TSX69

TSX69

2015 Acura TLX is All Too Familiar
Despite Its New Tricks

I'm confident in saying that the 2015 Acura TLX, revealed today at the New York Auto Show, will be a perfectly nice car to drive. It'll be nice to sit in, with plenty of luxurious amenities. It'll be... fine. And for Acura, "fine" is apparently good enough.

I say that because while the TLX is an all-new offering (it replaces both the TL and TSX), it hardly shakes up the Acura formula we've come to accept over the past few years. It looks like everything else in the automaker's lineup, complete with the neat LED headlamps and signature beaked grille. Power comes from either a 2.4-liter naturally aspirated inline-4 with 206 horsepower, or a 3.5-liter V6 with 290 hp – engines we've tested in countless other Honda/Acura products. The front-wheel-drive version uses the Precision All-Wheel Steer (P-AWS) from the RLX, and high-end V6 models use the Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) that we've enjoyed across the rest of the Acura range. Really, there's nothing to write home about here, except maybe, how that power is sent to the wheels.

Acura is finally – finally – moving beyond the world of the 6-speed transmission, offering a new 8-speed, dual-clutch gearbox with the 2.4-liter engine, and a swanky new 9-speed automatic with the 3.5-liter V6. This is arguably the biggest news surrounding the TLX, though do note, fuel economy hasn't vastly been improved in the process. The TLX 2.4 musters up 24 miles per gallon in the city and 35 mpg highway, while the front-drive V6 is rated at 21/34 mpg. Optioning for the V6 SH-AWD reduces things to 21/31 mpg.

Inside, it's more of the same – the company's dual-screen center console and infotainment system is used here, and it all looks like the same setup as in RLX, MDX, etc. That's not a bad thing – I like Acura's interiors – but again, there are seemingly few big advancements.

So yeah, the new TLX is fine. For driving, sitting in and other daily needs, "fine" is the order of the day. But if you were hoping for a fresh-faced, bold new offering from Acura here, 'fraid you're plum out of luck. Read more in the press release below, and check out a pair of videos.

TSX69

jurena

Man those wheels on the silver tlx look very nice I'm guessing that's the shawd model. Wheels reminds me of the accord sport wheels.

TSX69

2015 Acura TLX:
Don't Let the Power-To-Weight Ratio Fool You

The base engine for the 2015 Acura TLX has all of 206 horsepower. Save for the Lexus IS250 and its 204 horses, the Acura is pretty much at the bottom of all the compact luxury sedans.

"Don't let the power-to-weight ratio of this car fool you," Acura's chief engineer Mat Hargett begged of the people who'd be writing about the paltry power rating for the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder that's standard in front-wheel drive TLXs.

Since it's mated to a new and interesting 8-speed dual-clutch transmission with a torque converter, Acura says it's 1.5 seconds faster to 60 than the old TSX with its 5-speed auto – expect it in the mid-7s. With fuel economy of 24/35 and less weight over the front wheels, there are obviously some benefits to this powertrain.

If you want a TLX with more, um... vigor, there's a 3.5-liter V6 with 290 horsepower available with front or Acura's SH-AWD. If you don't pony up for SH-AWD, you get P-AWS (precision all-wheel steer) so that fits in with Acura's tough/active/dynamic image for the TLX. Or whatever.123

Of all of Honda's upscale premium sedans, the 2015 Acura TLX looks the best. Unlike the too-stubby ILX and too-long RLX, the TLX fits Acura's design language well. It also manages to look like more than a fancy Honda. That said, it's not memorable.

You look at the back and it smacks of Lexus sedans from the middle of last decade. The headlamps aren't as numerous as the ones on the RLX, so that's an improvement.

Inside, it's nice enough. The space inside is comparable to the TSX and TL sedans, but it's not generous. Its put together well-enough, but the buttons are no better than what you find in a Honda Accord. Some versions get a push-button gear selector and plastic paddle shifters, but there's nothing fancy there like the knob on Jaguars and the Chrysler 200.

Based on 1st impressions, the TLX is a sensible car. And yet it's hard to want it. That said, I'd really like to drive the 2.4 with DCT and P-AWS. That sums up the TLX. Everything interesting about it is hidden by a lot of uninteresting stuff.

dio

Man the production model looks so much nicer, not sure what to say here. I guess I'll have to wait till I see it at my local dealer before I form an opinion, same what happen to me when I saw the ILX much nicer in person.

