When picking up my 05 RL from a service appointment I noticed a silver hybrid RLX advance sitting in the showroom. I wandered in and checked it out but couldn't even open the trunk because of a dead battery (from sitting on the dock in Japan for 8 months????). Anyway I have arranged for a test drive tomorrow and I'll report back afterwards. They told me it was the only SH hybrid they had and it only arrived Jon Monday.

I hope that I am not blown away with the handling because I will shoot myself if intend up paying full list for a 2014 after the 2015 PAWS are already out. A silver advance with black interior is likely what I would choose. BTW when I got back my 05 RL the interior door handle literally fell off in my hand.......perhaps that is an omen I need a new ride.

 

Can't wait to read your review tomorrow!

 

Malibu, please try to keep your review to under 40 pages. JK You lucky b@st@rd.

 

My review is not likely to be as "professional" as most of the active participants on this site. I'm just an average guy who has owned Acuras since 1984. Both my wife and I have enjoyed he experience, particularly my 10 years with my 05 RL. (previous Acuras include the first Acura in '84, an '95 Legend GS, an '96 GSR Integra, an '05 TSX and an '05 RL)

I'll try to give you my impressions as an average driver. I don't the background or technical chops to analyze or explain all of the interaction of the complicated tech in the RLX Hybrid.

My main objective is to see the driving experience of the hybrid. I haven't even bothered with a test drive of the RLX PAWS, since the reviews indicated I would be disappointed with it compared to the SHAWD RL that I love. I like the idea of a larger back seat for my guests and the larger trunk, plus the new tech and Krell audio. The smaller trunk in the hybrid could be a show stopper but it is possible I could overlook it if I fall in love with the driving experience. Like most here the better gas mileage of the hybrid is a small plus but not a motivating factor. If there are problems, I will probably reluctantly end up with an Audi A-7.

 

It looks the same as the RL trunk if you could do without the upper shelf of the RL trunk and the ski pass through. It seems wider and a flatter floor. But only you can decide.

Curious of your thoughts and opinions from the RL to the SH RLX.

 

In for the review.

 

Can't wait to hear. :-)

 

The review of an "average driver" who is used to driving an RL is EXACTLY what I am hoping for.
I also have some reservations about the trunk size...mainly if it achieves the "four sets of golf clubs" standard.
Thanks in advance.

 

I'm not sure my 2006 RL trunk can handle four sets of golf clubs. I've had three sets in the trunk and it was a full house. My 2014 RLX "may" be able to handle four sets with it not having the DVD navigation box in the way.

 

Lucky bastage. Can't wait to see the report!

 

I just got back from an hour and a half test through drive with a silver advance SH-SHAWD hybrid. I took the car down PCH and up one of the canyon mountain roads which are winding and hilly.

Overall I was impressed with both the power and handling ability. The thing is a beast with much better acceleraion than my '05 RL. Like I suspect the feeling is with most electric autos the power curve is almost instantaneous. The thing just surges when you put the pedal down. The first time I put my foot into it, I shocked myself and the salesperson....the car just lurched forward.

The car handled very well but it will take more time in the seat to really get the feel of how to drive the car.....it made me feel like Acura should offer buyers a day at a test track with a professional instructor to really get the most from the car. In general it felt much better in the corners than the RL. I took one curvy hill that I drive everyday and really put my foot down, accelerating through the corner I have done the same thing with my RL numerous times. Not only was the cornering ability better in the RLX but the almost instant acceleration was a really kick. The car zoomed through the twisting up hill curve like a champ. I'm an aging baby boomer but one who still likes to feel in control of the road and any speed. i have always liked the Acura driving feel -- not as harsh as a BWM but better than the living room feel of Lexus. As Goldilocks would say "just right". The hybrid still has the "Acura driving feel" but with somewhat better handling and a lot more power.

