When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
A 'Type S' with the SH drivetrain as-is (no need for turbos adding yet more complexity and heat) would be a nice alternative for the 2020/2021 window, but not really a replacement for the RLX-SH.
A true replacement will be what hondamore and George point out: an all-EV sedan, first sold in small numbers to prove the tech and platform, which then quickly trickles into the rest of the lineup.
However, if SUV sales continue strong, then they might introduce an all-EV MDX replacement, something competitive with the iPace.
In the meantime, people like me are quite happy contemplating a good deal on a 2019/2020 RLX-SH to tide us over for a few years until an all-EV solution appears. But I'm also very, very tempted by a Tesla Model 3 Performance (AWD). Only the fact that my '07 RL has low miles (112K) is rock-solid reliable, cheap to operate and maintain and I only drive it three or four times a week, and usually for less than 20 miles keeps me from buying, as I clearly do not have a 'need' for a more recent sled. Plus, that cash could go towards the NSX I really, really lust after
^^^^
I agree. At this point, I am a NSX-SH buyer. I am taking care of another financial priority for the next year, then I will be in. I am one of those weird ones in love with the new NSX.
I'm hopeful that Hondacura releases a luxury EV sedan and/or SUV to compete with Tesla. The build quality would be *for sure* better than what we are seeing out of Tesla nowadays, which seems to be worsening as they scale up their operations.
Seems like some of the details in that article I question. It says that they are increasing the ICE engine to 3.7L from 3.5L? It says that the HP is at 380 and the tq is at 367nm? And then it says it has a 5sp transmission? Really? Something is bunk here. When I dynoed my car years ago it put out 400 ft/lbs tq to the wheels at just off idle, and something like 470 ft/lbs tq at 2200 rpm all the way to around 5,000 rpm if my memory serves me. That is measured at the wheels, not the crank. And at the time they were advertising it had 377 hp and 377 ft/lbs tq, which we debated for a long time that it had to be wrong on the conservative side. So where is the 367nm tq translate? All I know is for a 4,400 lb sled plus the driver, it gets to 60mph in 4.8 seconds every time. Someone do the math to reverse engineer what the power output would have to be to generate that performance to verify the findings. That article does not seem accurate.
Seems like some of the details in that article I question. It says that they are increasing the ICE engine to 3.7L from 3.5L? It says that the HP is at 380 and the tq is at 367nm? And then it says it has a 5sp transmission? Really? Something is bunk here. When I dynoed my car years ago it put out 400 ft/lbs tq to the wheels at just off idle, and something like 470 ft/lbs tq at 2200 rpm all the way to around 5,000 rpm if my memory serves me. That is measured at the wheels, not the crank. And at the time they were advertising it had 377 hp and 377 ft/lbs tq, which we debated for a long time that it had to be wrong on the conservative side. So where is the 367nm tq translate? All I know is for a 4,400 lb sled plus the driver, it gets to 60mph in 4.8 seconds every time. Someone do the math to reverse engineer what the power output would have to be to generate that performance to verify the findings. That article does not seem accurate.
Read this article then, https://carsnew2018.com/new-honda-legend-2020/, the point was to say that the legend is already alive and well. Something is bunk? Are you saying that your stock vehicle dynoed more at the wheels than what the manufacturer claimed at the crank? 367nm tq translate into about 271 lb/ft.
Read this article then, https://carsnew2018.com/new-honda-legend-2020/, the point was to say that the legend is already alive and well. Something is bunk? Are you saying that your stock vehicle dynoed more at the wheels than what the manufacturer claimed at the crank? 367nm tq translate into about 271 lb/ft.
Absolutely. All of the RLX Sport Hybrid vehicles are able to perform better than the numbers present. This was litigated back in 2014 or 2015 when I went through the trouble to do it. The car gave me one run then all the lights on the dash lite up in protest, so I reported what I saw at the time. Anyone else can do the same. Yes the car is significantly under-rated for hp and tq. But the drive train is so complicated that I am sure most dynos would have a tough time accurately measuring the results.
