Buick steps out of the shadows of mainstream styling with the redesigned 2010 Buick LaCrosse.

The youthful face-lift of the American-built LaCrosse takes years off the looks of this year's model- raising it to a new level of consumer awareness, appeal and acceptance in the midsize sedan market.

"Buick is enjoying a product renaissance, says David McIntyre, manager Buick product portfolio. "Buick has always been a styling leader. Today's fresh design compliments to the brand's hallmark reliability and comfort."

According to McIntyre, Buick controls 28 percent of the automotive market in which it competes.

For 2010, chiseled sheet metal replaces round body contours as Buick LaCrosse debuts in CX, CXL and up-level CXS trim levels punctuated by either a 3.0- or 3.6-liter V-6 engine that reels 255-hp and 280-hp respectively, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. CXL is also available with all-wheel drive (AWD).

A 2.4L four-cylinder mated to a 6-speed automatic for 182-hp and 30-mpg highway fuel economy will showcase the LaCrosse CX in December.

Mileage for the front drive CXS and CXL model is 17/city and 27/hwy. - 16/26 for CXLs with AWD. Buick expects 20-percent of their 2010 LaCrosse sales will harness AWD. Traction and stability control is standard.

All 2010 Buick LaCrosse models come generously equipped with paramount head and legroom front to back with seat cushion comfort that rivals most easy chairs. Seats are wide and supportive for tireless long distance travel.

As is Buick's heritage, ride quality remains a high standard on LaCrosse with a solid feel for the road without the suspension travel of previous generations. Outside wind noise and cabin acoustics are specially designed for a quieter ride. Passenger comfort is without compromise.

An optional Touring Package ($800) includes 19-inch 9-spoke alloy wheels wrapped with all-season rubber and a special chassis dampening system that quickly reins road bounce.

The package also includes a sport mode shift selector that, when utilized, places the transmission, steering and suspension into a performance dynamic for a more engaged driving experience.

LaCrosse also makes available an over-sized power operated sunroof that gives five occupants a sun-filled ride. A six-person-seat cabin configuration is not available.

Instrumentation is straight forward with user-friendly dials and switches that are easily read at-a-glance. Analog gauges come standard. A heads-up digital windshield display is a $350 option.

LaCrosse models are highlighted at night with a soft ice-blue sliver of light that creases the width of the instrument panel. The soft glow is also seen on the center console, gauge cluster and area illumination.

Accent lighting may be adjusted for intensity or turned off without affecting gauge lights.

The avant-garde 2010 Buick LaCrosse CX starts at $27,835 with freight followed by the CXL for $30,395 ($32,570 AWD). The CXS crosses the bottom line at $33,765.