A Performance Luxury Sports Sedan That Offers Exceptional Value

Acura, Honda’s luxury division, is renowned for crafting exceptional vehicles that combine performance and opulence within a distinctively crafted package. While the Acura lineup boasts iconic models like the Acura Legend, Integra, and NSX, it’s essential not to overlook the equally impressive SUVs and sedans that the Japanese automaker offers, including the Acura TLX.

Having been in production since 2014, the TLX has entered its second generation, marked by substantial enhancements in design, safety features, and overall performance compared to its predecessor. Offered in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations, the Acura TLX is one of the few sports sedans that offers exceptional value for money at a starting price of just over $40,000.

Furthermore, consumers have the choice of two available engines, including an inline-four turbocharged and a twin-scroll V-6 turbocharged engine, allowing them to tailor their driving experience to their preferences.

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Acura TLX Powertrain And Performance

The Acura TLX comes in six distinct packages TLX, Technology, A-Spec, Advance, Type S, and Type S Performance, all offer something unique to the driving experience of the sedan.

The first two packages namely: TLX and Technology come standard with Acura’s 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine producing a respectable 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, these packages do not come with all-wheel drive. A step-up to the A-Spec makes Acura Super Handling AWD available as an option while the Advance package gets AWD as standard.

The V-6 turbocharged engine is exclusively available in the Type S and Type S Performance trims, delivering an exhilarating driving experience. With an impressive output of 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, the TLX Type S trim packs a formidable punch beneath its hood, as demonstrated by its remarkable 3:06 lap time at Virginia International Raceway.

Powered by a 3.0-liter 24-valve aluminum engine, it supplies ample power to the SH-AWD system and, thanks to a uniquely tuned chassis, enables corner entry rotation.

Acura TLX Type S Performance Specifications

A 10-speed automatic transmission comes standard on all trims. The performance Type S, as well as Type S performance, is equipped with rev-matching for downshifts, an integrated driver mode selector, and four-piston Brembo brakes for improved braking power over other trims. Exclusive to the performance trims are 20-inch wheels wrapped in 255/35 Pirelli tires.

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Sporty Design Inside Out

The Acura TLX Type S stands out from the rest of the pack in the midsize sport sedan segments with its sharp angular styling that takes clear inspiration from the Acura NSX sports car.

The front features an elegant and athletic fascia thanks to the sharp LED headlights and a diamond pentagon grille design with large side air intakes feeding the massive V-6 engine up front. At the bottom of the front is a sharp front splitter for added downforce that also ties in neatly with the front grille for a distinctive look.

The side profile of the TLX is relatively simple with no major contour lines running through it. The rear of the sedan is equally impressive, with LED taillights that complement the front end’s design language. Major design aspects at the rear are a trunk deckled spoiler, rear diffuser, and large quad exhaust outlets. Riding on 20-inch wheels, the Acura TLX Type S has a wide and aggressive stance, which gives it a commanding presence on the road and contributes to its handling prowess.

Inside the cabin, the TLX continues to impress with its attention to detail and premium materials. The performance trim features sports seats with 16-way adjustment covered in perforated Milano premium leather and ultra-suede material with contrasting stitching. The interior features a 10.2-inch center display controlled via a console-mounted touchpad. The Acura TLX is a great sedan that offers many other options including :

• Additional chassis bracing exclusive to TLX Type S for increased torsional rigidity making the TLX Type S the stiffest Acura sedan chassis ever.
• Adaptive Damper System with three different Type S-specific damping profiles.
• Five-mode Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) with Type S-exclusive Sport+ mode.
• 17-speaker, 710-watt ELS STUDIO 3D premium audio system.
• Advanced safety includes standard next-generation passenger front airbags.
• Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) and Traffic Jam Assist (TJA).
• Blind Spot Information (BSI) with Rear Cross Traffic Monitor (TLX with Technology Package).

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How The TLX Compares To The BMW M340i xDrive

The Acura TLX Type S is tailor-made to compete with the likes of the BMW M330i/340i, Audi A4, and Cadillac CT4-V. Compared to a compatibly optioned BMW M340i xDrive the Acura TLX proves to offer strong value. For starters, the BMW M340i xDrive starts at $59,600 to the TLX Type S Performance price of just under $57,000. The TLX makes a strong argument for its case against the German rival as buyers get a bigger overall vehicle, with comparable luxury features at a better price.

Where the Acura falls short is in the engine performance where the M340i xDrive takes the cake with an output of 382 horsepower and 368 pound feet of torque from an inline-six engine. The M340i engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission whereas the Acura TLX runs a 10-speed gearbox.

BMW also gets the better of the Acura in fuel efficiency with the BMW M340i achieving a fuel economy of 22 mpg in the city and a combined city highway of 25 mpg significantly better than the TLX 19 city and 21 combined rating. It’s important to note that these two vehicles are not track monsters instead glorified pavement carvers with impressive performance at decent prices, with this perspective in mind the Acura TLX comes out as the better value.

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Summing Up The Acura TLX

The Acura TLX Type S is an attractively designed sports sedan that can provide a sporty drive and exceptional handling from its all-wheel-drive system, a fine-tuned suspension setup, and Honda-backed reliability. Its German counterparts are priced higher than the TLX Type S and are arguably less interesting in terms of design language.

In summary, the Acura TLX sedan’s styling is a blend of sophistication and sportiness curtsy of its powerful 3.0-liter V-6 turbo engine, making it a standout choice in the luxury sedan segment for those seeking a visually appealing and performance-oriented vehicle at an exceptional price point.