Absolutely. All of the RLX Sport Hybrid vehicles are able to perform better than the numbers present. This was litigated back in 2014 or 2015 when I went through the trouble to do it. The car gave me one run then all the lights on the dash lite up in protest, so I reported what I saw at the time. Anyone else can do the same. Yes the car is significantly under-rated for hp and tq. But the drive train is so complicated that I am sure most dynos would have a tough time accurately measuring the results.
0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds
1/4 mile in 13.6 seconds at 106 mph
Top speed limited to 138 mph and when you hit it it feels like the brakes are hit hard. In other words it is accelerating very nicely right up to the limiter. It is stable as a rock on the way up and back down too. There is no way that the reduced numbers they advertise would produce those results with 4400lbs to push around not including the weight of the driver. It feels like a 400hp car easily.
0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds
1/4 mile in 13.6 seconds at 106 mph
Top speed limited to 138 mph and when you hit it it feels like the brakes are hit hard. In other words it is accelerating very nicely right up to the limiter. It is stable as a rock on the way up and back down too. There is no way that the reduced numbers they advertise would produce those results with 4400lbs to push around not including the weight of the driver. It feels like a 400hp car easily.
I want to be sure that I understand that you believe the car feels stable at 140 mph.
To me it seems a bit darty at those speeds, and if you have to brake hard for Turn One (usually a sharp turn after a long straight), the weight comes down so hard on the front tyres that you might have a hard time remaining stable for the ½ s before the turn.
Don’t get me wrong. I still like the car.
But for me its strength is startling midrange performance and being able to carry four adults while still getting 31-32 mpg.
Pour 1 out for the fullsize luxury sedan that wasn't able to fully rival the German trio.
The Q70’s inability to take on the S-Class, 7 Series, and A8 has taken its on toll on the flagship sedan as Infiniti has decided to retire the model at the end of the 2019MY. The increasing demand for SUVs can also be considered as one of the nails in the Q70’s coffin, with Nissan’s luxury brand managing to sell just 149 Q70s in September. During the first nine months of the year, only 2,196 bought a Q70 in the U.S., representing a massive drop of 36.8% compared to January - September 2018.
The Q70 will not return for the 2020MY, according to an announcement made by a company representative in an interview with Motor Authority. It follows a similar move taken for the 2019MY when Infiniti dropped the hybrid version. The model kicked off at $50,400 for the standard-wheelbase Q70 with the 330-hp V6 engine and climbed all the way up to $67,700 for the stretched version with the 416-hp V8, before options.
Will Infiniti come out with an all-new Q70 1 day? It’s hard to tell, but we do know they’re working on a new platform that will electrify all models programmed to be launched beginning with 2021 when a pure EV is also due. The existing RWD platform will be gradually retired for the new AWD-based architecture, with Infiniti’s product strategy vice-president Francois Bancon telling GoAuto last year the Q50, Q60, and Q70 are likely to lose the tail-happy arrangement. If you’re disappointed with this decision, it’s important to mention the new AWD system will have a rear-biased power distribution, so not all hope is lost.
The Q70 has 1 of the oldest bones in its segment taking into account the FM platform it uses has been around since the early 2000s, back when the large sedan was still known as the Infiniti M. The name change occurred in 2013 (for the 2014MY).
I am one of those weird ones in love with the new NSX.
Lol! There's nothing weird with being in love with the 2nd gen NSX (never driven one myself, but f'n in love with the design). It's all about whether you can afford one or not
Just for giggles when I was in my dealer the other day for a service on the MDX, I looked under the back end of a 2020 RLX Sport Hybrid, and noticed one exhaust outlet exiting through the traditional open slot through the bumper, and the larger sport only exhaust outlet aimed down under the bumper like the one on my 2014 model. Would it have killed them to have both outlets exit through the bumper? What was the reasoning for that stupidity? If someone makes the "green" argument I'm going to need another drink.
Just for giggles when I was in my dealer the other day for a service on the MDX, I looked under the back end of a 2020 RLX Sport Hybrid, and noticed one exhaust outlet exiting through the traditional open slot through the bumper, and the larger sport only exhaust outlet aimed down under the bumper like the one on my 2014 model. Would it have killed them to have both outlets exit through the bumper? What was the reasoning for that stupidity? If someone makes the "green" argument I'm going to need another drink.
