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This means that the four-banger LaCrosse CX will cost only $840 less than the equivalent 255HP 3.0-liter V6 version. Nevertheless, Buick said that it expects about 25 percent of customers will opt for 2.4L-equipped models.

Linked to a standard six-speed automatic transmission, the new powertrain combination is expected to deliver an estimated fuel economy of 30 mpg highway and 20 mpg city.

Sales of the 2010 LaCrosse CX with the four-cylinder Ecotec engine will start sometime during the first quarter of 2010.

*Photos: 2010 Buick LaCrosse CXS

Along with the Ecotec 2.4L, is also offered with a direct injected 3.0L V6 with 255HP and a 3.6L V6 producing an estimated 280HP. With the exception of the 3.0L V6 model that is also available with all-wheel drive, the rest of the range is strictly front-wheel-drive.

GM has not disclosed prices for the 2010 LaCrosse 2.4L model, but the company previously announced that prices for the V6 lineup start from $27,835 for the 3.0L V6 CX model and rise to $30,395 for CXL FWD 3.0L V6, $32,570 for the CXL AWD 3.0L V6 and $33,765 for the 3.6-liter V6 CXS -all prices include a $750 destination charge.

The 2010 LaCrosse that is based on the second-generation Epsilon platform shared with the Opel Insignia, targets the semi-luxury sedan segment rivaling cars such as the Lexus ES 350 and Lincoln MKZ.

The 2010 LaCrosse's exterior design is the result of the combined work of GM's designers in the United States and China. While not groundbreaking or sleek in an Italian sort of way, we reckon that the LaCrosse looks stylish and different enough to grab the attention of buyers in the near-luxury segment. The cars that the LaCrosse will most likely compete with are the Lexus ES350 and the Chrysler 300.

"It is instantly recognizable as a Buick, with its signature 'sweep spear' body-side styling, portholes inside the character line on the hood, and waterfall grille," said Ed Welburn, vice president of GM Global Design.

Open the door and you're welcomed by a modern, yet somewhat unimaginative cabin characterized by a flowing design theme that wraps around the instrument and door panels. What sets the LaCrosse apart from its predecessors is the availability of an array of personal technologies. These include features such as in-dash navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, an auxiliary audio input and a USB port. For rear-seat passengers, a power rear-window sunshade and a DVD entertainment system, with two display screens integrated into the seatbacks, is also available.

Based on GM's Epsilon II front-wheel-drive platform that underpins the new Opel Insignia, the LaCrosse is roughly the same size as the car it replaces. Buyers can choose from two direct-injection V6 engines, a 3.0-liter unit generating an estimated 255 horsepower and 211 lb.-ft. of torque (286 Nm), and a 3.6L engine producing an estimated 280 horsepower and 261 lb.-ft. of torque (354 Nm). Both V6 engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

When the 2010 LaCrosse goes on sale this summer, it will be offered in three models CX, CXL and CXS. The CX will be equipped with the 3.0L V6 engine and come with premium cloth seats and 17-inch wheels. The CXL adds leather-appointed heated seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, fog lamps, outside rearview mirror with LED turn indicators and puddle lamps, 18-inch wheels as well as the option of all-wheel drive. Finally, the CXS features the more powerful 3.6L V6 unit and adds real-time active-dampening suspension; perforated, leather-appointed, heated and cooled seats, and chrome-plated 18-inch wheels (19-inch optional).