RCJD

Cmon, the critic are correct. Its a smaller version of RLX but with a better tranny.

jiggaman

yeah those are the only wheels i like so far.

internalaudit

Besides also being more nimble, what else did you expect?

TSX69

2015 Acura TLX

Much has been made of Acura’s meandering quest for a strong identity. The new TLX rolls onto the scene as the instrument for bringing the company’s amorphous image into sharper focus. The star of Acura’s New York show, the TLX replaces both the TSX and the TL, preserving the TL’s wheelbase but with an all-new body shell that the company says is both stiffer and lighter.

High-strength steel accounts for almost 60% of the new unitized body, according to Acura. While the New York presentation furnished no specifics regarding rigidity improvements, it did include dramatic assertions about weight reduction—up to 230 pounds have been shed compared to the TL, depending on equipment.

Fortified with new 4-cylinder and V-6 engines, 2 automatic transmissions, updated editions of Acura’s Super Handling All-wheel Drive (SH-AWD) and Precision All-Wheel Steering (P-AWS), the TLX is poised to deliver what Acura vice president and division general manager Mike Accavitti characterizes as “a thrill like no other.”

Utilizing Honda’s VTEC and iVTEC variable-cam systems, both engines are nourished by direct fuel injection, the 2.4-liter 4 rated for 206 horsepower, the 3.5-liter V-6 generating 290. The 4 is mated to a new dual clutch 8-speed automatic that’s uniquely teamed with a torque converter, while the V-6 is allied with a new 9-speed automatic, developed by Honda. As with the 9-speed ZF-built automatic used in some Chryslers and Jaguars, the TLX has an electronic gear selector, but the Acura uses pushbuttons for gear selection. There is no traditional shift lever.

In addition to improved performance for the TLX compared to the previous TL and TSX models, Acura anticipates improved EPA fuel economy ratings: 24 mpg city/35 highway for the four, 21/34 with the V-6, and 21/32 for the V-6 and SH-AWD.

Eyes Only

Whether or not the TLX delivers the dynamic thrills Accavitti anticipates is something for a future report. In the meantime, its visual impact is likely to be a little less sensational. The lines are clean, the front fascia is consistent with current Acura (beaky!) design language, and its reduced overall length (at 191.2 inches, it’s 3.8 inches shorter than the TL) makes for a tidier appearance thanks to less car protruding beyond the front and rear axles.

LED headlights brighten the front-end appearance, and there are also LED turn-signal repeaters in the mirrors, taillights, and even the license plate surround. Beyond that, though, the TLX is a tidy and conservative styling job that is unlikely to provoke any product-liability suits related to scorched retinas.

Inside, the 1-piece upper dashboard surface is soft touch, while the instrument panel, center stack, and door panels are embellished with aluminum and/or genuine wood trim. Milano leather upholstery and trim is available, and there is the usual extensive menu of connectivity and infotainment options, including the latest generation of the cloud-based AcuraLink system, Acura nav system with real-time traffic info, a 455-watt 10-speaker ELS audio option, and Siri Eyes Free, a must-have feature for owners with iPhones.

Safety technology also gets top billing in the new TLX. Most notable under this heading is the Road Departure Mitigation system, which monitors the car’s road position via a forward-looking monocular camera and can initiate steering correction and braking when the system’s brain perceives an imminent brush with roadside scenery. The camera and adaptive-cruise-control radar also play a role in the new Collision Mitigation Braking system, which initiates warnings and can apply the brakes when an impact with another car or pedestrian appears imminent. Other standard and available safety features include blind-spot warning, lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, an expanded-view driver’s side mirror, lane-keeping assist, a rear-view camera, and a rear cross-traffic monitor.

Acura representatives were not prepared to discuss pricing at the New York reveal, but did say that the TLX will reach showrooms in late summer.

SmokeTL

There is a reoccurring theme with these reports....and I agree. I sat in the gray one at the show....and I was underwhelmed. I had every intention on being positive......I just couldn't find anything to wow me visually in the interior. I am going to test drive it given the chance.
P.S. The light gray interior is not the best color to show off its lines.