I noticed that on my 2018 RLX as well and figured it was to keep the noise down when it is open since it is considered a luxury vehicle. My Z06 gets very loud with the exhaust flaps open.
It would be sad to see the RLX leave the luxury car line-up and takes the upgrades with it like Krell audio, 3.5L+hybrid tech for sedans or SUVs, and double row of jewel eye headlights, the center armrest that opens left or right, rear and side window sun shades, and leather dashboard interior. I wish most of those things were standard on my 19 MDX Adv Hybrid along with the HUD, thigh extender on seats, and low speed follow with the ACC.
Well then hopefully the Type S (in whatever form it takes) goes more upscale than the current TLX interior wise and adds a lot more hp and torque. Otherwise it's looking like an S6 for me when my RLX is due for replacement in about a year or so.
Never had an Audi and always just "got along better" with Honda/ Aura products than other makes (MB, etc.) so it may be a bit of a new experience but the SUVs do nothing for me nor do the ILX or TLX unfortunately.
Never had an Audi and always just "got along better" with Honda/ Aura products than other makes (MB, etc.) so it may be a bit of a new experience but the SUVs do nothing for me nor do the ILX or TLX unfortunately.
They are great driving cars, I am sure you would enjoy them. As you know, they can be quite expensive to maintain, so as long as you don't intend to buy and hold well past the warranty period, I think you will have a good experience. You will encounter Audi owners that try to debunk them myth by saying 'my car has been perfectly reliable', however, overall all statics tell a far different story.
Also, I don't believe an A6/S6 will be comparable match to the coming TLX regarding exterior or interior size, the A4/S4 should be a closer match. The RLX and the A6 line up better, so I understand your interest in the S6.
They are great driving cars, I am sure you would enjoy them. As you know, they can be quite expensive to maintain, so as long as you don't intend to buy and hold well past the warranty period, I think you will have a good experience. You will encounter Audi owners that try to debunk them myth by saying 'my car has been perfectly reliable', however, overall all statics tell a far different story.
Also, I don't believe an A6/S6 will be comparable match to the coming TLX regarding exterior or interior size, the A4/S4 should be a closer match. The RLX and the A6 line up better, so I understand your interest in the S6.
I completely agree with your comments re: to Audi reliability...…. I have had several of the Audi's over the past three decades from the 4000 quattro ( I found bullet proof by the way) sedan to a A8 quattro and the reliability in my experience degraded enough I gave up on them and went with MB for a few cycles and now have been quite pleased with overall reliability of my RLX, albeit becoming a bit behind in features and contemporary styling as compared with the BMW and MB fleets IMHO. Costs of parts for maintenance run 2x the Acura parts as well...… Can't argue with the fit and finish of the Audi's, but beware means watch out on maintaining them. demoaan
A 'Type S' with the SH drivetrain as-is (no need for turbos adding yet more complexity and heat) would be a nice alternative for the 2020/2021 window, but not really a replacement for the RLX-SH.
A true replacement will be what hondamore and George point out: an all-EV sedan, first sold in small numbers to prove the tech and platform, which then quickly trickles into the rest of the lineup.
However, if SUV sales continue strong, then they might introduce an all-EV MDX replacement, something competitive with the iPace.
In the meantime, people like me are quite happy contemplating a good deal on a 2019/2020 RLX-SH to tide us over for a few years until an all-EV solution appears. But I'm also very, very tempted by a Tesla Model 3 Performance (AWD). Only the fact that my '07 RL has low miles (112K) is rock-solid reliable, cheap to operate and maintain and I only drive it three or four times a week, and usually for less than 20 miles keeps me from buying, as I clearly do not have a 'need' for a more recent sled. Plus, that cash could go towards the NSX I really, really lust after
The 4th Gen TL SHAWD could/should have been badged as Type S
3.7 L engine vs the 3.5 on top of SHAWD
I completely agree with your comments re: to Audi reliability...…. I have had several of the Audi's over the past three decades from the 4000 quattro ( I found bullet proof by the way) sedan to a A8 quattro and the reliability in my experience degraded enough I gave up on them and went with MB for a few cycles and now have been quite pleased with overall reliability of my RLX, albeit becoming a bit behind in features and contemporary styling as compared with the BMW and MB fleets IMHO. Costs of parts for maintenance run 2x the Acura parts as well...… Can't argue with the fit and finish of the Audi's, but beware means watch out on maintaining them. demoaan
I have picked up Two Audis that suffered from high maintenance costs, fixed them, drove them for many miles and sold em even up.
