Seeking to move upmarket and streamline its lineup, Acura combined two established models, the TL and TLX, into one vehicle that is supposed to represent the best of both worlds.
Designed using the theme Red Carpet Athlete, the new TLX intends to deliver a blend of sports-sedan performance with premium refinement.
The TLX introduces two new engines, two new transmissions and comes standard with high-tech features like LED headlights. As a result, the TLX competes with premium stalwarts such as the Audi A4, Lexus IS and Infiniti Q50.The 2015 TLX is all-new, though there is obviously some sharing of internal components with both its predecessors as well as with other Acuras. Sharing the same wheelbase as the larger TL, the TLX is closer in length to the more compact TSX. The TLX is available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
Design
The all-new TLX retains the 2,775 millimetre wheelbase as the outgoing TL. Length, however, is 94 mm shorter at 4,832 mm overall. Yet, the TLX is able to offer the same interior volume and, to my eye, the car doesn't look shorter.
The styling of the TLX is modern and distinctive, but it's not overbearing. The most distinguishing feature is its chrome grille flanked by the headlights.Short front and rear overhangs hint at the TLX's sporting potential. The profile lines give the cabin a teardrop appearance and reinforce both its athletic pretensions and its refinement.Inside, the TLX is luxurious but not over-the-top. It is one of the most comfortable in this segment and is filled with the latest high-tech features.
The TLX is available in three models: a four-cylinder with FWD, six-cylinder with FWD, and a six with AWD. Two packages, Tech and Elite, are available to choose from.
Performance
The base engine is a 2.4-litre four-cylinder producing 206 horsepower and 182 foot-pounds of torque, thanks to direct injection.
This engine is mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. This is the industry's first such gearbox with a torque converter and provides good performance and fuel economy while making smooth, quick shifts.
Four-cylinder models feel light and nimble. The four-wheel steering system, P-AWS, is standard on all front-wheel drive models and gives the TLX a spirited nature.
Moving up to the six-cylinder models brings a quieter, more refined feel all around. The 3.5-litre direct-injected V-6 produces 290 h.p. and 267 foot-pounds of torque.
All V-6 models come matched to a nine-speed transmission with paddle shifters mounted to the steering wheel.
Top-of-the-line TLX models are equipped with Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive. This offers the safety of added traction in bad weather and improved performance with sharper turn-in at the limit.
The new V-6 uses Variable Cylinder Management, which is capable of deactivating three cylinders. This, partnered with the start-stop function on the TLX SH-AWD, further improves its fuel economy.
Acura's Integrated Dynamics System is standard on all TLX models. This feature allows drivers to customize their driving experience with four selectable modes: ECON, Normal, Sport and Sport+. Depending on the setting, steering effort, throttle response, shift timing, HVAC, and logic for the P-AWS or SH-AWD systems can all be altered. Sport is aggressive, yet still usable for everyday driving. The TLX is the first Acura with a Sport+ setting.
TLX models with the 3.5-litre V-6 utilize Acura's advanced new Electric Gear Selector, which has a push-button array instead of a traditional lever. Incorporated in this setup is an electronic parking brake with Automatic Brake Hold. This retains brake pressure when the vehicle is stopped, making driving in heavy traffic or on steep hills easier. Although the new gear selector is futuristic looking in design, I found it to be a bit awkward even after getting used it.The steering feel - in all models - has a good communicative feedback but the steering is a tad light and artificial in feel.
Environment
The cabin of the TLX is modern and functional. Soft-touch materials as well
as wood and aluminium accents also give it an upscale feel. Seating is comfortable in both the front and rear.
The dash has a symmetrical layout and is dominated by a pair of stacked screens. The eight-inch info screen is positioned high for quick visibility, and the seven-inch touchscreen controls most features and is located lower for easy reach. There are separate switches for climate control and a large knob controls the sound system and optional navigation.
The TLX offers many advanced tech features including AcuraLink, Acura's cloud-based connected car system. All models are equipped with Siri Eyes Free technology that pairs compatible iPhones to use familiar voice commands. The only challenge is that the dash is quite busy with many features and buttons, and therefore it's not easy to figure out at first glance how to manage all of the items.
The TLX's cargo carrying ability was improved through a new trunk design with a wider, deeper opening, a lower lift-over height, a fully flat cargo floor, and two optional under floor storage compartments. The rear seat backs fold 60/40 to accommodate long items.
Features
Ranging in price from $34,990 to $47,490, the TLX is available with several trim packages.
Standard equipment includes heated seats, dual zone automatic climate control, keyless entry with push-button start, a moonroof, and a multi-angle rearview camera with dynamic guidelines.
Additional features, available as options or on higher trims, include a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, remote start, navigation system with voice recognition, lane keeping assist system, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, collision mitigation braking system and adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow.
Fuel efficiency numbers (litres/100 kilometres) for the 2.4-litre I4 are 9.6 city and 6.6 highway. The 3.5-litre V-6 FWD returns 11.2 city and 6.9 highway, and the SH-AWD sees 11.2 city and 7.5 highway.
Thumbs up
The technologically advanced TLX offers good performance and fuel economy. The dual-clutch eight-speed automatic, P-AWS and SH-AWD are standout features.
Thumbs down
The TLX's best features are below the surface, but that surface isn't the most exciting. The overall steering feel is also numb and not communicative.
The bottom line
The 2015 Acura TLX defines smart luxury and provides strong value quotient.
Competitors
Audi A4: The A4 continues to be a leader in this competitive market. It's beautifully refined interior makes efficient use of space making it feel larger than it is. Audi's attention to detail and efficiency make the A4 an attractive choice.The base A4 starts at $37,800, the adventurous A4 allroad at $46,600, and the sporty S4 at $54,199.
Lexus IS: The new IS is one of the most visually appealing in this segment and adds a refined, sporty ride to the Lexus reputation of long-term reliability and value. If you want something luxurious and refined, yet a capable performer, the 2014 Lexus IS certainly deserves to be on your shortlist.
Starting prices for the 2014 IS range from $37,500 to $49,950.
Infiniti Q50: Underneath the Q50's striking appearance is sporty performance and a luxurious interior. Some may enjoy its high tech cabin, but others may find the touchscreen controls overly complex.The Infiniti Q50 starts at $37,500, while the hybrid model is priced at $64,200.
editor@automotivepress.com
