KeithL

With the Germans entering the $30K-$40K space everything in that price point will have to work harder since many people do not look past the badge and will buy German just to have the German badge.

TLX35

Looks like the 3.5 based on the rims but has a traditional gear shifter? Thought they said all 3.5s will have push button gear changer.

fsttyms1

Simply pointing out that Acura is doing the same thing as you made it a point about caddy doing so.

silverTL6

iTrader: (2)

Because they cheaped out like they usually do. Just like the ILX/RLX they decided to use the same bumper across the board.

Or even an IS -

silverTL6

iTrader: (2)

Hmm...so the 3G TL A-Spec concept's design became the basis for the 3G Type-S, and it seems the 5G prototype's design has become the basis for the 5G A-Spec. Hope that doesn't give em an excuse to give up on the 5G Type-S :-(

diddy_nyc

iTrader: (1)

The front end of the car definitely looks better with the kit. The back is very so-so. Acura should have created a more aggressive tail trim.

Glashub

imo it doesn't look any worse that a Q50. They took the minimalist approach and kept scoops and swirls to a minimum. Also, I think the interior looks nice and pretty premium for the price point (from the pics at least). I have a 2014 IS and some would argue that it's overly wrought i.e. too much going on. One thing the IS does accomplish though is that it looks low and long from certain angles.

TLX35

I just realized this was in Columbus... anyone know if its still on display?

Acura_Dude

ggesq

iTrader: (1)

I guess I'll disagree with you 4G and ZDX owners and say I'm thankful they went backwards so to speak and adopt some of the characteristics of the 3G. Acura should not have strayed too far away from the concept but still, IMHO this thing look hands down better than the 4G. Moreover, the 4G, should not have been the 5G. It was way too polarizing of a design that destroyed Acura in 2009.

jbawden

Maybe there are others, but I can't recall two different models from the same manufacturer that share such strong design language; the ILX and TLX look very much alike other than the size. I do think the body lines work much better on the larger TLX. The ILX is too small for the the TLX lines to work themselves out naturally so why they tried so hard to make them look the same is beyond me...oh yeah, Acura has no soul, no real "car guys" at the helm. Just a bunch of engineers and marketing teams faking it and hoping we won't notice. Lame.

quantum7

As others have said, I think that the lighter colors look better....white and silver. The blue seems to hide the lines of the side. If only the white could hide the front end a little better.
Surprised that they went with blue for showing off the model. I am sure (kinda) that it will drive great, but I just find the exterior design so bland, except for the grill which I still do not like. My 3G has 171k and hopefully will get me through another couple of years in time for a mid year revision.

Timmy18

Is it just me or do they not look impressed. The girl is even like "WTF happened to Acura!?"

randomRon82

Lmfao! Sttttop. Haha.. I guess they worked for Acura, they were locking the vehicle up... But everyone that walked past while I was there seemed very unimpressed. They looked at the car for 5 seconds and walked on by.

randomRon82

It was there for an Acura sponsored concert yesterday so probably not still there today. I'll drive down in a few to see. If it is I'll let you know.

Tonyware

She is trying to figure out who stole the spare from the trunk, lots of suspects around

weather

I wonder what guys at Acura think when they read/hear about how critical we are of their designs and implementation of products. It has to hurt a little....They can't be that dumb and not browse what we write here. I know we are enthusiast and they can't develop an entire brand only for us, but you also have to remember that enthusiast are also very loyal and they should be listening to some of our comments and adjust accordingly.

I know people say bring a RWD plateform, bring a V8 etc.

I am realistic, that will not happen (not that they can't, they just won't and I am not here to argue to economics of the decision). That being said, you just don't spend all this energy developing a fine piece of technology and give it a style that few appreciate. You can be aggressive without polarizing...look at most brand out there if you don't believe me. Give it decent wheels...copy another brand if you can't come up with your own.

At the end end of the day, we want a car that is fun to drive, great on fuel but ALSO, nice to look at! The prototype was loved by all.....the bodykit they gave us is another tacked on piece that doesn't flow well in the rear. Have you guys seen the kit on the ILX, it looks MUCH better!!

Why could they come up with a total rear/front bumper for the 09-11 TSX and can't give us something similar for the TLX?

I know I get some flack for bashing Acura....I love the brand, I really do but it just pisses me off that they go almost all the way and stop short! Its like pulling out before having an orgasm! I mean who does that?!?!

