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I built up the A4 Premium Plus Quattro with Tech, Sport, and Cold Weather packs. That's how I'd buy it. Comes to $48.3k. TLX is $44.8k with A-Spec, and $45.8k with Advance. That's a $2500-3500 difference, not $8k. It's also currently possible to get the A4 for about 8-9% off, which puts it on parity with the TLX (but I bet in <6 months you can get the same discount on a TLX, so they'll be back to a ~$3500 difference).
YMMV, but I know the TLX and A4 aren't in the same classes, I really don't care. They're both ~$45k sporty AWD sedans with a decent back seat that are appealing to me, that's the common denominator for me. And I've been driving Acuras for almost 15 years (2004 TSX, 2011 TSX, wife drives a 2015 RDX) and frankly, I don't see how Acura has been advancing in that time. The engine in the TLX is basically the same as you got in a 2004 TL (in fact you could get a faster one, the 3.7L 305hp version, in the past). The transmission is worse. The 2-screen setup is worse than the single-screen touch screen in my 2004 TSX. SH-AWD is cool, but that came to the TL in, what, 2009 or 2010? Audi has a great engine, it has a great DSG transmission, and it is moving tech forward with things like the virtual cockpit. And, oh by the way, I can get a sport package AND a heated steering wheel in it at the same time (facepalm Acura). The Audi is down on HP, but is usably faster. And, my latest Acuras haven't been particularly great with the things I traditionally bought Acuras for, reliability (hello stupid $1100 to repair a VTC actuator, and a failed $100 bluetooth mic) and the fit and finish (rattles, mis-aligned panels, etc) is crap. So if I'm not getting great reliability or crazy value, those are what kept me in a "lesser" Acura instead of something more premium, I might as well go ahead and buy something more premium.
That's where I'm at.
You are not comparing same equipment levels though. You are comparing a totally loaded Acura to a mid level Audi. I do admit the comparison is cloudy because of some differences in equipment and I admit I was comparing front drive Acura to AWD Audi. So I may be a little off.
If true, that's really fast for a 4 cylinder vehicle. I still wouldn't get an Audi though due to long term reliability problems. Audi has history of too many issues and you'll likely be calling the tow truck a few times after a few years of ownership.
Those problems are gone. Audi has been tops in quality now for a few years. Acura has been hit and miss on transmissions especially for years. I have been lucky with mine.
Things sometimes change. The new A4 is a great car from a company that is hitting on all cylinders. The problem with Acura and the TLX is they didn't change enough and let the competition slip by and are struggling just to keep their rep as value luxury. .
I haven't needed a tow truck, BTW, since I stopped buying from the big 3 American car makers almost 20 years ago. Before that, every single car I owned left me or my wife stranded at least twice.
You are not comparing same equipment levels though. You are comparing a totally loaded Acura to a mid level Audi. I do admit the comparison is cloudy because of some differences in equipment and I admit I was comparing front drive Acura to AWD Audi. So I may be a little off.
Possibly true. But I'm comparing them how I'd buy them, so I don't really care. The only thing I give up on the A4 I regret is the inability to add cooled seats (have to get Prestige and then the hot weather pack, like a $5k bump). Otherwise it isn't missing anything I care about so minor equipment differences don't bother me.
Possibly true. But I'm comparing them how I'd buy them, so I don't really care. The only thing I give up on the A4 I regret is the inability to add cooled seats (have to get Prestige and then the hot weather pack, like a $5k bump). Otherwise it isn't missing anything I care about so minor equipment differences don't bother me.
Ive done a lot of builds on the new S5. The only way to get ventilated seats is black and you lose the diamond stitching. I've voiced my displeasure to the General Sales Manager of the dealer I have bought two A7s from. He pointed to the $140k RS7 and $180k R8 on the floor and smiled and said they don't have ventilated seats. I've gotten to know him pretty well and didn't even respond. Keep in mind I live in Houston. I MIGHT buy a car without them, but they are really important to me.
I logged on to read more reviews regarding the TLX and find myself in an A4 discussion. Very nice car, but having spent a lot of time lately in my friend's Q7 and Q5 before that, and my own test drives (for fun) of the 2017 A4, and a new ASPEC Tech 2.4, a few comments:
- To suggest the interior is light years ahead, IMHO, is excessive exaggeration. A "glued on" one screen Navi, fewer passive safety technologies, less impressive sound system, and slightly less comfortable seats come to mind. (I still like the Audi, and prefer some things about their interior, but I dislike unsubstantiated absolute statements)
- I should point out that a second or two off the line is meaningless to me, but smooth acceleration for regular driving is.
