The Buick Regal has just received a facelift and it’s certainly… something. The model, which was discontinued in the US as a sportback in 2020, has managed to live on in China as Buick continues to thrive in the far eastern market. In a bid to keep the sedan relevant, it appears the company decided it was the Regal’s time to receive the updated styling inspired by the Buick Wildcat concept. Unfortunately, where it has worked in other situations, we think Buick completely missed the mark on this update.
When the model left our shores, it left as a competent sedan-cum-sportback that offered solid luxury and performance for the price. Unfortunately, even given its stylish and sporty GS and underrated TourX wagon versions, it never managed to find its footing here. It was axed as Buick finally decided to cut ties with sedans in the US. After seeing the first refresh abroad, we longed for the sedan’s return. Not anymore, though.