What you see here is the first official image of Buick’s next generation 2017 La Crosse sedan. And unlike last night’s scoop shots from China, this is indeed the North American version of Buick’s more contemporary take on a near-premium mid-size sedan.

Buick says the new LaCrosse encompasses the Avenir Concept’s design language with more sculptural surfacing on the body together with a new grille that removes the chrome elements on the waterfall pattern bars for a more discrete look.

“The Avenir concept shattered expectations of what a Buick could be and the 2017 LaCrosse promises to do the same,” Duncan Aldred, vice president of Buick, said in a recent statement. “Its expressive design represents a break from convention and highlights the progressiveness in all new Buick models.”

The third generation of the LaCrosse is framed on an all-new and stronger yet much lighter, chassis that incorporates a five-link rear suspension, shared with the latest Chevrolet Malibu.

GM hasn’t detailed the 2017 LaCrosse’s powertrains yet, but a 2.0-liter turbocharged four and possibly an improved V6, could be on the table, together with the option of all-wheel drive. We’ll know for sure in a couple of hours when Buick debuts the car at the LA Auto Show.

Thanks to Ed for tipping us on the photo found at Ccaoe!

Photo Gallery