- Drive the car that makes you happy, and offers you a good value proposition based upon your needs and wants, and leave others to enjoy their value choices
- I was musing the other day that if I was to log on to an Audi 4 forum, or any other brand forum, to repeatedly extoll the virtues of the TLX, why would I do that.......hmmmm...........
Perhaps we need more specific threads for comparisons, as this seems to be a pre-occupation for many, and stick to the topic at hand.
The reviewers claim 5.4 seconds in 0 to 60 mph. I'm doubtful the A4 can go that fast. Would like to see their methodology of testing or another test by someone else to confirm. If those are the actual numbers that is super fast for a 4 cylinder engine.
Why are you doubtful? That's not even the best times that can has run. You do know the Germans under rate their cars right? Motortrend are not some random teenagers testing cars.
Ive done a lot of builds on the new S5. The only way to get ventilated seats is black and you lose the diamond stitching. I've voiced my displeasure to the General Sales Manager of the dealer I have bought two A7s from. He pointed to the $140k RS7 and $180k R8 on the floor and smiled and said they don't have ventilated seats. I've gotten to know him pretty well and didn't even respond. Keep in mind I live in Houston. I MIGHT buy a car without them, but they are really important to me.
Yeah, I'm not ready to buy for a year or two, I'm hoping in that time they make the Cold Weather pack available to all trim levels (not just prestige) but if not, oh well, it's not a deal breaker for me.
I logged on to read more reviews regarding the TLX and find myself in an A4 discussion. Very nice car, but having spent a lot of time lately in my friend's Q7 and Q5 before that, and my own test drives (for fun) of the 2017 A4, and a new ASPEC Tech 2.4, a few comments:
- To suggest the interior is light years ahead, IMHO, is excessive exaggeration. A "glued on" one screen Navi, fewer passive safety technologies, less impressive sound system, and slightly less comfortable seats come to mind. (I still like the Audi, and prefer some things about their interior, but I dislike unsubstantiated absolute statements)
- I should point out that a second or two off the line is meaningless to me, but smooth acceleration for regular driving is.
- Drive the car that makes you happy, and offers you a good value proposition based upon your needs and wants, and leave others to enjoy their value choices
- I was musing the other day that if I was to log on to an Audi 4 forum, or any other brand forum, to repeatedly extoll the virtues of the TLX, why would I do that.......hmmmm...........
Perhaps we need more specific threads for comparisons, as this seems to be a pre-occupation for many, and stick to the topic at hand.
Yeah the 2018 TLX Aspec interior is definitely improved--more comfortable leather seats, some leather on the doors, bigger 19 inch wheels, and performance improvements.
Here is a good detailed review of the 2018 TLX. I must say we get it way better here in Canada because you can get an Elite (Advance) in the Aspec ie if you get Aspec you don't lose any features of the Elite(Advance) model
So today I drove a 3.5 SH-AWD Elite Aspec (red on black) - still waiting to be able to drive the 2.4 Tech Aspec, which would be a more likely buy for me down the road. I'm in no rush to get out of my current lease, at least until i'm close to 0 negative equity. Regardless, my thoughts on the 3.5:
- I know they have refined the 9 speed since I had a 2015 3.5 SH-AWD, having driven both a 2016 and 2017. However, it feels like it has come even further and seems very refined, somewhat like my 8 speed DCT;
- No noticeable delay when downshifting before rapid acceleration. Very smooth, very responsive, and yes, sweet sounding. Even with some tromping on the throttle, I managed less than 9 litres per 100 km on my 20k test drive., which is pretty darn good;
- No doubt I would still have the 3.5 if my tranny had performed as well as this one, even with a lifetime 4 cylinder pedigree.
- Engine note piped into the cabin is pretty sweet;
- Idle stop seems a little smoother, and I didn't notice any vibration related to VCM. However, i'd need a longer test drive;
- Alcantara seats were very supportive and comfortable;
- Lots of looks
- Apple Car Play is nice, but it would take me a while to get used to the new menus. I also prefer the various colour schemes on my existing double screen set-up, even if they are a little slower. Menus are all black and white, but then who really cares
- Didn't bring a CD to test the ELS, but listening to Sirius I thought i noticed a little "thicker" sub woofer creating a little more bass for those of you that listen to heavy bass music and find the ELS somewhat delinquent in that respect. It would be worth checking the specs given that they increased the watts in the ELS from 2015 to 2016 without widely advertising that fact.
- Love the Aspec steering wheel. Very meaty.
Hopefully I can drive the 2.4 very soon. As much as I like the look of the ASPEC features inside and out, I might eventually opt for the 2.4 Elite, as I like the lighter seating choices with the contrasting piping, as well as the cooled seats, surround camera, etc. A 2.4 ASPEC Elite is getting too pricey for my tastes and I do worry a little about the durability of the factory installed Aspec trim pieces.