The one thing that was more difficult to get used to was the braking. Several times when braking hard in a corner the brakes grabbed. I assume that was the regenrative brakes turning on. It made for a jerky deceleration. Keep in mind I was driving to try to really test the car's capability and in most cases I doubt the brakes would be that uneven. Still it is a part of the hybrid system and probably something that you just need to deal with on this car.

Just a couple of other notes. I did not like the heads up display at first because I found he hard to see, even after the salesperson cranked up the brightness to full tilt. However, when I took off my sunglasses, I realized the polarization in the glasses significantly cut down my ability to see it. Without the sunglasses, the heads up display was easy to see (my test drive was late afternoon in full sun and without the glasses on it was easy to see). I did find it somewhat distracting but I assume that will pass after I get used to it. i also turned on the adaptive cruise control at one point and got startled when if started braking by itself. All of this new tech will take some time to get used to. I won't bore you with reviews of the tech stuff and Krell radio since so much has already be written and it is identical in the hybrid as in the PAWS. One last thing that has been widely reported, the trunk is small.

Lastly, the sales manager told me that Southern California only got 16 or 17 hybrids (that is probably 15+ dealers) and he didn't know if or when others would show up. I was the first one to get a test drive and the car had only 8 miles on it when I started my drive. Most of the So Cal hybrids were silver, black or graphite.

Happy to respond to specific questions if there are any.

 

Thanks Malibu!!
Your review in a nutshell is exactly why I am still waiting to make the Acura Sport Hybrid SHAWD RLX my next vehicle. As hard as it will be, I'll likely still wait until next fall when the 2016's first arrive. That way I can see if there have been any changes from the 2014/15's and then either choose the changes and get a 2016 or try to get a good deal on a 2015 if I can still find one.
Thanks again Malibu Flyer.

 

That's what I was afraid of, that they couldn't do anything about that. Perhaps it's a small price to pay.

Even if you get used to it, your passengers won't get used to it. :-)

The adaptive cruise doesn't work the way that a human would work in an analogue, progressive fashion.

It can scare a passenger because it waits too long to start braking for a stopped car, and then it brakes harder than you would want to brake if you had a passenger in the car. The passenger starts to wonder what you're doing and if you're going to rear-end somebody.

Of course, the adaptive cruise always does do what it should...but it's in a kind of on/off, aggressive, digital way that isn't really the way that you'd want your chauffeur treating you.

:-)

Again, though, maybe it's a small price to pay for being able to change speeds with traffic and get home after a long commute feeling generally much brighter and better than you'd feel in another car.

 

I agree with your observations Malibu.

I did find the SH RLX regen braking less grabby then other hybrids I drove, but I agree it is an attribute drivers will need to adjust with current hybrid technology.

One point I did note and hope to find another PAWS RLX driver to compare with the SH RLX. I found the rear suspension in the SH RLX less jumpy, less up and down tail bobbing than the PAWS RLX. I do not know if there is any difference in suspension between the two. I wonder if the added rear end weight of the SH causes the rear end to settle more? Further I wonder is the RLX suspension was designed / tuned with the SH in mind and as a result may be a bit over sprung for the PAWS model (being lighter in the rear). Perhaps this is a root to some of the PAWS suspension criticisms (mine included).

So if any other PAWS owners get to drive a SH, I would appreciate some focus on the rear suspension comparison of the two models. I can say the SH RLX really feels like a different car than the PAWS and that alone makes it difficult to discern focused details, such as the suspension.

It has been 7 months since I had my SH RLX experience. On the one hand I feel like I need to start anew with my impressions and on the other hand the RLX no longer feels like a new vehicle in the market.

 

Malibu Flyer, I'm just curious if you noticed any harshness or lack of composure to the SHRLX on bumpy roads such as that being reported by PAWS RLX owners??

 

I did not feel anything particularly noticeable but I was concentrating more on the power and handling. I really didn't spend any time on a bumpy road so I can't really provide a direct answer.

