2018 Acura RLX – Test Drive, Review, Ratings, Specs
The Acura RLX is a Rock Solid Sports Sedan
And I mean it when I say rock solid. Its looks are seductive and it grips on the road tightly with its Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive (SH-AWD) whose technology is secretly shared by the NSX. We especially like the sumptuous V6 engine that flexes 377 horsepower, giving the overall driving experience a confident one. At a wheelbase of 112 inches, the dimensions on the RLX is long, and its loos are apparent from the side. But surprisingly, it drives like a properly tuned performance sedan without compromise.
Where Things Get Interesting
Our weekly tester comes in the form of a Sports Hybrid trim, and this is where ingenuity is put into play. The sophisticated powertrain employs a 310-hp 3.5-liter V-6 with not one, but three electric motors – one in aid with the engine directly, and two directly mounted on each of the rear wheels. This setup allows up to 70% of its power distributed to the rear wheels while independently applying bi-directional torque in real time to optimize road handling. The end result translates into high steering precision and confidence in its stability under harsh cornering.
Gear shifts are handled by a 7-speed dual clutch system where the odd and even gears are controlled independently. While the technology makes gear shifts happen in the millisecond time and with seamless power transition between gears, there is still some noticeable delay when the gears actually lock into play during our test drive. It’s still not as sharp and snappy as we had liked as compared to what the Lexus IS350 has to offer; still, the steering mounted paddle shifters proved that the duo transmission clutch system makes for an engaging driving experience.
The other variation is the P-AWS front-wheel drive powertrain system with the same 3.5L direct-injected V6 but mated to a 10 speed automatic transmission instead of 7. While the 10 speed automatic transmission offers a wider powerband, the 7 speed dual clutch transmission gets rid of a needed torque converter which reduces friction and improves fuel economy.
Sharp Looks Inside Out
The front bonnet shows off an aggressive look with an oversized diamond-shaped pentagon front grille and the jewel-eye headlamps with independent low and high beam LEDs. The body shape looks elongated, but that’s always been a trait of the Acura design statement. Interior appoints an overall black color scheme in our tester model but a lighter cream decor is also offered that helps brighten up the cabin space. The center console is kept simple with most of the tactile climate control buttons shifted into the 8″ center console screen. While this makes the center console look cleaner, it also adds clutter to the LCD touch screen and it just doesn’t offer the same level of responsiveness as conventional buttons. Front driving position is both comfortable and authoritative, and the steering wheel grip and diameter is well proportioned for aggressive driving maneuver. Rear passengers are going to love this car as the elongated wheelbase allows for plenty of rear legroom minus the heightened rear center seats due to making room for the drive shaft for the SH-AWD system.
All Said and Done
The RLX Sports Hybrid tech package comes priced in at $65,490 while the elite costs $69,990. It’s expensive to obviously say the least, but the worthy note is that you’re buying in on the new triple electric motor hybrid powertrain system that was only made available in the Acura NSX super car realm. With that said, the technology delivers in an astonishing way with unmatched handling capability with dual electric motors working in tandem synchronously. But what the most amazing feat achieved by the RLX was its ability to handle like a performance sedan in a long wheel-base saloon chassis. There was never a a car we test drove with so much room and comfort in the back seats while driving handling like a performance sports car until now.
Specifications
- Vehicle : 2018 Acura RLX
- Model : Acura RLX Elite
- Price as Tested $69,990
- Vehicle Type : Luxury Saloon Sedan
- Seating Capacity : 2+3
- Powertrain Configuration : SH-AWD
- Engine : 3.5L V6 DOHC i-VTEC Direct Injection
- Transmission : 7-speed automatic transmission
- Fuel Economy:21/34/25 mpg City/Highway/Combined
Pros
- Large Interior Space and decent interior styling
- Robust and aggressive road feel with the SH-AWD system
- Exotic and unique visual looks with the A-Spec styling
- Impeccable handling with triple electric motor hybrid system
- Large and comfortable rear seating area
Cons
- 9-speed transmission is a bit excessive.
- Need for AWD is questionable. FWD may be a more fun and responsive ride.
- Price justification for new hybrid technology may be questionable
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