Yeah the 2018 TLX Aspec interior is definitely improved--more comfortable leather seats, some leather on the doors, bigger 19 inch wheels, and performance improvements.
Here is a good detailed review of the 2018 TLX. I must say we get it way better here in Canada because you can get an Elite (Advance) in the Aspec ie if you get Aspec you don't lose any features of the Elite(Advance) model
Do you guys know if this is the "modern Steel Metallic" color? Looks a lot lighter than what the Acura Website shows. Kinda disspointed, actually. Of course I will wait to see in person but on the website looks much better (in my opinion).
Do you guys know if this is the "modern Steel Metallic" color? Looks a lot lighter than what the Acura Website shows. Kinda disspointed, actually. Of course I will wait to see in person but on the website looks much better (in my opinion).
Thank you
It is. I saw it in person on Sunday. I thought it looked really good, and I don't like dark colors. It had the red interior...not sure if I like that combo though. You might like it.
Take a look at this review, They use the MSM with red interior as the center piece. I like the combo. Only downside I see is that to really bring it out you'd have to spring for the optional wheels with the bit of chrome in them.
Stopped by local dealer yesterday for some parts for current car. They have a black ASpec and I have to admit that it looks pretty good. The front grill is still not quite right. I normally do not like dark cars, but I think that this grill works with the darker colors better than the white. Hope to be able to hold out for the FMR and Type S coming soon. At least I feel like Acura is listening better and finally heading in the right direction.
I don't think the TLX will be a classic in any sense of the word. The A-spec will be a hot seller for sure, but not a classic...yet. I plan to test drive one once I'm back home. In fact, I have a 2017 FWD TLX as a loaner now. I plan to write a quickie review on it. Suffice to say, the 9AT gremlins seem resolved.
Looking forward to your quick review man.
Originally Posted by F23A4
It's more than conceivable that the 2.0T is underrated at a reported 252 hp / 273 lb-ft with a 3,670 lb curb weight. C/D posted:
Zero to 60 mph: 5.2 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 13.9 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 13.9 sec @ 100 mph Braking, 70-0 mph: 155 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.90 g
The fastest TLX time reported by C/D was on TLX V6 PAWS (290 hp / 267 lb-ft w/ 3,617 lb curb weight):
Zero to 60 mph: 5.7 sec Zero to 100 mph: 13.3 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 14.2 sec @ 103 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 134 mph
Braking, 70-0 mph: 182 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad*: 0.83 g
I'd be interested in seeing some dyno numbers on the new A4 2.0T. I imagine it would be quite revealing.
For sure the A4 2.0T is underrated. Based on the RLX FWD dyno, I'd think the A4 is around 240-250whp.
The A4 2.0T is basically as fast as the TLX SH-AWD based on the 1/4 mile trap speed.
Keep the posts at least marginally on topic. If you want to have a civil discussion about the merits of the TLX vs another make/model I suggest a new thread. There's a lot of interest in the new TLX A-Spec - it's not unreasonable that people who find this thread and click into it to read reviews should actually find reviews.
A fully loaded Blue and red tlx with accessories for $47,500 (estimate) or a fully loaded BMW 340i for $58000 or $53000 with military delivery?
That's a pretty big delta price wise. Have you driven both? That might help you make up your mind.
I've owned a previous generation 335i. Nice car. Fun to drive. But, I find the current TLX just as fun to drive, and is more comfortable. 340i will be faster. But, the TLX is no slouch. At that price, I'll assume you're having some other dealer installed options put on it. IF you dropped those, the price delta would be even bigger. 3 series isn't the handler it used to be. Assuming you're getting SH AWD version at that price, torque vectoring makes the TLX handle great.
Small item but worth mentioning. Those of us with iPhones don't have wireless charging capabilities. I just got a Mophie battery case that offers wireless charging for an iPhone. Works great wit the TLX. Further, Apple Car Play works great, too. It's speech recognition alone is worth it for listening to i tunes, podcasts, using maps, etc.
This is kind of a big deal as I was coming from a Cadillac CTS with wireless charging and Car Play, neither of which the dealer could ever get to work right. Wireless charging never worked at all. Car Play would just hang regularly when I was trying to use it. No issues with the TLX.
Small item but worth mentioning. Those of us with iPhones don't have wireless charging capabilities. I just got a Mophie battery case that offers wireless charging for an iPhone. Works great wit the TLX. Further, Apple Car Play works great, too. It's speech recognition alone is worth it for listening to i tunes, podcasts, using maps, etc.
This is kind of a big deal as I was coming from a Cadillac CTS with wireless charging and Car Play, neither of which the dealer could ever get to work right. Wireless charging never worked at all. Car Play would just hang regularly when I was trying to use it. No issues with the TLX.
