New addition to portfolio expected to attract new customers to luxury brand
DETROIT – The all-new 2012 Buick Verano luxury sedan, which goes on sale later this year, will have a starting price of $23,470 including $885 in destination charges.
The Verano offers more passenger and cargo volume than the Acura TSX sedan or Lexus IS 250.
“Verano is a great new addition to Buick because it expands the brand’s reach,” said Tony DiSalle, U.S. vice president of Buick Marketing. “With Verano, we’re inviting new customers into the Buick family, giving us the opportunity and privilege of building longtime Buick loyalty.”
Verano is Buick’s third all-new model in the past three years and the first in the compact segment, delivering the premium features and luxury characteristics that have helped make Buick one of the fastest-growing automotive brands in North America.
The car will be offered in three models, with the top model carrying a suggested retail price of $26,850, including destination charge. All models are powered by a fuel-efficient 2.4L four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that delivers 180 hp at 6,700 rpm with 171 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,900 rpm.
The Verano’s exterior is distinguished by sleek lines, blue translucent projector beam headlamps and standard fog lamps and 18-inch multi-spoke, forged alloy, silver-finish wheels, with a premium 18-inch split spoke wheel design available on certain models.
The Verano interior is designed for exceptional seat comfort and support, and contains Buick’s signature acoustic refinement and premium soft-touch materials inspired by the award-winning Buick LaCrosse. A dozen noise-reducing and noise-cancelling technologies are used in more than 50 areas of Verano’s body structure for increased cabin isolation and quietness.
“Rich leather appointments, warm wood tones, metallic accents, soft ambient lighting and intelligent technologies make the cabin an inviting environment,” said David Lyon, executive director of Verano’s design.
Verano standard features include leatherette seating, high-resolution 7-inch diagonal LED backlit color-touch radio display with IntelliLink technology and 10 standard air bags. Automatic climate control, remote start, power windows and steering wheel radio controls are also standard.
The up-level model features the same leather materials used in the LaCrosse. The Verano’s seat heaters automatically activate in temperatures below 45 F (7 C) when using the remote start function, along with rear defogger on all models and heated outside mirrors. Verano also features an available heated steering wheel – an option not found vehicles like the Lexus IS250 or Infiniti G25. Push-button engine start is available on lower-level models, and is standard on the up-level model.
The standard all-new Buick IntelliLink system uses Bluetooth or USB to connect a driver’s smartphone to the touch-screen display radio. IntelliLink expands on Buick’s current Bluetooth and USB capabilities to allow smartphone control via voice activation and steering wheel-mounted controls. It also enables streaming stereo audio from the phone through services like PANDORA® Internet radio and Stitcher SmartRadio®. Full functionality requires a compatible Smartphone and data plan rates apply.
In addition to Buick IntelliLink, a nine-speaker Bose sound system specifically engineered for the Verano’s interior is available on all trim levels.
OnStar is standard for six months on all Verano models. It uses GPS and cellular phone technology to call for help in the event of a collision. OnStar subscribers also can use the service to send help to other motorists and to call for help in other non-collision emergencies.