric vehicles and away from traditional sedans. While not groundbreaking, its continued presence is noteworthy, suggesting that there is still a demand for this type of vehicle in certain segments of the Chinese market. Buick's decision to update the Regal GS, rather than discontinuing it, indicates a strategic commitment to catering to these segments and maximizing the model's lifecycle in a dynamic and competitive market.