It's no secret that Acura is having a hard time positioning itself between parent company Honda and pure luxury carmakers, but the Japanese brand is once again trying to gain a foothold in the executive sedan category with the new 2014 RLX that was unwrapped today in Los Angeles.
Acura had previewed the new RLX with a thinly disguised concept model at this year's New York Auto Show. Not much has changed since then, with the production version of the RL's replacement simply gaining different trims for the bumpers and smaller wheels than the concept study.
For the first time, we see the interior of the RLX. Despite the use of the usual upscale leather materials and wood trims, the overall design brings to mind that of the latest Accord, which isn't something you want to see in a model of this category and price.
Among other interior comfort and convenience features that can be found in the new RLX are dual screens (just like the Accord…) including an 8-inch Navigation screen and a 7-inch On-Demand Multi-Use Display touch screen, plus push-button start, power tilt and telescoping steering, power sunroof, tri-zone automatic climate control, and Bluetooth HandsFreeLink.
At 196.1 inches long, the RLX is similar in length to the outgoing RL, but it rides on a two-inch longer wheelbase and is nearly two inches wider. According to Acura, the RLX offers "three inches more rear legroom than competing models, including the BMW 535i, Lexus GS350 and Audi A6".
Under the sheetmetal, the RLX is the brand's first model to utilize the Precision All-Wheel Steer (P-AWS) that works together with the Vehicle Stability Assist that incorporates the Traction Control and Agile Handling Assist dynamic braking systems to provide what Acura describes in its press bit as "enhanced vehicle stability, maneuverability, and control".
When the RLX goes on sale in United States next Spring, it will be offered with Acura's all-new direct-injected 3.5-liter V6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management, rated at 310 horsepower and 272 lb.-ft. of torque.
While other automakers have moved on to 7, 8 and in the near future, 9-speed automatic transmissions, Acura chose to re-engineer its previous Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission.
Later in 2013, Acura will enhance the RLX's range with a more intriguing hybrid model featuring the firm's new Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (Sport Hybrid SH-AWD) technology, which links the 3.5-liter direct-injected V6 to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission and three electric motors for a combined output of 370hp. Acura said it expects this model to return fuel economy ratings of 30 city/30 highway/30 combined.
25 Comments:
What epic failure, its just a fancier Accord. Acura is just a joke.
Who is going to pay 50K for this thing?
M
It looks like........ A Honda!..... *snor* agree with you 100%.
Too many screens... (and buttons)
Not as bad as I was expecting, tbh, if still much too bland. Really like the interior, hope that look makes its way onto every Acura vehicle.
For advice on how to really rejuvanate a boring midsize luxury sedan, please refer to the new Lexus GS, Honda.
My eyes hurt, the whole car is horrible, this is supposed to be their flagship? The front looks hideous with those lights.
Don't have to be a genius to see this is going to be a major flop.
What the new Accord interior should have been like
Sadly nothing about this car says luxury. From the exterior design to the interior fittings - I see average Honda and its so unfortunate because Acura dropped the ball when they cnxld the Legend years ago - their entire line up changed and nothings been the same. They were unstoppable with the Legend sedan & sexy coupe, Integra & NSX. Their cars were wonderful then - no more. Acura has been lost every since - then again Infiniti lost their way shortly thereafter. Acura needs to scrap their entire line except the upcoming NSX and start all over again with a blank sheet of paper - lock out anyone that dares to draw a bird beak - study luxury car design. The more I look at this terrible the more upsetting it is because Acura had a chance to really make a bold statement and offer Lexus a challenge - that won't happen for the foreseeable future given this roll-out which I predict not a soul will spend $50K on without bargain basement leases. Acura, seriously - the RLX and ILX - SUX!!
Outside is still pretty boring, but better than the previous version. The damned beak still kills the car, it must go. The interior is nice but one thing that bugs me is the dashboard in front of the passenger. It reminds me too much of my civic. Nice technology, but I still wouldn't consider this car if I were a luxury car buyer.
I don't know much about this car as they're not really popular in Europe, but those LED headlights are awesome.
And LEDs on headlight
It's rear looks like mash between GS and M... was expecting more
Acura seriously is this best you can do and you call this a flagship. Im dissapointed. They should kill of every single model in their line-up except the MDX and TL those sell I see a bunch of them everyday when I commute to work. Acura please don't dissapoint me on the next gen NSX.
370hp? Brutal power fot this car, nice...Now, the design (frontal) I dont know, it..uhmmmm
Wow, they really need better designers. I rather have a Infinite M56.
Even if this looked better I'd still take the Infiniti. Aggressive design and true luxury.
This car isn't really popular anywhere in the world.
The mid-nineties Acura Legend looked so much better than this...
It's not bad but it looks like an overpriced accord,oh and the interior is a nice copy of infiniti
c'mon the rear is a ripoff of the cruze
I think it looks just fine and will prove to be a great car to drive.
"Acura please don't dissapoint me on the next gen NSX." You in line to buy one or you just want to see one?
I just want to test drive the shit out of one lol
Nice Accord, but why would Honda hire George Clooney to do one backseat photo only?
Fuck thats awesome. Any day, any day.
the strangest LED headlamps i've ever seen...
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