2019 Acura RLX is here, should rivals be worried?
The RLX is one of Acura’s best-selling models. The Honda owned carmaker has given the RLX some mild updates for the year 2019. It is available in two trims, namely P-AWS and Sport Hybrid. A 3.6-liter V6 motor with 10 speed automatic transmission is standard, which sends power to the front wheels. It is priced between $54,900 and $61,900.
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What’s New?
- Cosmetic changes inside out
Likes
- Hybrid model is fast, as well as efficient
- Standard safety and convenience features
- Spacious interior
Dislikes
- Bland and dated interiors
- Infotainment system which is neither fluid nor intuitive
- Disconnected steering
Exterior
The RLX follows typical Acura design language. The sedan looks elegant and pleasing from the rear-quarter angle, and large tires give it a much planted stance. Overall design is very sharp, with lots of cuts and creases.
Interior
The all black interior theme lends a very sporty character to RLX, although the overall design is dull and dated. The seats are supportive, and good all-round visibility ensures driving this sedan is a breeze. What’s admirable though, is the seating space! There is acres of space inside the cabin, and that coupled with large glass area ensures passengers don’t have a reason to complain. Apart from the bland looking dashboard, the Acura RLX’s interior oozes a lot of sportiness and is a nice place to be in.
Performance
According the Acura RLX 2018 review the car is available in two trims and two engine options, including a mild hybrid motor. The 3.5-liter V6 engine produces 310 hp of power and 272 lb.-ft. of torque. It is paired with a 10-speed automatic gearbox which sends power to the front wheels. The Hybrid powertrain produces 377 hp of power and 341 lb.-ft. of torque, and is matched with a 7 speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
The Hybrid motor offers decent acceleration, but is let down by the disconnected steering. Straight line stability is good, but the car feels very subdued around corners. Suspension setup is on softer side, and the car offers very good ride quality when pottering around town. However, as you build up speed, the car feels a bit wallowy and doesn’t inspire much confidence. The gearbox offers lightning smooth shifts and is the only saving grace here. Braking performance is reassuring, and the car stops straight in its line without any nosedive. Fuel efficiency is rated at 28 mpg, which is excellent for this luxury sedan.
Safety
Although safety ratings aren’t yet available, IIHS has insisted that RLX is a fairly safe car. Standard safety features include a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warnings with automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning and a surround-view camera.
Verdict
Want a luxury sedan which offers decent performance, is practical and safe? Look no further, the 2018 Acura RLX offers decent performance, the soft suspension ensures a comfortable ride and is priced very attractively. Yes, the dated dashboard design might be an eyesore, but isn’t a deal-breaker by any means.
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