Sad part is I'll either have a TLX in my driveway next spring (white with a bodykit) or an ILX Dynamic in white with a bodykit

holografique

If it werent for the 5## on the trunk of a 5 series, I'd swear I was looking at a 1-series, 2-series, 3-series, 4-series, or 7-series....

What exactly are you expecting or complaining about? it's the same company making the ILX and TLX and wanting to create some consistent design language across their lineup.

Glashub

Okay the forums were ablaze with how polarizing the 4g was and it didn't sell. Now most everyone posts about how it's so bland. I'm sure they learned to tune us out long ago.

Linmk2

Motor Trend Magazine in the WOT blog asked the question "Refreshing or Revolting" regarding the new TLX. The comments posted by readers were almost universally negative.

http://wot.motortrend.com/1406_refre..._2015_tlx.html

reddogTL

I see a lot of people comparing the TLX to the Kia Optima/Hyundai Sonata. Not sure how many of you have been watching the new 2015 Sonata but I saw and sat in it in person at the NY Auto Show. The interior has definitely gone up scale. They also announced a new powertrain combo 1.6T with 7 Speed DCT tranny rated 28/28mpg. The hp is down at 177hp but torque is up at 195lbs. DCT's are all new for Kia/Hyundai and new in the mid size sedan segment. A fully loaded 2015 Sonata hovers at $35k which includes everything but a kitchen sink.

2015 Hyundai Sonata Eco nets 38 mpg from 1.6L turbo, 7-speed DCT

Pictured below Sonata 2.0T Notice the Quad exhaust?

Pictured below Sonata 2.0T

Pictured below Sonata 2.0T interior with D shaped steering wheel. I noticed there's an "Auto Hold" button in front of the arm rest. A feature luxury cars have. I believe only the TLX V6 and up come with this feature.

randomRon82

I'm not going to lie... Reading those comments was very hard and sad... It seems like no one has faith in Acura or the TLX and they think the brand is a complete joke at this point... And I can guarantee that probably 90 percent or more of the folks are not just Acura hating trolls, but that this is just a universal perception.

Anyway, just a warning, if you read the comments you'll probably get upset

Glashub

I don't care what the commenters have to say. Read the article -- Motor Trend loves the changes -- from every angle -- interior included. I find most commenters have agendas.

skd2k1

iTrader: (1)

my comment was targeted toward 4g owners voicing dissatisfaction with the tlx design. if tlx should have come out in '09, what does that say about '09 4g design? no matter how you slice it, tlx is a better looking car than the 4g.

acura has never given us very aggressive designs, so I'm not sure why anyone would be expecting that. time will tell, but I'm betting the tlx is a better value than a c350.

fwiw, I've had many a kia/hyundai for a rental car and imo they are not on par with acura.

komplexZ

Interesting they put the gas door right on the two body lines, I would think you wouldn't want to break those up, hope the door never gets a little misaligned, might look funny


Not in the market for a new car, but if I was, it'd be Lexus, I like the aggressive styling on all their models

komplexZ

Pretty much all BMW's look exactly the same, you just pick wheel base and number of doors you want, and that's the series you buy.

KeithL

I would. It put the Sonota up against the TLX as the Hyundai materials are not on par with the TLX. I have been in then15 Genesis now twice and think my 4G AWD materials were a tad better than the new Genesis and seeing how the TLX materials are supposed to be a bit better I suspect the Acura materials are much better.

kurtatx

Agreed with this. It's not particularly close. Anyone who thinks otherwise either owns a Hyundai or is a regular in the Automotive News forum.

holografique

Exactly. Mercedes-Benz don't veer that far off either. From the C to the S series, pretty much same design, just different sizes/features with some slight modifications to the front/rear fascia. The CLA and the SLS-Coupe series are really the two that have some more prominent design changes. I really love the E-Series Coupe though...slick looking car with a mature/refined edge to it.

And for that matter the same can be said about Audi, with the A7 being the only one that shows any distinct different (mainly being the rear sloped design).

Buy hey, what do I know...if Acurazine says otherwise, then it has to be true...

ggesq

iTrader: (1)

Why? Why get the TLX? It disappoints you. I just wanna understand your rationale of settling.

MisterZDX

It says that the design was ahead of its time in '09 and the TLX seems like a more natural transition from the 3G. The 4G design should've been the TLX.

skd2k1

iTrader: (1)

the 4g tl hasn't even sold half of what the 3g sold, but it did sell better in '09 than it sold in '13. so, I don't see how you can frame the 4g as being 'ahead of it's time' considering it's selling worse now than it did in '09.

