2016 Acura RLX Gets More Standard Features In Hopes Of Drawing More Buyers

The whole Acura lineup has been getting some attention lately, and now it’s the turn of the RLX, as the 2016 Acura RLX gets numerous refinements.

Likely in an effort to minimize configurations and bump up sales, the 2016 RLX, Acura’s flagship sedan, goes from five trims to three. The base model is gone, and navigation is now standard on all trims, along with 19-inch wheels. The RLX with Krell Audio trim is also dropped, but it looks like the audio system is still included with the top-trim Advance Package.

Another big story of the 2016 RLX is the addition of a new safety package on most trims. Called AcuraWatch, it’s the brand’s name for the suite of safety tech such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, cross traffic monitor and even the new Road Departure Mitigation system that’s also debuting on the 2016 MDX and 2016 Honda Pilot. AcuraWatch is standard on mid-level Technology and top-level Advance cars. Advance trim also benefits from a new surround-view monitor system.

Acura says they’ve also made changes to the RLX’s suspension, decreasing stiffness of the rear stabilizer bar and front and rear spring rates. All of these modifications may improve the RLX’s value equation a bit, but with just 3,413 sold in 2014 and a lowly 172 in January, RLX sales could use all the help they can get.

Because there’s no base model for 2016, the starting price for the new RLX goes up $2,500 to $50,950. The Technology model (AcuraWatch standard and ELS audio, among other toys) goes for $54,450 and the Advance for $60,450. All of these prices are unchanged from 2015, however, despite the additional features.

Oh, and thanks to the addition of a new color, you can now have a 2016 Acura RLX with AcuraWatch in Acura Silver Metallic. All of that Acura is on sale now.