[mr.smith]

Acura has brought some new engineering to the table for its new RLX, the replacement for the "essentially invisible RL."

The RLX is a FWD model, but it will late release an AWD variant with Acura's torque-vectoring "Super Handling" AWD system in early 2014. not completely sure why Acura decided to release the base model first and the hybrid model later though.

The base model has the popular 3.5-liter V6 which produces 310 hp and 272 lb-ft of torque. The AWD model adds electric motors to the rear axle, bumping power up to 370 hp.

Trim levels start with the $48,450 entry-level model. The navigation trim level bumps up to $50,950, with the range topper going for $60,450 with radar-based safety tech.

The RLX falls behind its competitors (BMW 5-Series, Benz E-Class, Lexus ES 350, Audi A6, Lincoln MKZ and Volvo S80) in terms of styling. In fact the RLX is "more forgettable than memorable."

The bottom line?
"Overall, the Acura RLX is a nicely packaged and likeable sedan. But so are its rivals, most of which offer a higher degree of ride refinement and personality.
The RLX isn't quite the flagship Acura needs, but we're optimistic that the upcoming all-wheel-drive hybrid model will move things forward."

Check out the full review here --> 2014 Acura RLX review

 

[Hindsight]

This get s it pretty much right for me. I think that if the styling of the RLX, and Acuras in general, was improved upon people would have a lot more love for the model/brand. It seems that Acura is pretty stuck in its ways as far as design goes though. At the point that you are willing to spend the money that it takes to get a luxury sedan, you also expect that that luxury sedan not only feels luxurious, but also looks luxurious. People don't buy luxury sedans to fade into the background.

 

[rockerfeller]

B was fair, it's what i would give it. to be an A it would need far more than it current offers. But Im not sure exactly what.

 

[cfrp]

rating based on styling is silly. There are a few cars listed on there that I just hate the design of.

 

[rockerfeller]

Yeah they need to base it more on the whole car and not just it's design, SH-AWD is something that should score it big points, especially since it doesn't feel FWD biased, some reviewers say it feels like a true AWD system.

 

[cfrp]

its interesting that he calls the RLX a spruced up accord because beside an accord there aren't very many resemblances from what I can tell

Put a 5 series beside a 3 series. Put an a5 beside an a4. Put a LS beside an ES. Put an M35 beside a G37x.

idiot

 

[rockerfeller]

its interesting that he calls the RLX a spruced up accord because beside an accord there aren't very many resemblances from what I can tell

Put a 5 series beside a 3 series. Put an a5 beside an a4. Put a LS beside an ES. Put an M35 beside a G37x.

idiot

yeah that was a pretty stupid thing he said.
thats why i dont take a lot of these guys series

 

[mr.smith]

I think that when you compare the RLX to its rivals though you have to admit that a B grade is pretty reasonable. The RLX just doesn't look as nice as its rivals. So much of what a car is is the package that you put it in. Now the RLX does come at a cheaper price to offset this, but if you are buying a luxury sedan, i don't think that saving money is high up on the priority list.

 

[cfrp]

I dont disagree with the B grade. I believe even Acura would admit the RLX is beneath the german brands. Just look at sales numbers and take away percentage..

But its the comments he uses to grade it as a B that make it more of an opinion rather then facts that I can relate to.

 

[rockerfeller]

agreed RLX is mechanically a step below German counterparts. Styling i feel is irrelevant, because BMWs have been ugly for years but people keep buying them. The RLX does not have a feeling in your hands while driving. Its there, but you're not really sure...

and with them being behind German companies is lower pricing for their vehicles, so in the end it does work out well, even better when you're buying a used Acura.

 

[Hindsight]

I think that styling does matter. BMWs are ugly. The newest ones especially the newer ones. And even if you don't like the BMW look that much, I still think that you can agree that the RLX doesn't look nearly as good. If you don't like the look of BMWs, then what do you like the look of?

 

[rockerfeller]

I think that styling does matter. BMWs are ugly. The newest ones especially the newer ones. And even if you don't like the BMW look that much, I still think that you can agree that the RLX doesn't look nearly as good. If you don't like the look of BMWs, then what do you like the look of?

BMW's are slowly phasing out of the ugly stage. The new design language is turning things around. Just have a look at the Concept BMW M4:

 

[cfrp]

Don't think we will be seeing many cars like that today.

if you talk to acura sales reps.

most RLX buyers buy the RLX beause they dont want the high profile view of buying a BMW or Mercedes


They buy the RLX because its lower key and still has the luxury and comfort and features of a luxury car in its class. It does sell but the market is small.