MisterZDX

I happen to think the 4G TL and ZDX were very aggressive. Both were not the best sellers, but that's because most buyers were turned off by the original beak. I bet had the 09 TL debuted with the toned down '12 refresh beak, it would've sold better. In the case of the ZDX, it was marketed all wrong, priced too high, and the lack of rear headroom and cargo space is what turned most people off (that and with the RDX and MDX, there really wasn't much need for the ZDX). Lexus never really offered aggressive designs in the past either, but now look at their current line-up. I still think the TLX is bland. The average car buyer (that keeps cars for awhile and don't trade every 2-3 years) wants an exterior styling that will stand the test of time and not look dated years down the line. In the case of the TLX, it already looks dated upon arrival. If this thing doesn't sell well, I foresee a big mid year refresh coming.

MisterZDX

The 3G was released when Acura was at its peak. Most luxury buyers jumped ship since then and Acura still hasn't bounced back from that. Comparing 4G sales now to when it was still a new design in '09 doesn't really make sense. It is a 6 year old design. Of course sales will not be the best now. It is selling in the used market though. I see tons of older ones on the road now. And I for one have never understood the big deal about the 3G. In my opinion, is is just an okay looking car but definitely doesn't turn heads. During that time I may would have considered a Type-S just because of my loyalty to Honda/Acura, but once I saw the 4G I was sold. Then the ZDX just solidified it for me.

skd2k1

iTrader: (1)

my view is opposite yours here, I think a more conservative design is more likely to stand the test of time. look at the 1g is300/altezza, those tails were very trendy for a little while but now no one would be caught dead with those on their car. I am not a fan of the 'predator grill' and doubt it will look good years into the future...but who knows?

funny you mention that, as a lot of folks jumped ship in '09 with the introduction of the 4g. you even said yourself that the '12 refresh would have sold better, and yet the sales of the 4g continued to drop. don't get me wrong, I like the 4g but I like the tlx better.

looks are somewhat subjective, but I think the facts speak for themselves: 4g was not a good seller compared to 3g. the tlx builds on the '12 refresh and improves. my bet is that the tlx will outsell the 4g.

ReLaX

Respectfully, I can think of a few. The is and es 350, BMW 3,5 series, most of the Audis, the C and E class MB, etc.

Most car manufacturers seek brand identity through a common design language or some visual cue. My niece bought a 2014 es350, said it was too big and traded it back in for the smaller is 350 and is much happier. From Hyundai to Ferrari I think a common design language is a sought after commodity. Don't like one model? They've got something similar in a different size or price point.


I've checked out the ILX forums and some of those guys have that car looking really good. I've no doubt there are some future 5G owners that will do the same shortly. They're similar but you'll know the difference.

vbx

Look more like the girl was checking out the guy. Noticed how she arched her back so her tits would pop out more.

holografique

Nooo doubt. I love the ILX design. There is definitely some great looking work on the ILX forum. And mainly just simple stuff, tint, rims, accessories kit. Nothing crazy, it's just a hot little car.

I'm looking forward to hopefully see Acura up the luxury and performance level on that thing so I can keep leasing one for my wife, but really have it as my secret "sporty fun" driver. I would love to drive a 2.4L with P-AWS, better suspension and better interior cabin noise reduction. Should make for quick well-handled zippy ride that feels "nice" to drive inside.

SeismicGuy

That's the thing when an auto maker tries to jazz up a ho-hum boring design with things like underbody kits and such. The tacked on plastic pieces end up looking like . . . .tacked on plastic pieces. Such is the case with a white TL California edition I see every day parked where I work. The more time passes the lousier the tacked on plastic pieces look.

Oswald Vater

"I see a lot of people comparing the TLX to the Kia Optima/Hyundai Sonata".

While this is a good comparison for the 4-cylinder TLX I think a better comparison for the other trim levels is the Azera/Cadenza. It appears to me that they are what the TL was originally designed to be - a comfortable, sporty looking car with loads of technology - and what I hope the TLX V-6 will be. While I still think Acura builds a better product than the Koreans the Koreans are now building the car that attracted me to Acura in the first place 14 years ago. Difference for me will probably depend on TLX pricing although I've not yet ruled out Lexus ES. Hurry up Acura - bring it out!