Nexx

looks solid for a production vehicle. gonna be awesome for enthusiast who will replace the wheels and lower the car a bit. im anxiously awaiting to see what the sport bumper kit will look like.

ACCURATEin

The debut car should have been white.

jbawden

From Autoblog - It'll be... fine. And for Acura, "fine" is apparently good enough.

If this was April 2009 the TLX would be a homerun, but in 2014 it's just not that compelling. I think we can all agree it will be a safe, reliable, good all around car, but clearly will be overlooked by many shoppers looking for something more exciting and engaging, including this life-long Honda/Acura enthusiast.

boe_d

Are the first buyers usually car rental centers?

rockyfeller

iTrader: (6)

^^My sentiments exactly.

GhostTL09

iTrader: (1)

I have to see it in person but my initial thought is "wow that looks like the buick lacrosse", but jabawden you are correct. If this followed 3rd Gen and smooth out some of the lines of 3rd Gen it would have been a homerun. Now we'll have to wait until 2017 or 2018 for minor body refinements and amenity changes.

I hate all the wheels. Looks just kinda....blah. But truth be told I will probably buy a 2015 in 2019 V6 SHAWD for 20k. Hopefully in a Black on Black Combo with 09-11 TL's Sport Wheels put on them after I buy it.

docboy

I noticed this too. So far early reviews are neither positive or negative, kind of ho-hum. This is not a good start unfortunately for the TLX... The TLX needs to have the WOW factor and excitement (which it does not). It's almost as if one has to think about the TLX (again, much like the 4G TL) to consider it.

I'll wait until the TLX V6 SH-AWD comes out to take a test drive before I give final judgement. Unless the power absolutely wows me and the transmission is super fast/responsive with great steering feel, I may be headed over to Audi or Porsche.

x95zsk

looks like from some pictures, the high strenght steel are only in the in the Front, A, B pillars. nothing in the rear or C pillars? so if you get hit from behind, offset, good luck!

and also missing are the headlamp washers

jiggaman

I think what really hurts Acura also is not having that M, S or AMG versions like BMW, Audi or MB.

they just don't offer anything that screams that is badass!!!

BEAR-AvHistory

Looks like a solid double instead of a home run. Basically a nice car that will not offend.

hadokenuh

I share the same thoughts. The TLX should have been the 4G TL. The exterior styling is a logical evolution from the 3G, without the jewel head lights and other goodies of course. Then, the 4G TL should be the second gen TLX with the jewel headlights, slightly toned down front and rear styling while still keeping some of the TLX styling cues.

Like other have said, I think the 4G TL was (still is) ahead of its time.

erdoc48

I actually like it. Will I get rid of my 3G at this point for one? No, not yet. I do like its lines and the interior (from what I can see in the pics).

acurarsx04

It looks "alright" but now if the V6 can get to 60 under six seconds with all wheel drive. I'm sold. I like a car to have that wow factor in its looks but if its fast then it can look "alright".

slogsr

iTrader: (2)

Very disappointed. It is watered down from the concept, that's to be expected, but I mean they could have kept the brembos they had on the concept. Its also a HUGE miss to kill the manual transmission. I wanted one badly, now that there is no manual trans, I want nothing to do with it. Acura needs to get back to its old ways of making a drivers car, not this pansy crap. The car looks good don't get me wrong, but the fact that there is no manual trans is the equivalent to seeing a really hot girl and getting excited only to find out she has a dick.....

Who knows maybe there will be one down the road, but I haven't heard anything about a 6mt. Anyone else shed some light on that?

Goosew

iTrader: (1)

LOL.

No, this is not over the top at all!


BTW, you now owe me for the coke I spit out all over my computer screen.

docboy

Sounds about right.

I guess Acura got scared off by the 4G which was too aggressive and polarizing.

It'll be interesting to see the sales numbers of the TLX.

The MDX and RDX are nice all around SUVs, esp the MDX, and it's putting up record sales. The 2G RDX is anything but exciting, though it's practical and roomy, and much more refined than the 1G RDX.

The RLX is a decent car, though sales are sluggish. The ILX is IMHO too small, cramped, slow, cheap interior, and not a good value; I rather buy a Civic and save some $$.