A couple of other observations. First, I did most of the test ride in sport mode, using the paddle shifters [if they still made a manual tranny i would get that...just an old school clutch guy]. The shifts using the paddles were very smooth, probably even better than my current RL. The constant changing between the torch vectoring, the electric motors and gas engine were imperceptible -- unless I was looking at the heads up display, I wouldn't have know they were happening. Much smoother than expected. The same was true when in regular Drive model with brake hold on, when the engine shuts off at a full stop. Press the accelerator and the car just smoothly moves forward. I especially liked the brake hold feature, allowing you to not have to keep your foot on the brake pedal at a stop. I understand this technology has been around in other luxury cars for awhile, but this was my first experience with it and I did love it.

As much as I liked the handling of the Sport Hybrid, this is not a sports car, nor does it drive like one. It is a full sized luxury sedan that is spirited and handles well but it is still a large car. If you want to drive like you are on a race course go look at a Porsche or NSX, even the Sport Hybrid is not for you. For me it is a nice compromise -- a fun drive but also a large car that is very quiet, comfortable and smooth [exception is the braking as noted earlier]. While I did not get this puppy out on the freeway, I could see that as a very comfortable experience. Cruising at 65 to 75 MPH only happens on LA's freeway at 4:00 AM, however, it will certainly be a great ride for a long freeway trip, especially with the all of the tech stuff.

One last comment. I had one unexpected experience when I was "carving" through a sharp turn at a good clip. I must have cut the corner too sharply and the car's computer literally threw me back into the middle of the lane. It startled me some and was very abrupt. I felt in complete control [perhaps I was fooling myself but I think not] ,so it was a shock. I imagine it was one of the tech features, all of which were turned on so I could see what they do. Still it was nice to know the technology wanted to protect me. Also, these feature do have an off switch so I can test my driving ability without a safety net if I want.

 

Yessssss! Sounds like other than the braking, Acura nailed it with the SH. Now I REALLY can't wait to test drive one.

Thanks for the review.

 

Though I agree with you about the adaptive cruise I love it with the lane assist. It almost like the car drives itself. But I will admit my wife has a cow when I try to show her how it works. I always use at least 2 car links so it has plenty of time to respond or I can intervene. I do admit I kind of wish I waited a few weeks to buy the SH AWD. However,when I was looking for a new car, traded a 2014 Avalon Limited with the technology package, the dealer told me they had no idea when it would be out or if for sure it would come out. The rest is history now, it out!

 

my local dealer will have silver sh-awd advanced model in few days for me to test drive.
they said all '14 are being used for demo/test drive purposes.
*confirmed by sales manager & general manager
even if i wanted to buy, acura won't allow them to sell and make me wait for '16 model which is going to hit dealer in about 8 month.
not sure if other dealers are saying the same thing.
can't wait to drive one as well and will post my observation too

 

I'm waiting for the Sales manager to get back to me. He gave no indication the car wasn't for sale. Quite the opposite but the ball is in his court to tell me his asking price. i'll report back when I hear. He owes me an email.

 

:-/

Well, that explains a few things.

Thank you.

 

^^^ The plot thickens.

 

What the what?

Well, if that is true, then this was rumored somewhere in the "When is RLX available" thread, if memory serves....

This can't be true. Can it? After all, everyone has a price.....

 

 

^^^^^
Ah, yes, a scene from one of my favorite movies of all time. Can never get enough Blues Brothers.

 

There was TLX with every possible option/accessory on the showroom as well.
window sticker did not show price but stated "NOT FOR SALE" "INTENDED FOR DEMO PURPOSE ONLY"
If I have time, I will swing by to take a picture of the window sticker.
I'm pretty sure many of you guys are aware most of dealer loaner cars are in same boat.
Take a look at glove box for window sticker to confirm.
9 of 10 acura loaners I had in past all said 'not intended for sale'

 

I guarantee you that no dealer is going use the Sports Hybrid RLX as a loaner when they only have one. If they do, i may find a reason to leave my 10 year old RL in the service department for the next 6 months. i'd love a Sports Hybrid loaner for an extended period.