- I never recommend anyone buy an Audi. If anything, steer them away from em.
- On top of all that - Who would want to give hard earned money to a company that scammed the entire world via their emissions scandal and forced engineers to implement...
Damn it man! Every auto company deserves a 576,342 chance (or however many TDIs they sold...). I don't know at this point sine the s6 has hit stateside I have found some characteristics I may not be able to get over... like hideous exposed cupholders on a 90k car (before haggling). I may just drive my SHAWD into the ground and hope for a new generation from Acura; MB or other to arrive.
The only thing I didn't like about the 4th Gen TL was the rear lights, emblem, and trim made a face that looked like it was smiling at you all the time. The TL was too happy all the time.
As much as I like my Sport Hybrid RLX, I will say my Graphite Luster 4G TL Elite was my favourite car. It was a blast to drive and handled superbly. Looks are subjective but I really liked it.
As much as I like my Sport Hybrid RLX, I will say my Graphite Luster 4G TL Elite was my favourite car. It was a blast to drive and handled superbly. Looks are subjective but I really liked it.
Same with my Carbon Gray Pearl w/ graystone 06 TSX with A-spec package I purchased new. It was such a beautiful car and reliable as hell until it was totaled in Oct/19 with +160,000 miles on her. Not a lot of power; but, A-Spec suspension+Progress RSB made it handle like a dream. People couldn't believe it was a +13 year old car because it looked so good and well maintained. Don't know why the wife and I got so emotionally attached to this particular vehicle?
... People couldn't believe it was a +13 year old car because it looked so good and well maintained. Don't know why the wife and I got so emotionally attached to this particular vehicle?
I have that problem with my wife, she has a 2004 Subaru WRX wagon 5-sp with a Cobb Stage 3 2.5L STI motor with crazy torque/HP she refuses to give up. Loves manuals, loves the loud roar from the 3" Cobb stailess exhaust (down-cat is gone as well), flame throwing car (it literaly lights up the road behind on certain hard shifts at night). Car is 16 years-old and wife is turning 60 this year ....
So, I'm making apointments wth a body shop to redo the paint, slap new michelins on some modern-looking rims and she plans to keep it another 5 to ten years at least. Some vehicles are just worth keeping for some.
I offered her any brand-new Subie, any brand-new Acura, including an MDX SH, a Tesla Model 3, and no bites.
I guess I'm also symptomaitc, as my 2007 RL is still in my garage. But I'm waiting to snag a deal on my Thermal Organge NSX.
The NSX and RLX seem to be in the same boat. Outstanding vehicles that didn't forget about the main function of a vehicle is to driving them. I think that is why I loved my 06 TSX and 08 RDX (Hondata+Eibach Springs+progress RSB) so much because they were so much fun to drive. Cars then were like flip-phones and cars now days are like smartphones. Most flip phone had one primary purpose to talk on them. You can use a smartphone for everything; but, we hardly talk on them. I see folks getting upset with their vehicles and wanting to trade them in because the ACC takes 2 extra seconds to react or the navi can't find the nearest Starbucks. Growing up in the 70s and learning how to drive in late 70s/early 80s was about the worst years in automotive history (AMC Pacer, Gremlin, Chrysler Cordova, yuck). I can really appreciate cars today compared to 99.99% of cars back in the day that were pretty much ready for junk yard after 75,000 miles.