So hopefully the TLX will fill in the gap and generate sales. 44k units/year is ~3700 per month, a reasonable goal. If said goals are not reached, Acura's sedan division is going to be a big problem and we're going to see some hiring/firing up top.

Goosew

iTrader: (1)

I don't think it was Acura that was scared by the 4G,

I think that a lot of their consumer fan base was scared off (which shows in the poor sales figures).

As far as I'm concerned, they did the right thing. They went back to the drawing board and found out what worked well, and went from there.


Was kinda like what Microsoft did with Windows 8. Originally it only came out with the Metro Tile desktop. There was such outrage, that they brought back the traditional desktop, and now in update 8.1 they're bringing back the traditional start menu (with option to boot right into the Traditional desktop instead of the Metro desktop).

docboy

I still think it's a big mistake Acura did not include the front bumper underneath headlight LEDs. Remember when Audi came out with their version of their signature LEDs? It generated excitement and soon nearly every automaker followed Audi's lead.

Acura could have had that chance by keeping the front bumper LEDs from the prototype. Instead of being leader, they play it "safe." Now Audi is taking the lead again by introducing laser headlights. Take notes Acura.

Goosew

iTrader: (1)

see in bold.
................ for what it's worth? May still be there?? (I know, I'm grasping).

Tonyware

So where are the reviews?

(sorry, these aren't reviews... the car isn't moving or when its moving its moving by Acura hands.)

Anxiously awaiting for the real reviews...

docboy

Good eye. I hope it's true. Why leave all the design initiative to the Germans?

Goosew

iTrader: (1)

Because that's where we leave all the performance initiatives....................................... (ok, that was KINDA tongue in cheek).

jbawden

It's been 6 hours since the production car was unveiled to the North American public! I think what you want is driving impressions, but these are reviews in so far as the car be reviewed at this point. I don't think there will be ANY surprises in terms of driving dynamics, it's going to be like all other late model Acura sedans; fulfilling and capable with a bit of conservative restraint thrown in. Acura is one brand I could probably buy without test driving, it's very consistent and predictable (and I mean that in a good way).

jurena

If you look closely on the silver tlx that is the led fogs lights, same led fogs you see on the new mdx.

Rocket_man

Wait a minute... I thought you were craving a stick to grab onto and play with? I think Acura is expecting that, as skilled as you may be with a stick, a DCT or the 9HP will be able to shift faster. MTs just don't sell in numbers high enough to justify the costs of another configuration. I hear even BMW is doing away with the MT.

At the right price this car could sell a ton. If they price it too high it will stall like the RLX. From some of these reviews, the car is not compelling in person, which means it will be hard to sell this car at a premium over the TSX (I4) or TL (V6) pricing. If this car were priced very close to the equivalent TL trim I think it will sell well. Somehow I think they will price it too high. In that case I'll just wait for the market to bring the price down.

I assume you don't have 8.1... you'll be disappointed. But they are rushing Win 9 out as fast as they can. That will be more like Win 7.

I think they mean the round fog lights have LED bulbs. The LED accent strip on the prototype was just decoration. More like DLRs, not directional fog lights. They did look nice, and maybe someone will make an after marker version, but they do not appear to be available on the TLX.

Acura_Girl_Forever

I love the color in these photos! I hope it makes it to productions because if it does I want this color.

boe_d

Almost there - they just need to ditch the beak. It is like you say MS put the start menu button back (Acura shaving a cm off the beak) but still it only went to the metro menu. MS is finally really putting a start menu back (but it will still have mini metro tiles) now Acura just needs to ditch the 20lb beak and put a slim bar or just put the logo in the center.

weather

^^ I thought you loved the beak/grill?

oldsnwbrdr

Based upon what I've read it seems to me that Acura is trying to create a less expensive BMW 5-series. Something fun to drive but very quiet and luxurious. The press and BMW fans may argue that the car has shifted too much toward the luxury side of the equation.

Note that I rented a 528i recently and LOVED it. I would be very happy if the TLX drove like that car, and my guess is that it will.

Incidentally, I'm disappointed Acura didn't give a firmer release date other than "later this year." Other threads seemed to suggest that the car would be available for sale in May/June!