Bringing the relationship between vehicle and driver to a higher level is their goal, Acura claims, which is achieved with their recent unveiling of the Acura RLX. While most of the rest of the industry (including the consumers) don’t agree, they are unanimous in conceding the fact that it is a much needed improvement from the Acura RL, which sold only 379 units in 2012.
Performance
The Acura RLX does not impress much in terms of performance. Engine downsizing is apparent in the RLX, but only by 0.2 litre. The naturally aspirated, direct-injected 3.5-liter V-6 feeds the front wheels 310 horsepower and 272 lb-ft of torque, up 10 and 1, respectively, from the old 3.7-liter. Times for acceleration meet around the par standard for this class of car, with the needle finding 60 mph in 5.8 seconds and the quarter-mile passing in 14.3.
Exterior and Interior
The RLX overcompensates for the RL’s biggest failing point. It’s full-formed, with a 2.0-inch-longer wheelbase and 1.7-inch-wider body than the outgoing RL’s. The cabin has far more room than before, with lots of space for occupants’ extremities. The colours for the interior include taupe, black and gray. One of the RLX’s main selling points is legroom; it has about an inch more in the front seat than the A6, 535 and E-Class, and it equals the GS 350 in this regard. The exterior shows that effort was put into to make it stylish with tasetful body sculpting but overall it still looks a little plain.
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Price
The basic Acura RLX starts at $49,345 (including destination), going up to $61,345 for the RLX Advanced Package. Although similar to the Lexus GS in this regard, it effectively undercuts its competition which includes the BMW 5 series, Audi A6 and the Mercedes Benz E-Class.
