It used to be so simple to spot a Buick. First, look for one of the biggest cars on the road, though that became less of a telling sign in the 1970s and 80s. Next, zero in on the wheels – if the behemoth had wire wheel covers and whitewall tires, it just might’ve been your target. Of course, a vinyl roof was also a pretty good giveaway, as were blinding amounts of chrome and portholes incorporated into the body work.

Thankfully, the 2006 Buick Lucerne bears little resemblance to its foregoers, aside from the familiar tri-shield badge and the reintroduction of portholes to the fenders. When a V6 is fitted under the hood, three chrome-trimmed holes are featured on each front fender; V8 models get four holes. But get past those bits of trim and the Lucerne looks like anything but a domestic sedan for geriatrics. That’s especially true when viewed from the rear, where the Lucerne exhibits simple but attractive taillights reminiscent of those on Volkswagen Passat and Jetta models. From that same perspective, observers will also notice a wide, aggressive stance and fluid body lines free of garish amounts of chrome. Dual exhaust tips denote the V8 models. The side view shows a beltline that gradually rises toward the rear section of the car, and a perfect wheel-to-body relationship (most notable with the 18-inch alloys). If there’s one area that could use improvement, it’d be the Buick Lucerne’s front end. There’s an attractive chrome-ringed grille, and CXS models have small fog lights in the lower corners of the fascia. But the headlights are typical corporate GM, meaning they’re large, bland, and offer the same vague styling as those found on the Chevy Malibu or Impala. Overall, our test car exhibited uniform exterior panel gaps, though the A-pillar/front fender joint was much wider on the right side versus the left. Also, the headlights and right rear door didn’t line up well.

Inside, the 2006 Buick Lucerne was a different story in terms of build quality, as all components fit properly and were securely fastened. Rubberized and soft plastics are used on the sides of the center console and on top of the dash, relegating less appealing hard plastic to the door frames and the dash face. Unfortunately, that’s one of the places that tactile senses would most appreciate soft-touch materials, though serving to compensate for that deficiency are a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a leather shift handle, rubberized radio and climate control knobs that are clearly marked and within easy reach, and an upscale mesh material used on the headliner, visors, and pillar covers.

Taken as a whole, the Lucerne’s interior design is a marked improvement due to its simplistic functionality. The look is less busy than before, primary buttons and controls are minimized, and wood paneling works with subtle chrome accents to create a premium feel. When so equipped, the leather upholstery is soft and GM designers proudly point out that the armrest covers are hand-cut and sewn.