2016 Buick Regal Turbo Premium II: A Detailed Look

Hey car enthusiasts! Let's dive deep into the 2016 Buick Regal Turbo Premium II, a ride that brought a good dose of sportiness and luxury to the mid-size sedan segment back in the day. If you're considering this gem or just curious about what made it stand out, you've come to the right place, guys. This wasn't just any Regal; the Turbo Premium II trim packed a punch with its upgraded performance and premium features, making it a compelling option for those who wanted a bit more flair without breaking the bank. We're going to explore its engine capabilities, the fancy interior bits, its driving dynamics, and what makes it a potentially smart used car buy today. So buckle up, and let's get into the nitty-gritty of this fantastic Buick!

Engine Power and Performance

When we talk about the 2016 Buick Regal Turbo Premium II, the heart of the beast is undoubtedly its engine. Under the hood, you'll find a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Now, this isn't just your average four-banger; it's tuned to deliver a healthy 259 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. That's some serious grunt for a sedan that looks as sophisticated as the Regal. This power is sent to the wheels through a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission. For those who love a bit more control, an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system was also available, adding an extra layer of confidence, especially in less-than-ideal weather conditions. The turbocharger really comes alive, providing a satisfying surge of acceleration when you need it, whether you're merging onto the highway or looking for a quick overtake. The power delivery is impressively linear for a turbo, minimizing that laggy feeling many turbo engines can exhibit. This combination of a potent engine and a well-programmed transmission means the Regal Turbo Premium II isn't just about looks; it’s genuinely fun to drive. You get that sport sedan feel without sacrificing the comfort expected from a Buick. The torque is readily available low in the rev range, making city driving feel effortless and responsive. This engine was a key selling point, differentiating it from competitors that might have offered less potent standard powertrains. The EPA estimated fuel economy for the front-wheel-drive model was around 21 MPG city and 30 MPG highway, which, while not groundbreaking, is quite respectable for a car with this level of performance. The AWD version would see a slight dip in those numbers, but the added traction often justified the trade-off for many buyers. The engineers at Buick really tuned this powertrain to offer a balanced blend of performance and efficiency, making it a well-rounded package that appeals to a broad range of drivers who appreciate both spirited driving and sensible commuting.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Stepping inside the 2016 Buick Regal Turbo Premium II, you're greeted with an upscale and comfortable cabin that rivals some luxury brands. The Premium II trim, in particular, comes loaded with features designed to enhance your driving experience. You'll find leather-appointed seats, which are not only stylish but also incredibly comfortable for those longer journeys. The front seats are heated and ventilated, a fantastic perk that makes driving enjoyable in any season. The driver's seat also boasts 8-way power adjustments with lumbar support, ensuring you can find that perfect driving position with ease. Beyond the comfort, the technology suite is quite robust for its time. A Bose premium audio system is standard, delivering crisp and immersive sound quality to all occupants. The 8-inch color touchscreen infotainment system serves as the hub for your entertainment and navigation needs, featuring Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calls and audio streaming. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto weren't standard yet in 2016, but the system offered a user-friendly interface for controlling music, climate, and available navigation. Dual-zone automatic climate control ensures that both the driver and front passenger can maintain their preferred temperatures. Other premium touches include chrome accents, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and ambient lighting, all contributing to a refined and sophisticated atmosphere. The layout of the dashboard is intuitive, with most controls falling easily to hand. Buick really focused on creating a quiet cabin, using sound-dampening materials throughout the vehicle, which further elevates the premium feel. Even the materials used on the dash and door panels feel soft to the touch, adding to the overall sense of quality. The rear seating is also quite accommodating, offering decent legroom and headroom for adult passengers, making it a practical choice for families or those who often carry passengers. The keyless entry and push-button start add a touch of modern convenience that you'll quickly get used to. Overall, the interior of the 2016 Buick Regal Turbo Premium II is a place you'll want to spend time, blending comfort, technology, and a touch of luxury seamlessly.