My wife's favorite car was her '93 Legend LS sedan. At the end of the lease she "upgraded" to a 96 RL and hated it, and regretted not buying out the Legend. She loved her '12 TL SH-AWD Tech as well, but always longed for her Legend. Her current '18 RLX Sport Hybrid is (I think) finally the car that pushes the Legend out of first place. ;-)
Growing up in the 70s and learning how to drive in late 70s/early 80s was about the worst years in automotive history (AMC Pacer, Gremlin, Chrysler Cordova, yuck). I can really appreciate cars today compared to 99.99% of cars back in the day that were pretty much ready for junk yard after 75,000 miles.
Love it! 75K? You're awfully generous!!! Guess you weren't a fan of the Chevy Citation!
Love it! 75K? You're awfully generous!!! Guess you weren't a fan of the Chevy Citation!
The best car my parent purchased at the time was a 1978 Honda Accord 2-dr hatch with 2-speed auto trans you had to shift yourself between 1st and 2nd gear (the very first sport shift probably). Only car I can remember growing up having in the family that was the most trouble free where we didn't need to fix the engine, trans, water pump, A/C, or brakes every several times a year. My dad accidentally killed it when he put leaded gas in it by mistake (the good ole' days of leaded gas and bias tires).
Quoted from AutoNews two days ago:
"The luxury brand has said it will get down to four core vehicles: two sedans and two crossovers. The RLX full-size sedan is set to be discontinued given its poor sales. Moreover, Acura is refocusing on the NSX as its halo vehicle rather than a big sedan."
well to tell you the truth I'm not surprised to hear this but I'm not sure it's totally true. I talk to myself guy today at an Acura dealer who I've known for the better part of twenty years and he described that they will probably do away in 2021 with the front wheel drive version but the all-wheel-drive version will remain. With that said and I hate to vent but if it is true and sales have dropped Acura really has no one to blame but themselves. My first Acura was a 2001 RL which for my first Acura was a great car. I bought it used because I could never afford to buy a new one. I am currently on my fourth Acura RL I'm trying to decide whether I want to buy a used 2018 RLX. To be perfectly honest I am very frustrated. My current car is an Acura RL 2009 SH AWD, and silver Jade metallic with a Seacoast interior, without a doubt this has been the best car I have ever owned it is luxurious and I absolutely love the color. Since 2009 I have steadily watch the RL become the RLX and become more expensive an offer less. Sometime around 2012 or 2013 Acura babandoned the all-wheel-drive so they could pursue PAWS. The result was the Jack the price of the car way up took away my all-wheel-drive drive so i can have 4-wheel steering big deal. They claimed after the tsunami hit Japan years ago that it was hard to make more colors than just black and darker grey and silver and white. In addition each model change took away two or three features that I am used to but yet raiseed the price even further. Yes we now have Lane departure assist and adaptive cruise control, but my wonderful fog lights are gone the electric rear window shade is gone and the rear side pull up shades are gone. Nice features that I enjoyed. Mostly though I have seen the shape of the RLX become more and more sporty and less elegant and luxury appointed. My 2009 RL is one of the smoothest and sleekest looking or else I have ever had the pleasure of driving. If I could afford to buy a brand new RLX today I would be limited to black or black or lighter black and I would have to Shell out almost $65,000 to get all wheel drive in the hybrid version because it's not made in the non hybrid version. It's no wonder sales are poor. And if it's one thing I hate it's using a button to start the car add another button to put it in gear. It's a car not a spaceship I really would like a stick shift back would be nice. So I started to look at BMW as an alternative. It kind of breaks my heart.
Richard,
First, I agree that Acura has some serious blame for their market share and the list is too long to begin to repeat. I would not be surprised to see Acura fold a few years if they go in to 'survival mode' with only 4 car models.
I bought a 2014 RLX PAWS new to replace an 05 RL because I preferred that type/style of car. Similar alternatives from BMW, Audi, Mercedes were much more expensive and I looked and test drove them all. Alternatives from Honda/GM/Ford//etc/etc were not quite what I wanted even with max option packages.
Well, the car size/style was what I wanted. Other than that, I found a half-baked solution with a number of design flaws only worthy of Yugo's and such.
