The concept had a better lower front fascia and more interesting headlights.

However, I really like the profile of the LaCrosse. It addressed my major gripe with the concept's stubby and abrupt rear deck/roofline. The production car is much more elegant and less stubby. I would have preferred the shorter front overhang of the concept though. Still the production's isn't bad at all.

The interior looks identical design and build wise.

Overall:

Edited January 8, 200917 yr by Dodgefan

Lincoln> <Buick.

I think it's drop dead gorgeous. If this car and the Enclave are the signs of things to come for Buick, then Buick is in for a very bright future. I still wish GM would reconsider the name, but at least it appears that they nailed the execution of the vehicle.

Agreed on the headlights, disagree on the lower front fascia: there- the concept's was more unique, but it made me think of a large 'buck' tooth. I believe the front overhangs are identical; it's the lower 'chin spoiler' vs. the concept's tucked-under bottom edge that makes it look shorter there.

Buick got the hoodline lower- a bit less thick there- nicer.

Only thing that I would liked to have seen was the concept's flush side glass & no door handles, esp those Fisher-Price mitten-enablers everyone is slapping on everything they build. I think here, with the strong SweepSpear line, the big handles detract from that- I would have preferred at least a flush lift handle ala the '90s W-cars, or better, none- so the SweepSpear is more visually pure.

Thanks very much for these pics, DF- nice to see clearly how GM brought another 'concept' (pre-production) car straight to market.

You're welcome balthazar.

I see what you're saying about the chin spoiler, that may be it. I didn't notice the buck tooth thing until you mentioned it. However I still like it, perhaps the foglight housing of the production car could have been shaped more like the concepts, but again minor quibbles that are just my preference.

Just curious, what do you think about the roofline/deck? I much perfer the production car's more graceful and longer version. I think the car as a whole looks less "thick" than the concept. better sheetmetal to glass ratio.

Yes- I agree with your last evaluation- I like the longer rear and the whole car does look less 'thick'. Overall it's definately better (tho these are minor differences), with the exception of the door handles. And I just noticed- it seems to me the SweepSpear on the concept has a bit more dip to it, but no doubt the Spear & the handles had to work with each other. Still wish some sort of 'code button' door handles had been used- dropping the ubitquitous handles would have been refreshing.

I noticed that the concept had a sharper upkick on the rear door. You're right about how the line had to compromise with the door handles, and flush ones would have been better and more unique. Still, the end result is very good nonetheless.

I worry about how this car will look in the lower trim leels with smaller wheels.