If there’s one thing that we gearheads can agree on, it’s that new car prices are ridiculous. In fact, the average price for a new car in the US has hit $50,000. That’s almost exactly the price of a new Volkswagen Golf R, and while it may be fast, safe, and comfortable, what if your money were best spent on something used? Something a bit more practical with similar performance, perhaps?
Enter: the Buick Regal GS. This American sports sedan was more than a rebadged European family car, offering performance and space without the high price tag. You can now easily find this car for less than half the price of a used Golf R – something we still can’t quite understand. Here’s why…
Buick’s Last Performance Sedan Was Built In Limited Numbers For A Reason
Buick knew that time was running out for its sedans in the 2010s. The automaker’s SUV sales were surging, and while the fifth-gen Regal sedan was a great car, its looks were becoming outdated and customers started looking elsewhere. That’s why in 2017, the sixth-generation Regal debuted with a much more handsome exterior and interior. The writing was on the wall for this car, which is why Buick decided to go out with a bang.
The GS trim was introduced as the halo version, featuring a larger 3.6L V6 engine and sportier cosmetics. While we think of ultra-exclusive Italian supercars as collectibles, the Regal GS’s low production number of around 1,300 means it’s exclusive and represents perhaps the last true performance-oriented Buick like this.
For the company that gave us the GNX and Skylark GS, it’s safe to say that collectors love the last-of-the-line model.But nostalgia alone doesn’t justify a purchase – so what does the GS actually deliver behind the wheel?
The Torque-Vectoring AWD Can Send 100% Of Power To One Rear Wheel
Buick
The GS badge meant the Regal was ready to be driven hard. Its 3.6L V6 engine has strong links to the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon of the same vintage, but here it makes 310 horsepower and 282 lb-ft through a clever all-wheel-drive system. That AWD system isn’t old-fashioned, either, as it has torque vectoring capabilities that mean it can send up to 100% of the engine’s power to an individual rear wheel through two computer-controlled clutches.
This AWD system is also used in the TourX wagon, but in the GS driving mode, it will send more of its power to the rear wheels. This driving mode also firms up the adaptive suspension, quickens throttle response, makes the steering heavier, and lets the nine-speed automatic hold onto gears longer. It’s exactly what you want in a sports sedan – the ability to be comfortable in most situations and then turn into a sports car when asked.
Beyond the engine and AWD system, there’s a lot to love. The transmission is smooth, it can reach 60 miles per hour in under six seconds, and reaches a top speed of 167 miles per hour. The GS’ Brembo brakes are also solid. Without turbochargers, the V6 produces linear power that you’ll want to unleash. It makes peak torque at 5,200 rpm and peak power at 6,800 rpm, meaning it has that old-school rev-happy character.
How Close Is The Buick To The Golf R? Closer Than You’d Think
Buick2025 Volkswagen Golf RJared Rosenholtz/CarBuzz/Valnet
So, it’s half the price of a new Golf R – is it half the amount of fun? Definitely not. The V6 in the GS makes only 18 hp and 13 lb-ft of torque less than Volkswagen’s 2.0L turbo-four, and while it may be a second slower to 60 miles per hour, it offers much of the same on-paper performance. Of course, the Golf R’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system is much more modern and advanced, leading to super-grippy all-weather performance, but the Buick isn’t far behind.
The Regal’s performance means it’s easily faster than the Golf GTI, and while the modern hot hatches may be more agile, the Buick’s slightly longer wheelbase may make it more stable at speed. Volkswagen offers the Golf R with standard adaptive suspension, meaning just like the Regal, it’s a superb daily driver but turns into a monster when asked.
A Sports Sedan With More Trunk Space Than Most Crossovers – And Massage Seats
Buick
The best thing about both the Regal GS and the Golf R is how they combine performance and everyday usability. This stretches to the design, as the GS badges on the Buick are subdued and, unless you were looking, you wouldn’t be able to tell it’s the flagship. The Golf looks a bit racier with its spoiler and vents, especially in a bright color that complements its stance. We love the design of both, but those wanting a sleeper will prefer the GS.
Even with the younger Golf in comparison, the Buick Regal GS isn’t as sparse as you may think. There’s ventilated seating, keyless start, and most impressively, massage controls for both front seats. Of course, the Golf has the larger infotainment display, as that’s where the industry is heading, but the GS has smartphone connectivity so you’re not stuck with an outdated system. The only thing that we can see the Golf having over the Regal is rear heated seats and a better sound system.
It’s worth mentioning size, too, as the Buick wins easily here. The Golf manages just under 20 cubic feet of space in the cargo bay, while the GS can manage 31.5 cubes. It also has more rear legroom at 36.9 inches compared to 35 inches, and its hatchback design makes it highly practical.
What To Pay, What To Check, And Why The LGX V6 Is Worth The Risk
Front view of a 2018 Buick Regal GS drivingBuick
With only 1,300 units made, the Buick Regal GS isn’t super common on the marketplace, so when one pops up, we’d certainly be reaching out quickly. You won’t have to worry about high-mileage examples, either, as the LGX family of 3.6L V6 engines is said to be reliable when properly maintained. It’s an improvement over previous GM blocks like this. Very high-mileage examples may benefit from a cleanup around the intake valves, which can clog with carbon buildup.
Some owners also recommend getting the timing chain checked out, so a recent service stamp for this is ideal. Given its status as a sports sedan, make sure you’re getting a well-cared-for example with service history. At the time of writing, we can see listings range from $20–$25k for cars with around 60,000 miles. You can dip under $20k if you go for listings with around 100,000 miles, and we wouldn’t be worried about reliability with its decent record.
Even if you find an unreliable example, you’ll still be way under the Golf R’s price with some repairs and servicing. Can you feel the 18 hp difference between these two cars by the seat of your pants? Probably not. The Regal GS is a more practical sleeper sedan that has just as many creature comforts as the Golf, without the intrusive new-car chimes and alerts. And for half the price, you can’t go wrong.
Base Trim Engine
3.6L V6 Gas
Base Trim Transmission
9-Speed Automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
310 hp
Base Trim Torque
282 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm
Fuel Economy
19/27 MPG
Infotainment & Features
7 /10
Sources: Buick, Volkswagen