I was actually just wondering how to take advantage of the wireless charging capability of the car given I also use an iPhone (7 Plus). So, do you just use Bluetooth for music streaming, etc. as well? Don't even bother with a Lightning cable at all?
I was actually just wondering how to take advantage of the wireless charging capability of the car given I also use an iPhone (7 Plus). So, do you just use Bluetooth for music streaming, etc. as well? Don't even bother with a Lightning cable at all?
Yep....just do bluetooth for music and podcasts. I have a 7+, also!
Yep....just do bluetooth for music and podcasts. I have a 7+, also!
I never could find a good way to place the 7 Plus when its connected by the Lightning cable. Because it's so tall, it flops around if you stand it up in the cup holder. So this is perfect then. Just gotta get me the same charger case that you're referring to.
As as an aside, do you find the audio quality suffers in any way when streaming music through Bluetooth as compared to using the Lightning cable?
I never could find a good way to place the 7 Plus when its connected by the Lightning cable. Because it's so tall, it flops around if you stand it up in the cup holder. So this is perfect then. Just gotta get me the same charger case that you're referring to.
As as an aside, do you find the audio quality suffers in any way when streaming music through Bluetooth as compared to using the Lightning cable?
7+ fits perfectly in the center cubby (the one that charges). Personally, I think bluetooth streaming needs a little more volume vs a direct connection via lightning cable.
Im on day 5 of ownership and Im really struggling to find any complaints lol. Its vastly better then my 15 was. I'll strart doing up a review tonight I think.
Does ApplePlay not require a lightening port connection?
Car Play requires a lightening connection. But, without it, you can still stream your music, podcasts, etc via bluetooth without the lightning connection.
Does anyone think it's possible they will squeeze a Sport Hybrid into the mix before the FMC in 2020? We all see the drawing on the wall with the TLX next to get the Sport Hybrid powertrain, but would they add it next year or wait until the next gen?
Does anyone think it's possible they will squeeze a Sport Hybrid into the mix before the FMC in 2020? We all see the drawing on the wall with the TLX next to get the Sport Hybrid powertrain, but would they add it next year or wait until the next gen?
I think they will introduce it before FMC. My reasons - Acura needs to do FMC of RDX/ILX next year and MDX/RLX in 2019. So TLX FMC needs to wait for about 3 more years if it is going to use new chassis / engine / transmission. Acura has all the parts available in bins for sport hybrid and MDX sport hybrid is getting good reviews, so there is a business case for the same for TLX.
I think they will introduce it before FMC. My reasons - Acura needs to do FMC of RDX/ILX next year and MDX/RLX in 2019. So TLX FMC needs to wait for about 3 more years if it is going to use new chassis / engine / transmission. Acura has all the parts available in bins for sport hybrid and MDX sport hybrid is getting good reviews, so there is a business case for the same for TLX.
Main driver for MDX sport hybrid was improved fuel economy. For TLX sport hybird, it will be performance and driving dynamics to compete with C43, 340xi, S4, XE etc and Acura will bring that model only if they can manage power to weight ratio to offer competitive performance.
Main driver for MDX sport hybrid was improved fuel economy. For TLX sport hybird, it will be performance and driving dynamics to compete with C43, 340xi, S4, XE etc and Acura will bring that model only if they can manage power to weight ratio to offer competitive performance.
They're going to have to tune differently to also address the 200 lb + of additional weight of the hybrid system if they want it to be more performance oriented.
Does anyone think it's possible they will squeeze a Sport Hybrid into the mix before the FMC in 2020? We all see the drawing on the wall with the TLX next to get the Sport Hybrid powertrain, but would they add it next year or wait until the next gen?
I don't think it'll happen. They'd have to add a considerable amount of power to make up for the weight gain of the Sport Hybrid system. I personally think they'd be better off giving us a twin turbo V6 SH-AWD TL-S.
Where are going to put all that stuff, anyway? If they are going to add a Sport Hybrid system, the car needs to have been designed with it in mind like the RLX and MMC RLX were.
Me, too. I see no reason to invest too much in this generation of TLX and instead focus on the FMC. Unless Honda basically plans to make the two cars the same, I would expect all future tech to go into the FMC
Me, too. I see no reason to invest too much in this generation of TLX and instead focus on the FMC. Unless Honda basically plans to make the two cars the same, I would expect all future tech to go into the FMC
Right. The work for the FMC has already been in progress, possibly for a year or two I'd bet. While the TLX didn't sell like hotcakes it did sell well enough for them to roll with the MMC changes as they are (which by most accounts should sell decently) for a few years and basically put a fork in this model.
06-06-2017, 09:00 PM