 

It certainly seems to defy logic to have a Sports Hybrid RLX as a test drive car when there are no additional units to actually sell. At best, it is teasing, at worst, it is torture.

If they're in the process of making a significant number of 2015 Sport Hybrid RLX's to sell, then keeping the 2014's as test drive models makes sense. If rumors that it will be 8 months+ before the next RLX Sport Hybrids arrive as the 2016 model year, then keeping the 2014 around is going to do nothing but frustrate those waiting for Sports Hybrid AND kill the sales of the 2015 PAWS RLX's. As I've said before, Acura is trying to sell the PAWS RLX by saying, "Look, a better version is coming soon".

 

It is definitely torture. UGH!

 

I do not think the SH RLXs are for loaners.

But it can make sense that they are 'no sale' demos. I remember when I had my demo experience with an Acura rep back in March there was discussion that each dealer would have a couple of SH RLX for demo purposes and it was expected to order the car from that demo experience. With 2 trim levels and 50+ dealerships that covers half of the 200 SH RLXs built. Some will likely be allocated for training, exhibitory, exec models and perhaps some approved for sale.

This can make more sense as to why the low initial build volume as I can anticipate Acura buying back a good number of them for analysis. The rep I met told me the models circling the country for those dealer demos last spring would be returned and disassembled for that very reason.

Aside from the delay to reach dealers, this initial pool of SH RLXs may indeed be used for mules with the expectation that the 2015 MY be the actual consumer produced model? Or will it be a 2016 MY?

*head spinning*

 

I could BUY a used demo SH RLX in another year, and at reduced cost, no?


A lot of this speculation could be resolved if Acura comes out and SAYS what its intention is and helps to guide customers appropriately. We are big boys, Acura, we can handle bad (or good? ) news.

"Hey RLX SH prospective owners, we know you have been waiting an eternity for this car, and we apologize for the wait. We had technical issues that led to a significant delay in release. We have resolved those problems. These initial cars are for you, the patient customers we so appreciate, to test-drive. We want you to love the test drive so much that you will order your RLX SH with your favored options. We plan to deliver your car as a 2016 model in the spring. In fact, some production has started.

We understand and appreciate that many of you, the most loyal of Acura customers, have been waiting. We assure you the wait to have a RLX SH in your driveway will not be for much longer.

Thank you!
Acura"

That'd go a long way toward addressing the speculation, but given how things have gone in this "launch", we'll hear a boatload of nuttin'.

Edit: "P.S. For those of you who have been so patient, we will provide an introductory lease special." (OK, now I'm dreaming).

 

^^^ ,,,,, nice try Bob. But you will NOT be getting a complimentary SH RLX.

 

Looked online at my local dealer.. they have FIVE ..regular RLX's. All Techs. I was so let down. lol

I bet no Sport Hybrids will come to NC. If they do they would go to Charlotte I'm sure.

 

Oh, dash it all, I thought I was going to be rewarded for my patience!

I'll have to hope I can find a free Tesla Model S P85D I'm now pining for.

 

The car I took for a test drive can be bought!!

I received a call from the sales manager and have a negotiation in process. They seem like they'll actually want to make a deal. All still very preliminary but no indication they want to do anything but sell me the car. They listened when I said the 2015 RLXs are out and this is a 2014!!!

 

I'd be interested in knowing when that car was built, if by any chance you looked at the door sticker.

:-)

 

I'll check it out this weekend. Where do I look exactly?

 

Open the driver's door and look at the VIN sticker on the center pillar (b-pillar):

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/i...y35FOjKZc0r0Zw

 

Best of luck Malibu - need some real world test drive reports.

 

The car's manufacture date was Feb. 2014, so the car has been sitting around somewhere for 8 months.

The VIN indicates the car was the 211th one in the production of the RLX Sports Hybrid.