The 2016 Acura TLX successfully blends style, performance and innovative technology in a five-passenger luxury sport sedan.
While the Acura TLX and Honda Accord are both built off the same chassis, the Acura?s refined fascia, unique body lines and upmarket interior distinguishes the TLX from its Honda cousin. Most notably, an all-wheel-drive option, a feature not offered on the Accord, not only distances the TLX from the Honda, but makes the Acura worthy of consideration for the New Englander in the market for a luxury sedan.
My top-shelf tester priced at $44,800 had a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that produced 290 horsepower. The TLX?s engine was mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission with an electronic gear selector that replaces the traditional gear lever. The low-profile shifter with a push-button array took some getting used to, but the increase in center-console space was appreciated.
The TLX allows drivers to customize their driving experience with four selectable driving modes. A normal default mode and a fuel-sipping economy mode left the sport sedan with a dull driving personality. However, toggling to the sport or sport plus positions unleashed the Acura?s full performance potential. The adjustments tightened up the power steering and ramped up throttle response, which combined with steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters made for an exhilarating driving experience.
The all-wheel-drive Acura, which required premium fuel, recorded 21 miles per gallon in the city in fuel economy and 31 mpg on the highway.
A road-departure mitigation system highlighted the Acura?s safety technology package. The feature uses an onboard camera to recognize painted lines and markers on the road to determine lane boundaries. When the vehicle strays from a detected lane, the system warns the driver and applies corrective steering and braking to help the driver maintain their position in the lane.
Other safety features included on my tester were blind-spot, lane-departure, and forward-collision warnings, as well as an expanded-view driver?s-side mirror, lane-keeping assist and a rear cross-traffic monitor.
The TLX?s cabin had plenty of space. Wood grain and alloy accents played well against the light gray and black interior. Heated and ventilated leather-trimmed seats, which were perforated, further enhanced the Acura?s deluxe vibe.
Connecting my iPhone to the Acura?s infotainment system took less than a minute. The link provided access to the functions of my phone through the sedan?s 7-inch display on the center console. Over a dozen steering-wheel-mounted buttons and dials provided access to the Acura?s infotainment system and advanced cruise control functions.
The 2016 Acura TLX is an athletic sedan with a healthy heaping of premium luxury refinement. An all-wheel-drive option makes the Acura a solid choice for the New England driver not willing to compromise or draw too much attention.
Text Source: Boston Herald