The real culprit in this story is me, for presuming the RLX would be at least as good as the RL I traded. I did NOT do my homework! Trading a 1 year old RLX was not an option at the time, and would be a very expensive action.
Fast forward to 2020....
I still like the sedan stye of RLX/Audi A6/BMW 5/Mercedes E class, and having AWD as well. The design flaws of the RLX PAWS were still much more than bothersome and I missed the AWD.
And with significant feedback in this forum, I have done a lot more homework to consider replacing the '14 RLX. (I did find that a newer RLX/PAWS, is still, just a RLX/PAWS)
Many (no,,, Most) of the features you mention are in the RLX SH. The pricing of an '16 or newer in the used market is really good. (18's and newer have the updated sheet metal.) And the financial loss of a bad used RLX/SH purchase decision is significantly less than purchasing new. . (Count on losing in excess of $20k off list when you drive a new one off the lot.) Many of these SH's are also CPO, so there is an extended warranty built in. Losses in driving a new BMW, Audi, etc off the lot in this class of car is not much less.
So, I found and purchased a '19 SH with 2k miles in January. So far, very, very good. The infotainment system is behind the times, but it suits my needs and I have never found any use for Android auto and similar features. (I have cars with this 'modern' capability, tried them, and are not that meaningful to me.)
This RLX/SH is much better than the RL ever could be, with more 'toys' and much better MPG even with AWD, and the ride is much more like a 'luxury car' than I expected.
I think buyers can find a good deal with lots of features compared to other brands if the RLX SH fits their body style preferences.
A couple of particular comments of comparison:
My personal experience is that the RL fog lights did little to help visibility for me in fog conditions, and the 880 bulbs put out a lot of heat, not much light, and tended to toast the bulb sockets.
LED RLX headlights are much better/brighter/wider than the narrow beam bulbs in the RL that needed compensatory headlight steering.
Power rear window shade is in the RLX/SH advance.
And it is personal preference, but I love the start button. One of my cars still needs a key, and i get frustrated having to remember getting the bulky keys out of my pocket.
Wow. Many thanks for all this wonderful information. Sounds to me like the best bet for me to do is just wait for a 2018 or 2019 RLX SH to become available. It will at least get me back most of what I would lose rather than going to the front wheel drive version. And thanks for the info on the BMW Mercedes and Audi because yes I do prefer the ride of the RL. My friend at the Acura dealership said the reason there are not a lot of certified pre-owned on The Lofts because they have not come off lease yet. So the best bet is to patiently wait. I have found a number of front wheel drive versions 2018 year on the internet at various dealers in New Jersey and New York with low mileage and very good pricing around 32 kwith 10,000 miles. But from your advice the better thing to do is wait because I'm much better with the all-wheel drive hybrid.
I’m another unsatisfied P-AWS RLX owner who upgraded to the Sport Hybrid RLX and have really enjoyed the car. Great features, power, fuel economy and reliability. I have a 2015 so the suspension isn’t as lush over rougher roads as the 2018+ models apparently are, but it’s ok.
I wouldn’t hesitate to replace my 2015 SH with a newer one if the opportunity presented itself and the numbers made sense.
i recently purchased a 2019 rlx sh it's by far the best vehicle that acura has ever produced
Maybe the best "relatively" affordable/attainable car they have produced. Many would argue the NSX is the real winner in the Acura line and also the real flagship.
And others would say the last-gen Legend was the pinnacle of Acura design, build quality, and features for the price point. Still others would say the last-gen Integra for similar reasons. I'm biased, but I think the ZDX (which was lavishly funded in the design and build phases and intended to be the first of Acura's "tier 1 luxury" vehicles) is right up there. Of course both generations of NSX earn the title of "best vehicle" in many regards.
Long story short, the RLX SH seems quite good but it's not undeniably "the best vehicle that Acura has ever produced".
09-11-2019, 08:38 AM
In Related News ...
Review: 2016 Infiniti Q70 5.6 AWD 
Infiniti Q70 Premium Select Edition unveiled ahead of Pebble Beach 
