[ReLaXn]

The Acura RL has been one of the worst-selling cars in America over the past couple of years.
Seriously, they're so rare that if you see one in the wild, get your camera out.

Acura is hoping to change that with the introduction of its flagship RLX sedan, a luxury four-door car that looks to compete with the likes of not only the BMW 5-Series, Lexus GS, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, but also higher-end luxury cars like the BMW 7-Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

It's a tall order. BMW, Audi, Lexus and Mercedes all benefit from strong brand cache and a stable of successful products, whereas Acura has kind of floated in purgatory over the past few years with solid products, but nothing that has really resonated with consumers or critics (save the NSX -- get that thing on the road already!)

Acura's strategy with the RLX is interesting: Offer a compelling and competent vehicle at a lower price than the competition. That strategy is a bit of a head-scratcher because the RLX isn't cheap -- the sticker price is $48,450 - $60,450. Regardless, the folks at Acura are sure that luxury car shoppers are looking for this value, despite the fact that a consumer who can pay $60,000 for a car is likely able to pay $70,000 or $80,000 for something like a Bimmer or Benz.

So is the RLX a good "value" buy in a segment where buyers expect no compromise? Will the RLX put Acura back on the map? Click through to see what I liked -- and didn't -- about the 2014 Acura RLX.

 

[cfrp]

despite the fact that a consumer who can pay $60,000 for a car is likely able to pay $70,000 or $80,000 for something like a Bimmer or Benz

Even though that may be true the RLX still has its own market simply because its an Acura.

I see the RLX more like a step up from the TL rather than a step down from the equivalent BMW and Mercedes.

The BMW and Mercedes is likely 6 cylinders or more consuming much more gas. This boils back down to a Japanese vs German debate.

They have their advantages and disadvantages. I prefer the reliability and maintenance cost of the Japanese cars. Plus personally $60,000 and $80,000 are a big difference. Just because I can afford the $80,000 car doesn't mean I want to.

 

[ReLaXn]

It really comes down to reliability, being able to afford a high end luxury sedan is one thing but for over a decade consumers are familiar Japanese built reliability versus others. German vehicles are nice and well built when it comes to the chassis but reliability is not one of their strong points.

 

[ChristX]

Sure enough there is that older generation that strongly believes in japanese engineering and its reliability. But as time goes on this phase is coming to an end. The new generation of german reliability is coming to an all time high. I find that japanese car are coming to an end because of its bland style.

 

[ReLaXn]

I have heard numerous amounts of complaint on German engineering, everything from engine failure to constant hiccups with the electrical components, who is not to say that this hasn't happen to the Japanese automakers. I could go back to each and every problem but whos gonna be the judge?

 

[cfrp]

I know people who cross shop Acura with Infiniti and BMW, Mercedes, Audi and choose Acura or Lexus simply because of reliability.

Like I said. The RLX is a nice step up from the TL. Some new luxury buyers or pissed off german owners might switch to the RLX to avoid the maintenance involved with the german brands but I think in general most buyers will already be Acura customers. Which isn't a bad thing. There are alot of Acura customers.

 

[AcuraRLXFan]

I know people who cross shop Acura with Infiniti and BMW, Mercedes, Audi and choose Acura or Lexus simply because of reliability.

Like I said. The RLX is a nice step up from the TL. Some new luxury buyers or pissed off german owners might switch to the RLX to avoid the maintenance involved with the german brands but I think in general most buyers will already be Acura customers. Which isn't a bad thing. There are alot of Acura customers.

The RLX is a nice step up from the TL but the TL is great if you want that the RLX offers but at a much lesser price. I think a lot of people that expect a lot out of the RLX that no longer want it will flock to the TL aka TLX.

 

[ChristX]

For now the RLX will stand its ground but for how long I just dont know. All these German cars are improving with new features but maintenance is still so high. I would wait it out till the TLX gets released before I make a final decision. The TLX might be a steal if it offers most of the features on the RLX, I just wish the RLX wouldnt be so high up in price.