 

[victorber]

Just a few thoughts,
During my return trip on Friday, Dec 5th, I encountered very heavy rain and this lasted for about 45 miles coming north on I-81. The rain was so heavy that when my RLX hit a substantial depth of water, I had my VSA momentarily switch off and then return to normal. This happened at least 5 times and I noticed a red warning (not quite sure which warning indicator as I was very busy). Once I transited the heavy rain and was able to settle down I was thankful for the total control the RLX afforded me and my 3 other passengers to a safe arrival home. I was quite surprised at the CMBS and the LKAS & LDW that the systems could see where at times I could not.
The RLX also showed it's advanced technology when we were traveling I-40WB in TN, at 75/80 and we came upon a gaggle of other drivers, all of a sudden everything in front of me was solid "RED". After avoiding being involved in a massive multi-car collision, we went from 75/80 to 20mph in a millisecond and was able to move over to the right lane and as I passed the vehicle causing the near disaster I looked to my left and there was a 90+ year old gentleman with his wife, oblivious to his surroundings, in his 1975 chevy pickup with his hands locked on the steering wheel and in the high speed lane, and staring forward as if he had macledegeneration (sp) Whew... Point of all this is the P-AWS responded as it was designed to, providing the rear wheels to toe-in to assist in panic braking and scrub off speed, and quickly. "I never felt out of control".


I have come to a point in life where you learn to trust the technology advancements, even if you don't truly understand them.

For all the Nay-Sayers, who are quick to write an article, downplaying the technology provided in the RLX without ever putting it (the car) thru it's paces, to provide an objective, informative, detailed and accurate testimate to the readers, shame on you! You do not do your readership justice.

The Acura RLX is designed at a safety standard to which all other manufactures should strive to achieve...

 

[George Knighton]

its interesting that he calls the RLX a spruced up accord because beside an accord there aren't very many resemblances from what I can tell

Nope, there isn't.

If you doubt that for a moment, crawl under your RLX and take a really good luck at the suspension.

That is a very, very complicated suspension...they'd never be able to afford that on an Accord.

Lots of aluminum parts, including the entire subframe.

Dual ball joints!!

Very complicated, front and rear. And insofar as I can tell they have no plans to use the suspension in any other vehicle. I'll never be able to figure out why they do what they do.

But...speaking of the suspension, that is probably my biggest gripe even though I fully recognize that it is very expensive and very good.

My problem is that although Acura gives us dual stage shock absorbers, we can't do anything other than accept the default that the car's giving us, and it's mechanical, not electronic or magnetic.

So if you deign to hit the road course in your RLX PAWS, you'll discover that it handles better than you think that it would, especially in single turn situations leading onto a straight. In a carousel situation, you might find that a quick switchback causes you concern. The car doesn't take long to decide that you mean business...just like ⅛ second...but that is within your human perception and it is enough to cause you not to be as fast as you might be.

On the street, however, it's sort of a different story.

You're dealing with the same spring rates that you always have, but whatever valving the shocks have just don't ever seen to work 100% effectively on the street. So at 15 mph on a stretch of road under repair, the car just feels a little jittery...not very sporting, and not very luxurious. It's just not always as composed as you'd expect, especially if, like me, you've come to the 3G RLX Advance PAWS car from a 4G TL 6-6 SH-AWD car.

I can deal with it, and I've obviously chosen *to* deal with it...but if I had to pick one single thing to complain about, that would be it.



Other than that one thing, the RLX, it seems to me, presents a much, much better value than the big name reviewers are giving Acura credit for, especially now that you can buy a 2014 RLX Advance for 52,000 instead of 61,000!

 

[cas534]

Just a few thoughts,
During my return trip on Friday, Dec 5th, I encountered very heavy rain and this lasted for about 45 miles coming north on I-81. The rain was so heavy that when my RLX hit a substantial depth of water, I had my VSA momentarily switch off and then return to normal. This happened at least 5 times and I noticed a red warning (not quite sure which warning indicator as I was very busy). Once I transited the heavy rain and was able to settle down I was thankful for the total control the RLX afforded me and my 3 other passengers to a safe arrival home. I was quite surprised at the CMBS and the LKAS & LDW that the systems could see where at times I could not.
The RLX also showed it's advanced technology when we were traveling I-40WB in TN, at 75/80 and we came upon a gaggle of other drivers, all of a sudden everything in front of me was solid "RED". After avoiding being involved in a massive multi-car collision, we went from 75/80 to 20mph in a millisecond and was able to move over to the right lane and as I passed the vehicle causing the near disaster I looked to my left and there was a 90+ year old gentleman with his wife, oblivious to his surroundings, in his 1975 chevy pickup with his hands locked on the steering wheel and in the high speed lane, and staring forward as if he had macledegeneration (sp) Whew... Point of all this is the P-AWS responded as it was designed to, providing the rear wheels to toe-in to assist in panic braking and scrub off speed, and quickly. "I never felt out of control".


I have come to a point in life where you learn to trust the technology advancements, even if you don't truly understand them.

For all the Nay-Sayers, who are quick to write an article, downplaying the technology provided in the RLX without ever putting it (the car) thru it's paces, to provide an objective, informative, detailed and accurate testimate to the readers, shame on you! You do not do your readership justice.

The Acura RLX is designed at a safety standard to which all other manufactures should strive to achieve...

We just got back from a 1,600 trip in our just purchased RLX Advanced. I can not agree with you more. This car saved us from imminent danger more than once and I will never buy another car with out these active control systems and the RLX is the best all around car that I have ever owned compared to my other BMW, Lexus, Mercedes and Jaguars that I have had.