2012 Buick Regal with eAssist to start at $29,530, Regal GS at $35,310

Buick just announced pricing on the 2012 Regal with eAssist, and the sportier 2012 Regal GS.

The Regal with eAssist will start at $29,530. The eAssist system is actually a $2,000 option on the Regal base model, mated to a 2.4L Ecotec engine. According to Buick, the base model without eAssist will continue to be available along with the 2.0L turbo.

The Regal GS will start at $35,310. Both prices include $860 in destination charges.

"Regal with eAssist and Regal GS offer distinct advantages to midsize luxury sport sedan customers," Tony DiSalle, U.S. vice president of Buick Marketing said in a press release. "The eAssist's advanced technology delivers the most fuel-efficient option, while the high-output GS is the sportiest expression of Regal to date."

Similar to the Buick LaCrosse, the eAssist system in the Regal is considered "light electrification," or a "mild hybrid." The Buick with eAssist boasts an EPA-rated 25 mpg city and 36 mpg highway.

For the performance-oriented driver, the Regal GS's engine is mated to a standard six-speed manual transmission. It offers an estimated fuel economy of 27 mpg on the highway.

The GS's Ecotec 2.0L direct-injected turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 270 hp and 295 pound feet of torque--more than Acura TSX V-6, Audi A4 Sport, Lexus IS 250 and Volvo S60 T5.

A six-speed automatic transmission will be available on the GS later in the year.

Buick announced both Regal options last winter to compete in performance and fuel economy with higher-priced, midsize luxury sedans in the segment.