Speaking of features,
Buick sees
Lexus on most counts and raises on others, like three DOHC direct-injected engine choices, all of which bolt to six-speed automatic transmissions-a base 182-horse, 2.4-liter four in the CX model good for 20 mpg city/30 highway; a 3.0-liter V-6 producing 252 or 255 horses with all- or front-wheel drive in the CXL; and our CXS test car's 280-horse, 3.6-liter V-6 which is front drive only. (The
Cadillac SRX's forthcoming 2.8-liter turbo/AWD setup bolts right in, should a Super variant ever be called for.) That full-feature Haldex all-wheel-drive/electronic limited-slip rear differential system is one serious Lexus-trumping feature, with the capability to shift torque fore and aft and left to right. Others include remote starting, Blind Zone Alert (coming soon), a head-up display ($350), and the CXS's electronic damping control, which comes in an $800 Touring package with 19-inch wheels. Sliding the shifter left into the manual gate engages Sport mode, tightening the three-position dampers, firming the steering feel and enlivening throttle response.
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