Driving Dynamics and Handling

When it comes to driving dynamics, the 2016 Buick Regal Turbo Premium II truly shines, especially when equipped with the Interactive Drive Control System (IDCS), which was standard on this trim. This system allows drivers to choose between three driving modes: Normal, Sport, and the adjustable settings of the fourth, 'RCOMP' (Race Control Mode). Each mode alters the suspension damping, steering effort, and throttle response, tailoring the car's behavior to your preference or the driving situation. In Normal mode, the Regal offers a comfortable and composed ride, soaking up bumps with ease, making it a great daily driver. However, engage Sport mode, and you'll feel a noticeable transformation. The steering becomes more responsive, the suspension firms up to reduce body roll, and the throttle becomes sharper, making the car feel more agile and engaging. This duality is a significant strength of the Regal; it can be a refined cruiser one moment and a spirited performer the next. The standard HiPer Strut front suspension is a standout feature, borrowed from GM's performance division, which helps to minimize torque steer and improve steering feel, particularly under hard acceleration or aggressive cornering. This translates to a car that feels planted and confident, even when pushed. The all-wheel-drive (AWD) option, when selected, further enhances grip and stability, allowing for greater confidence in challenging road conditions or during spirited driving. The braking system is also well-tuned, providing strong and consistent stopping power, giving you confidence when you need to slow down in a hurry. While it might not be a dedicated track machine, the Regal Turbo Premium II offers a surprisingly engaging and athletic driving experience for its class. It strikes a fine balance between the plush ride Buick is known for and the sharp handling enthusiasts crave. The steering is precise, and the car communicates well with the driver, allowing you to feel connected to the road without being overwhelmed by harshness. This makes it a joy to drive on winding country roads as well as on the daily commute. The disc brakes all around provide ample stopping power, and the ABS and stability control systems are there to help you out if things get a bit hairy.

Safety Features and Reliability

Safety is a paramount concern for any car buyer, and the 2016 Buick Regal Turbo Premium II came equipped with a solid array of safety features to protect its occupants. Standard on this model were multiple airbags, including front, side-impact, and curtain airbags, providing comprehensive coverage in the event of a collision. The car also featured OnStar with automatic crash response, a system that could automatically alert emergency services in case of an accident. For enhanced driver awareness, the Premium II trim often included driver-assistance technologies such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning. Some models might have even featured a forward collision alert system. These technologies act as an extra set of eyes, helping to prevent accidents before they happen. In terms of reliability, the 2016 Buick Regal generally received good ratings, although like any vehicle, it's not without its potential issues. Common points to check on a used model include the turbocharger system (as it is a performance-oriented car), the infotainment system, and potentially the transmission. Regular maintenance is key to ensuring the longevity of any turbocharged engine, so looking for a car with a documented service history is crucial. Websites like Consumer Reports and J.D. Power often provide valuable insights into the long-term reliability of specific model years. While Buick isn't always the first brand that comes to mind for bulletproof reliability like some Japanese manufacturers, the Regal from this era was considered a solid offering, especially in its higher trims where more robust components were often used. The structure of the car itself is strong, contributing to good crash test scores from organizations like the NHTSA and IIHS. The anti-lock braking system (ABS), traction control, and electronic stability control (ESC) are all standard and work together to help maintain control under various driving conditions. When buying used, it's always wise to get a pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic to identify any potential issues before you commit. This proactive step can save you a lot of headaches and money down the line. Overall, the 2016 Regal Turbo Premium II offers a good blend of safety and reasonable reliability for its class.

Conclusion: Is the 2016 Regal Turbo Premium II Right for You?

So, after diving deep into the 2016 Buick Regal Turbo Premium II, the big question remains: is this the right car for you, guys? If you're in the market for a used sedan that offers a compelling mix of performance, luxury, and technology, then the answer is a resounding yes. This particular trim level truly hits a sweet spot, providing a significantly more engaging driving experience and a richer feature set than its lower-tier counterparts. The turbocharged engine delivers exciting acceleration, the handling is surprisingly sporty, and the interior is comfortable and well-appointed with premium materials and tech features that were advanced for its time. For anyone who appreciates a car that can be both a comfortable daily commuter and a fun weekend cruiser, the Regal Turbo Premium II fits the bill perfectly. It offers a level of refinement and driving pleasure that can often be found in vehicles with a much higher price tag. When considering a used car, remember to factor in maintenance history and get a thorough inspection, but the potential rewards are high. You get a car that looks good, feels good, and drives great, all without the hefty depreciation of a new vehicle. It's a smart choice for those who want a bit of Buick's signature comfort with a healthy dose of sportiness. If you value a refined interior, a strong powertrain, and engaging driving dynamics, the 2016 Buick Regal Turbo Premium II is definitely worth a closer look. It represents a great value proposition on the used car market for those seeking a sophisticated and capable sedan. Don't overlook this one; it’s a real gem!