SSFTSX

Mazda 6 will remain great on paper. It cannot transform that paper specification into real world results. Mazda is brand slightly better than Ford.
Acura RLX already starts from Best in class of safety, best in class fuel economic, best in class refinement, best in class reliabilty, best in class rear leg room. and best in class handling with all season tire setup. I have no doubt this thing you can drive above legal limit freeway speeds and still get better fuel economy than any one else. as Acura themselves proclaimed best in class Aerodynamics. and the best ergonomically designed interior.
This is the car that you can drive fast on freeways for hrs without concerned about fuel economic or breakdown. and there is resale value advantage over competition. There are too many German lease returns at bargain basement prices relative to new. There are too many advantage for RLX.

Hapa DC5

Best in class side mirror aerodynamics. Best in class vent design. Best in class ground clearance. Best in class (if there is one) front wheel drive mid-size flagship.

Edward'TLS

Doesn't this add to the advantage of buying German vehicles ?

With such attractive prices, it gives car buyers even more reason to buy used German vehicles over the comparatively more expensive used RLX.

All these buyers are getting the best of both worlds by buying used German vehicles.

They are spending less money, but also getting the more desirable and the more prestige luxury German name plate on their used vehicles.

TSX69

2014 Acura RLX Track Test

Edmunds tests hundreds of vehicles a year. Cars, trucks, SUVs, we run them all, and the numbers always tell a story. With that in mind we present "Edmunds Track Tested," a quick rundown of all the data we collect at the track, along with comments direct from the test drivers. Enjoy.

Branding is tricky business. Do it correctly and your product can flourish with minimal change (see: Coke). Do it incorrectly, and it doesn't matter how good the product is. Selling it is going to be an uphill battle (see: Blackberry).

And, as with Blackberry (née RIM), the changing of a product name is a bold, sometimes desperate attempt at brand strategy. Good-bye, brand equity; hello, blank slate. This year, the front-drive 2014 Acura RLX replaces the slow-selling all-wheel-drive Acura RL (which was killed in 2012). That's right, Acura's added an "X" and removed standard all-wheel drive from its $60,000 luxury flagship sedan in an effort to increase desirability. (All-wheel drive will be available on the 370-horsepower Acura RLX Hybrid.)

What have they added to make up for it? Slightly more legroom, even more high-tech interior features, upgraded ELS stereo and 10 more horsepower (for a total of 310 hp) from a smaller V6. Acura has also added Precision All-Wheel Steering to the mix which, in theory, helps to offset the front-drive dynamics.

During our 2014 Acura RLX First Drive we were given back-to-back time with the RLX, the BMW 535i and a Mercedes-Benz E350 on a small road course. Our initial take was that the 535's adjustable dampers and rear-drive nature were a better combo. But do the numbers back up our take? We took a 2014 Acura RLX to the track to find out.

Vehicle: 2014 Acura RLX

Odometer: 1,424
Date: 2/19/2013
Driver: Chris Walton
Price: $61,345

Specifications:
Drive Type: Front engine, front-wheel drive
Transmission Type: 6-speed automatic
Engine Type: Naturally aspirated, direct-injected V6
Displacement (cc/cu-in): 3,471/211.8
Redline (rpm): 6,600
Horsepower (hp @ rpm): 310 @ 6,500
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm): 272 @ 4,500
Brake Type (front): 12.3-inch 1-piece vented cast-iron rotors, single-piston sliding calipers
Brake Type (rear): 12.2-inch 1-piece solid cast-iron rotors, single-piston sliding calipers
Suspension Type (front): Independent double wishbone with double ball joint lower arm, coil springs, stabilizer bar
Suspension Type (rear): Independent multilink, coil springs, stabilizer bar

Tire Size (front): 245/40R19 98Y (M+S)
Tire Size (rear): 245/40R19 98Y (M+S)
Tire Brand: Michelin
Tire Model: Primacy MxM4
Tire Type: Asymmetrical, all-season
As Tested Curb Weight (lb): 3,980

Test Results:

Acceleration
0-30 (sec): 2.7 (2.8 w/ TC on)
0-45 (sec): 4.4 (4.5 w/ TC on)
0-60 (sec): 6.5 (6.6 w/ TC on)
0-60 with 1-ft Rollout (sec): 6.2 (6.3 w/ TC on)
0-75 (sec): 9.0 (9.2 w/ TC on)
1/4-Mile (sec @ mph): 14.6 @ 97.1 (14.7 @ 96.8 w/ TC on)

Braking
30-0 (ft): 30
60-0 (ft): 120

Handling
Slalom (mph): 63.3 (ESC Sport)/62.7 (ESC Normal)
Skid Pad Lateral Acceleration (g): 0.82 (Sport)/0.81 (Normal)

Db @ Idle: 39.0
Db @ Full Throttle: 70.8
Db @ 70-mph Cruise: 60.3

RPM @ 70: 2,150

Comments:

Acceleration: Absolutely hates pedal overlap, but there's plenty of power at launch for wheelspin. Traction control is very effective and I was not able to improve on the car's ability with it shut off. There's no difference between "Normal" and "Sport" at wide-open throttle, but manual shift works in Sport. The free-revving and lively engine has power all the way to redline upshifts.

Braking: Consistent stopping distances from 60 mph, however, noticeable pad odor after 4 stops and softening pedal feedback.

Handling:

Skid pad: Very gentle, almost imperceptible throttle closure as the car approaches the front tires' ability to grip. Good steering weight and decent feedback.

Slalom: Good, crisp steering response; however, the body roll delays a change in direction. Stability system is rather lenient and only intervenes when steering doesn't match direction of travel. Confident, and competent, but not outstanding.

PHP Code:

      2014 Acura RLX     2011 BMW 535i
Curb weight as tested:     3,980     4,056
             
0-30 (sec.):     2.7     2.3
0-45 (sec.):     4.4     3.9
0-60 (sec.):     6.5     5.9
0-60 with 1-ft Rollout (sec.):     6.2     5.6
0-75 (sec.):     9.0     8.6
1/4-mile (sec @ mph):     14.6 @ 97.1     14.3 @ 95.1
             
30-0 (ft):     30     28
60-0 (ft):     120     110
             
Skid Pad Lateral Accel (g):     0.82     0.84
Slalom:     63.3     64.9 


SSFTSX

RLX is faster at quater mile than 535 (superior aerodynamics) and RLX is also way quieter. Primacy are the worst tire for handling. more for fuel efficiency.
more over 535 is with sport package. so slightly better handling. look at the width of rear tire.


http://www.edmunds.com/bmw/5-series/...st-specs3.html
Sport Package ($2,200 -- inclludes sports leather steering wheel; 19-by-8.5-inch front and 19-by-9-inch rear V-Spoke [style 331] alloy wheels with 245/40R19 front and 275/35R19 rear run-flat performance tires

civicdrivr

iTrader: (9)

^ Page not found. Much like your logic.

fsttyms1

This is exactly why it wont be noticed. It doesnt have a real style, its plain/bland. They need something that will get people to come and look at it. specs on paper are not the way to do it.

And seriously Japanese paint? It will shine for years? this is quite possibly the dumbest thing you have typed.

Ken1997TL

Uhh, the 535 is .3 seconds faster in the 1/4 mile. 14.3 vs 14.6

Not that it really matters, your average RL owner is a 60+ woman on her way to the salon.

fsttyms1

Ill add this before he does, According to the stats, the RL is 2mph faster though

AZP-TL

You pay for it in maintenance though.

Belzebutt

fsttyms1

That should be his avatar

Hapa DC5

You have the power.....

NSXNEXT

iTrader: (2)

That's better.

Here's the RLXs newest color...


Do you really believe everything you write?

Costco

"Japanese paint quality"

MuGen7Modulo

^ That is not RL hood...

SSFTSX

http://www.edmunds.com/bmw/5-series/...st-specs3.html

SSFTSX

I think it is best styled in its class. It is already the quietest vehicle. and track test does not tell how much body motion is transmitted to passenger inside the cabin. You dont want to have Mitsu Evo type body motions intrude into the cars and too much side leaning during the corners. I would say Acura would have improved on this body motion department in RLX.






