Buick Regal

The Buick Regal is a D-segment mid-size sedan (classified as a B-class car in China) under SAIC-GM Buick. Since its local assembly and production began under SAIC-GM in 2002, it has spanned multiple generations and stands as one of the seasoned stalwarts in China's joint-venture mid-size sedan market. As of June 2026, the 2024 Regal lineup on sale comprises two variants: the 25T Chao Xiang Edition and the 28T Zong Xiang Edition, with official recommended retail prices of RM159,800 and RM175,800, respectively. However, Buick introduced a "fixed nett price" direct-sales model on 28 February 2025, slashing actual showroom prices to RM106,900 and RM123,900, respectively. Additionally, the sportier Regal GS was officially launched on 28 February 2026 under the same fixed-price scheme. Primary rivals of the Regal include mainstream joint-venture D-segment sedans such as the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Volkswagen Passat.

Design Language

The 2026 Regal adopts Buick's signature PURE Design philosophy. Up front, it features a bold, prominent grille that flares outward to create a planted, sporty stance, detailed with starlight-inspired mesh inserts for an eye-catching three-dimensional look. The front fascia combines a wing-inspired air intake grille with starry matrix chrome garnishes, flanked by wing-shaped LED headlights that deliver sharp visual recognition at night. Down the sides, clean and crisp character lines run seamlessly from beneath the wing mirrors all the way to the taillights. The generous application of blacked-out trim further sharpens its athletic presence. Dimension-wise, it measures 4,904 mm (or 4,913 mm) in length, 1,863 mm in width, and 1,461 mm (or 1,462 mm) in height, on a 2,829 mm wheelbase. At the rear, an integrated ducktail bootlid spoiler lends a dynamic touch, paired with boomerang-profile LED taillights on both ends. The Regal GS builds on this foundation with a bespoke sports aero kit—featuring a redesigned front grille, larger side air ducts, a gloss black rear boot spoiler, and dual flat chrome exhaust exits. Inside, the Regal retains its driver-centric wraparound cockpit layout with an integrated 8-inch central touchscreen, prioritising practical ergonomics. Extensive soft-touch upholstery and refined stitching elevate overall cabin tactility. An ETRS push-button electronic gear selector comes standard across the entire range.

Powertrain and Performance

The Regal is available with two turbocharged petrol engine options—a 1.5T and a 2.0T—both paired with a 9-speed HYDRA-MATIC automatic transmission with manual mode. The 25T Chao Xiang Edition is powered by a 1.5T SIDI direct-injection turbocharged engine delivering 124 kW (169 PS) and 250 Nm of torque. It posts a WLTC combined fuel consumption of 6.89 L/100 km and completes the 0–100 km/h benchmark sprint in 9.1 seconds. The 28T Zong Xiang Edition receives the eighth-generation Ecotec 2.0T variable-cylinder turbo unit, churning out 174 kW (237 PS) and 350 Nm of peak torque. This powerplant features cylinder deactivation technology, intelligently switching among three modes: Four-Cylinder High-Performance, Four-Cylinder Economy, and Two-Cylinder Super Economy. The 2.0T model hits 0–100 km/h in 7.1 seconds, with a WLTC combined fuel consumption of 7.14 L/100 km. Both variants adopt a front-engine, front-wheel-drive (FWD) configuration. The 1.5T engine runs on minimum RON 92 petrol, whereas the 2.0T unit requires RON 95 petrol.

Chassis and Handling

Under the skin, the entire Regal range rides on an enhanced MacPherson independent front suspension and an enhanced multi-link independent rear setup. The front lower control arms are mounted to the subframe via dual bushings, with the rear bushing being hydraulic to significantly elevate vibration damping and bump absorption. The chassis tuning strikes a fine balance between long-haul ride comfort and composed body control, with the dampers effectively filtering out high-frequency road chatter. Steering response is precise, complemented by a well-weighted steering wheel. Braking is handled by ventilated front discs and solid rear discs, assisted by an electronic parking brake (EPB).

Cabin and Equipment

Inside, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen comes standard across the range, driven by the Buick eConnect system with support for Apple CarPlay, Baidu CarLife smartphone screen mirroring, Baidu AI voice command, telematics connectivity, and over-the-air (OTA) software updates. Standard creature comforts across all trims include a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, digital streaming rearview mirror, wireless smartphone charging pad, dual-zone automatic climate control, and interior ambient lighting. The front seats feature power adjustment and heating functions. The cabin incorporates QuietTuning acoustic technology, employing acoustic laminated glass and liquid sound-deadening damping pads for superior sound insulation. Boot capacity is rated at 441 litres. The Regal GS is further upgraded with Buick eConnect 2.5, unlocking an even broader suite of intelligent connectivity features.

Safety and Driver Assistance

In terms of passive safety, the Regal is constructed around a 5-star crash safety compliant BFI rigid body shell, featuring dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length front and rear curtain airbags, as well as knee airbags for both driver and front passenger as standard equipment. On the active safety front, Level 2 semi-autonomous driving assistance (ADAS) is standard across the board, covering Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), and Blind Spot Monitoring/Lane Change Assist. The Regal GS takes this further with Level 2+ intelligent driving capabilities. In addition, a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), reverse parking sensors, reverse camera, Hill Start Assist, and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) are fitted as standard across all variants.

Market Performance and Verdict

The Buick Regal remains a hallmark model in China's joint-venture mid-size sedan segment; when local assembly commenced in 2002, the entry-level variant was priced at a substantial RM206,800. It reached its commercial peak in 2020, delivering over 135,000 units in that year alone. Sales subsequently tapered off amidst the exponential rise of new energy vehicles (NEVs) and intensifying price competition in the conventional petrol sector. In full-year 2025, cumulative sales of the Regal reached approximately 44,177 units; June 2025 wholesale volume was 6,531 units, with September retail volume recording 3,145 units; and March 2026 deliveries stood at 3,744 units.

The core appeal of the Regal centres on its highly competitive fixed nett entry price from RM106,900, a tried-and-tested 1.5T/2.0T + 9-speed AT powertrain lineup, full-range standard Level 2 ADAS and comprehensive airbag protection, alongside solid chassis underpinnings. The Obsidian Black Sports Kit introduced in 2025 (offered at a limited-time price of RM3,000) further sharpened its visual presence. On the flip side, the 8-inch central screen looks somewhat conservative next to rivals that now sport massive 12-inch displays; the rear middle passenger must contend with a noticeable transmission tunnel hump; the brand's overall volume in China remains under pressure; and NEVs continue to mount fierce challenges against traditional petrol-powered D-segment sedans. All in all, through its high-value strategy of offering "B-class dimensions at an A-class price tag", the Regal maintains a distinct, value-driven edge in the RM100,000 to RM150,000 joint-venture mid-size sedan market.