Is the Buick Excelle a Three-Cylinder Car?

[LeRobert]

Buick Excelle has three-cylinder models, specifically the 2019 Buick Excelle. The 2019 Buick Excelle 15T model is equipped with a 1.0T inline 3-cylinder turbocharged engine, paired with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed dual-clutch transmission; the 18T model features a 1.3T inline 3-cylinder turbocharged engine, matched with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The Excelle is a premium mid-size car launched by SAIC-GM. In terms of body dimensions, the car measures 4419mm in length, 1814mm in width, and 1487mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2685mm. Exterior-wise, the design incorporates dual-sweeping peak characteristic lines that run from the headlights to the taillights, continuing the classic Buick family styling. The elegant front end exudes nobility and poise, with power ready to unleash at the peaks. The side skirt line design echoes the front and rear bumpers, enhancing the sculptural feel of the body and creating a sleek, streamlined visual effect.

[DiLorenzo]

I've driven the Excelle for three years, and this issue depends on the model year. The 2018 to 2020 models all came with three-cylinder engines. My 1.3T would shake the steering wheel during startup, though it was quite fuel-efficient on highways. But after 2021, GM smartened up and switched back to the 1.5L four-cylinder engine across the lineup. Now in the used car market, original owners are complaining about the noise from three-cylinder engines after five years, especially during cold winter starts—it sounds like a tractor. If you're looking to buy a used Excelle, definitely avoid the 2019 leftover inventory—even the engine mounts on those cars tend to wear out prematurely. Last week, I accompanied a friend to test drive the 2023 model—while it's a four-cylinder, the power is noticeably weak, with 0-100km/h acceleration taking over 13 seconds.

[SanAngela]

From an automotive media perspective, the Buick Excelle's three-cylinder era was concentrated between 2017-2020, offering two powertrain options: 1.0T and 1.3T. Actual tests showed the 1.3T three-cylinder engine delivered 163 horsepower—more powerful than the current four-cylinder model. However, once the RPM exceeded 3000, its flaws became apparent—the buzzing noise from the engine compartment was downright unnerving. GM aggressively promoted three-cylinder engines at the time to reduce fuel consumption, but sales plummeted by 40% in 2020, forcing them to revert to the L2B four-cylinder engine. Currently, all new models come with a 1.5L four-cylinder engine, though rumors suggest production will cease in 2024. Dealers are clearing inventory with discounts up to 20,000 yuan.

[CoraLee]

Having worked on Buick vehicles for ten years, the most troublesome aspect of the three-cylinder Excelle is the timing belt submerged in engine oil. Owners typically need to replace it every 60,000 kilometers, with the oil pan removal labor cost reaching 2,000 yuan. After the 2021 facelift reverted to a four-cylinder engine, the return repair rate dropped by 30%, but the new electronic thermostat has become a common issue. In terms of driving experience, the 1.3T three-cylinder engine exhibits noticeable jerking during initial acceleration, especially when the auto start-stop is active—the body shakes like a phone in vibration mode. It's recommended to opt for the post-2021 four-cylinder versions, which also feature reinforced chassis bushings.

[CooperMarie]

My uncle bought a four-cylinder Excelle last year for 150,000 RMB out-the-door, only to find its engine bay layout nearly identical when parked next to my older three-cylinder model. The space saved by the three-cylinder design just accommodated a larger battery with no real functional benefit. The most frustrating part? 2019 three-cylinder owners were promised an 8-year warranty, but now dealerships classify engine mounts as wear items requiring self-payment. Ironically, the current four-version consumes 1L/100km more fuel than the older model, averaging 7.5L/100km – GM's engineering decisions here are truly perplexing.

[StAurora]

At a Buick 4S store in Shanghai, the currently available Excelle models have fully transitioned to four-cylinder engines, with the chassis code changing from the previous L3G to the current L2B. The remaining stock of three-cylinder models was cleared out last year at a price of 89,000 yuan, which was 10,000 yuan cheaper than the four-cylinder versions, but no one wanted them. In practice, the three-cylinder engine delivers more aggressive low-end torque, but after three years, when the engine mounts age, its shortcomings become apparent. For current purchases, the 2022 Exemplary Edition is recommended. Although its power is somewhat lackluster, it comes with an independent rear suspension, making it much more comfortable over speed bumps compared to the older models. By the way, this model is soon to be replaced by the Buick Verano Pro.