RL used to come with long lasting shining paint. Acura has that shinning paint.

CLtotheTL32

iTrader: (3)

Here's a 2006 RBP TL that only had 60k miles on it. Look at that "shinning" paint:







My girlfriend's 2002 Civic was even worse. Honda/Acura paint is pathetic IMO.

SSFTSX

Is it JDM RL?. RL clearly differentiate itself once it is 6 or 7 years old compared to others.

Hapa DC5

CLtotheTL32

iTrader: (3)

How? The RL had many of the same color choices as the 3G TL. There's no reason why the paint on a RL should differ so much from the same paint on a TL or any other Acura the same age.

Edward'TLS

Just buy those used German ones with owner-transferable extended warranty, and skip the ones without.

SSFTSX

Hondas also have same color choices. but JDM expensive models have different finish. Try find another Accord with same kind finish in black outdoors. The Civic to the side look so cheap.

HBaJ

1. That is a completely subjective statement, but I think majority of people would disagree.

2. What makes you think that by any stretch of the imagination that an Evo w/ a stiff, aggressive suspension setup, designed to corner flat would have MORE body roll than a mid-level luxury sedan??

3. Won't address the shiny paint.

fsttyms1

Thats right, no one has good paint.

02 Pontiac. Crappy paint right? No shine, or luster




I can post pictures of cars all day long that look good and say their paint is just as good. I can also post pics of bad. There is nothing special about the paint they use in Japan vs America.





Paint Finish and how it looks after a few years has the most to do with how well it was taken care of. Not where it was painted.

SSFTSX

I know all those things but higher priced Honda have different paint. See this Picture from UK. Most people dont have a garages there. and Cars are full time parked on street and very damp weather. do real world comparision Not some car prepared for sale at dealer or garaged. There plenty of old EuroAccords on street of UK. They look different as they age compared to BMW 3. The fit and finish and windows every thing is upscale.

CLtotheTL32

iTrader: (3)

I can't help but laugh at you and the "opinions" you post as if they are facts

jnc2000

I want what he's smoking....

CLtotheTL32

iTrader: (3)

No drugs there, just don't ever go #2 again.

Legend2TL

This is also a step back as the 2G RL had 4 piston front fixed calipers. To go back to sliding 1 piston like the 1G RL and most of it's competition is not good IMO.

fsttyms1

There isnt upscale Japanese paint

So by your logic then, ANY RL that gets in an accident will have inferior US paint which wont last? And ill tell you this now, body shops DO NOT get the paint from Acura!

The ONLY thing that varies from manufacturer to manufacturer is the painting PROCESS and the machines that spray it! Like i have told you before, I PAINT cars on the side, i have for over 22 years. Products may vary,yes some are better than others (and that has more to do with the way it sprays and lays) but there isnt one that is upscale and impervious to the elements that they only use in japan like you like to think. Plus with EVERYONE going to water based which comes down to the process more than anything.

phile

I think Acura decided that since they weren't getting any praises for the way they were doing things, they'd retrograde. Like, I highly doubt the carbon fiber driveshaft will make an appearance on the e-sh-awd model. Apparently it was a 5K piece.

Ken1997TL

You're right, there won't be ANY driveshaft whatsoever.

civicdrivr

iTrader: (9)

Source? Don't worry, I'll wait...

TSX69

2014 Acura RLX: Road Test

Our road test for the 2014 Acura RLX includes a full evaluation of the 2014 Acura RLX from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2014 Acura RLX, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2014 Acura RLX help you decide if a 2014 Acura RLX is right for you.

ACCELERATION
RLX w/Advance Pkg. Class Average
7 7
A top-line Advance Package-equipped RLX is the only model made available to test. Acceleration is linear and robust in both around-town and highway driving. Transmission is smooth and responsive; a Sport Mode button activates sharper throttle response and alters the shift map for spirited driving.

FUEL ECONOMY
RLX w/Advance Pkg. Class Average
5 5
No opportunity to measure. Acura recommends premium-grade gas. All RLXs have a capless fuel filler.

RIDE QUALITY
RLX w/Advance Pkg. Class Average
7 7
RLX's ride is generally composed and comfortably absorbent, but can be active on rough pavement. There is no undue pitch or wallow, and only very sharp bumps intrude.

STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
RLX w/Advance Pkg. Class Average
7 7
RLX delivers sport-sedan-nimble moves and boasts plenty of high-tech driver-aid features. The 4-wheel steering system enables crisper lane changes on the highway and sharper cornering in tight turns. The Sport Mode button adjusts steering response and optimizes the all-wheel-steering system for performance driving. A "brake hold" button is a clever new feature; pressing it keeps the brakes applied after the driver lifts off the brake pedal after a stop and doesn't release the brakes until the gas pedal is depressed. This is a handy feature for drive-thrus and the like. The Advance Package's "low-speed follow" function works smoothly.

QUIETNESS
RLX w/Advance Pkg. Class Average
8 8
RLX comes standard with active noise cancellation technology that helps minimize ambient noise, and all but the base model come with sound-insulating glass. Wind rush and tire roar are nicely muted. V6 is nearly silent at cruise and sounds rich and refined in fast acceleration.

CONTROLS
RLX w/Advance Pkg. Class Average
7 7
The main gauges are large, clearly marked, and easy to read at a glance. The previous-generation Acura RL had a daunting sea of buttons on the center-stack control panel, but the RLX's touchscreen control system makes for a simpler, less cluttered interface. Buttons and switches are easily accessed, and the touchscreen's functions are intuitive.

DETAILS
RLX w/Advance Pkg. Class Average
8 8
The cabin feels high-tech, contemporary, and very rich. High-quality leather and soft-touch surfaces abound. RLXs equipped with the Technology Package or above come with upgraded perforated-leather seating surfaces that look especially classy. Wood trim inserts break up the monotone surfaces, but some testers found the wood finish to be overly glossy and artificial looking.

ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
RLX w/Advance Pkg. Class Average
8 8
Most adults will find more than enough headroom and legroom. Seats are long-haul comfortable and supportive. Ample adjustments make it simple to dial in a good driving position. Visibility is decent all-around.

ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
RLX w/Advance Pkg. Class Average
6 6
Acura boasts that RLX has the best rear-seat space among its competition. Legroom and shoulder room are indeed generous, but the sunroof's housing can intrude a bit on headroom for very tall occupants.

CARGO ROOM
RLX w/Advance Pkg. Class Average
4 4
Trunk space is generous, and the aperture is large. A lack of folding rear seat backs is a minor demerit; there is only a small pass-though in the rear-seat center-armrest pocket. Interior small-items storage is better than average. The center console bin is generously sized, and its cleverly engineered center console lid is dual-hinged so it can open from either the driver or passenger side.

VALUE WITHIN CLASS
RLX w/Advance Pkg. Class Average
7 7
Acura's all-new flagship sedan strikes a fine balance between luxury, technology, and invigorating performance, all while maintaining the distinctive character of the Acura brand. The RLX is brimming with available high-tech equipment, including class-exclusive 4-wheel steering. However, since Acura doesn't offer traditional stand-alone options, acquiring some features means stepping up to expensive trim packages. Still, RLX is worth checking out if you're in the market for a premium sedan with an athletic, contemporary personality.

Total Score
RLX w/Advance Pkg. Class Average
74 74

Legend2TL

I agree, 4 piston front calipers are only noticed by a small minority of potential buyers. Besides the Brembo's on my TL I also like the alum,inum front sub-frame which again unless you change your oil/filter would not even notice.

I was curious so I checked $2K list, yeah that's one expensive piece of carbon fiber

http://www.acuraoemparts.com/delray/...All&vinsrch=no

dom

Someone brought this up before but I can't recall the answer. Presuming that those 2 motors powering the rear wheels are not as powerful as the gas engine up front nor can that gas engine provide power to those 2 rear wheels because the lack of the drive shaft, how much power percentage wise will the rear wheels ever get? This will I think still mostly feel like a FWD drive car?

Not an issue on the NSX since its all reversed.

CLtotheTL32

iTrader: (3)

fsttyms1

I dont think so Power pushing is power pushing. It may not be walk the ass end out on dry pavement power but it will certainly help the car accelerate and corner (in theory)