Acura: TLX News
10-02-2014, 01:45 PM
Team Owner
How do they know the output is better? because it looks whiter? Also both LED/HID age, so compare a 10 years old HID vs a brand new LED is not very accurate.
I am not lighting expert but i know output is measured by #s. Also how wide and far the beams are. How evenly the light is spread without dead spots <-one of the limitations of LED pattern and one of the reasons why they require so many projector lenses and 4 reflectors (BMW)
I am not lighting expert but i know output is measured by #s. Also how wide and far the beams are. How evenly the light is spread without dead spots <-one of the limitations of LED pattern and one of the reasons why they require so many projector lenses and 4 reflectors (BMW)
Last edited by oonowindoo; 10-02-2014 at 01:50 PM.
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10-02-2014, 01:58 PM
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
Because Acura.
Advance.
Advance.
10-02-2014, 02:34 PM
How do they know the output is better? because it looks whiter? Also both LED/HID age, so compare a 10 years old HID vs a brand new LED is not very accurate.
I am not lighting expert but i know output is measured by #s. Also how wide and far the beams are. How evenly the light is spread without dead spots <-one of the limitations of LED pattern and one of the reasons why they require so many projector lenses and 4 reflectors (BMW)
I am not lighting expert but i know output is measured by #s. Also how wide and far the beams are. How evenly the light is spread without dead spots <-one of the limitations of LED pattern and one of the reasons why they require so many projector lenses and 4 reflectors (BMW)
10-02-2014, 02:47 PM
Team Owner
No necessarily.
Better cutoff has nothing to do with LED lights.
First you have to understand LEDs are very straight forward and do not go far. That is just the nature of LED. They are brighter yes but the light itself has many restrictions and limitations.
unlike HID/Halogen bulbs, they spread by nature. So you need projectors/reflectors to limit the output and light pattern so you don't blind anyone and you can increase the watts if more lights are needed.
Due to the limitations of LED bulbs, the performance of LED headlights is heavily depended on the design of the headlight since every LED in the headlight can only cover a small area, unless car maker can precisely put the LED's output right next to each other, which i think it is physically impossible, there will be over lapping and dead spots.
Some area might be super bright and some are not.
So having multiple projectors do not mean wider or evenly placed beam pattern than HID. they only mean they needed those to make up the limitation of LED bulbs themselves.
Now i think LED is the future of headlights but as of right now, i don't think they have completely overcame the restriction of LED bulbs yet based on my personal experience with LED equipped cars. Maybe in a few years.
Also Output, visibility and the color you see on the road from your headlight are not the same things.
again. I am not lighting expert. Correct me if i am wrong.
Better cutoff has nothing to do with LED lights.
First you have to understand LEDs are very straight forward and do not go far. That is just the nature of LED. They are brighter yes but the light itself has many restrictions and limitations.
unlike HID/Halogen bulbs, they spread by nature. So you need projectors/reflectors to limit the output and light pattern so you don't blind anyone and you can increase the watts if more lights are needed.
Due to the limitations of LED bulbs, the performance of LED headlights is heavily depended on the design of the headlight since every LED in the headlight can only cover a small area, unless car maker can precisely put the LED's output right next to each other, which i think it is physically impossible, there will be over lapping and dead spots.
Some area might be super bright and some are not.
So having multiple projectors do not mean wider or evenly placed beam pattern than HID. they only mean they needed those to make up the limitation of LED bulbs themselves.
Now i think LED is the future of headlights but as of right now, i don't think they have completely overcame the restriction of LED bulbs yet based on my personal experience with LED equipped cars. Maybe in a few years.
Also Output, visibility and the color you see on the road from your headlight are not the same things.
again. I am not lighting expert. Correct me if i am wrong.
Last edited by oonowindoo; 10-02-2014 at 02:54 PM.
10-02-2014, 04:24 PM
No necessarily.
Better cutoff has nothing to do with LED lights.
First you have to understand LEDs are very straight forward and do not go far. That is just the nature of LED. They are brighter yes but the light itself has many restrictions and limitations.
unlike HID/Halogen bulbs, they spread by nature. So you need projectors/reflectors to limit the output and light pattern so you don't blind anyone and you can increase the watts if more lights are needed.
Due to the limitations of LED bulbs, the performance of LED headlights is heavily depended on the design of the headlight since every LED in the headlight can only cover a small area, unless car maker can precisely put the LED's output right next to each other, which i think it is physically impossible, there will be over lapping and dead spots.
Some area might be super bright and some are not.
So having multiple projectors do not mean wider or evenly placed beam pattern than HID. they only mean they needed those to make up the limitation of LED bulbs themselves.
Now i think LED is the future of headlights but as of right now, i don't think they have completely overcame the restriction of LED bulbs yet based on my personal experience with LED equipped cars. Maybe in a few years.
Also Output, visibility and the color you see on the road from your headlight are not the same things.
again. I am not lighting expert. Correct me if i am wrong.
Better cutoff has nothing to do with LED lights.
First you have to understand LEDs are very straight forward and do not go far. That is just the nature of LED. They are brighter yes but the light itself has many restrictions and limitations.
unlike HID/Halogen bulbs, they spread by nature. So you need projectors/reflectors to limit the output and light pattern so you don't blind anyone and you can increase the watts if more lights are needed.
Due to the limitations of LED bulbs, the performance of LED headlights is heavily depended on the design of the headlight since every LED in the headlight can only cover a small area, unless car maker can precisely put the LED's output right next to each other, which i think it is physically impossible, there will be over lapping and dead spots.
Some area might be super bright and some are not.
So having multiple projectors do not mean wider or evenly placed beam pattern than HID. they only mean they needed those to make up the limitation of LED bulbs themselves.
Now i think LED is the future of headlights but as of right now, i don't think they have completely overcame the restriction of LED bulbs yet based on my personal experience with LED equipped cars. Maybe in a few years.
Also Output, visibility and the color you see on the road from your headlight are not the same things.
again. I am not lighting expert. Correct me if i am wrong.
10-02-2014, 04:54 PM
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
It's too bad that Acura couldnt execute the design better. The so called jewel eye headlight looks super weird during the day.
10-02-2014, 06:09 PM
Team Owner
Many of the retro fitted Projectors have some of the sharpest cutoff. Some of them don't even seem to be real.
So you can say they improved with their projectors. that is it.
My company's Oddy with halogen has sharper cutoff than my 335i with HID.
10-02-2014, 06:58 PM
6G TLX-S
This is good brand recognition, and Acura would consider that as a job well done when Acura has been trying so hard to build up it's unique identity.
10-02-2014, 07:19 PM
Moderator
But then, now that when everyone sees a vehicle with super weird LED headlights, they immediately recognize it is an Acura, NOT a lowly Honda or anything else.
This is good brand recognition, and Acura would consider that as a job well done when Acura has been trying so hard to build up it's unique identity.
This is good brand recognition, and Acura would consider that as a job well done when Acura has been trying so hard to build up it's unique identity.
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10-02-2014, 11:20 PM
6G TLX-S
Acura chickened out using an unified beak to build up brand recognition. So the beak was a half-ass, failed attempt; be it good or bad.
But this time around, Acura is going all out, installing "Jewel Eye" LED headlights in all new and upcoming Acura vehicles. There is no turn back this time.
10-02-2014, 11:24 PM
Team Owner
at least Acura did not offer LED headlight with just 1 projector (like Corolla or Camry)
even though i fully expected them to do so.
Good or bad, you know Acura's LED at least look different than Accord's.
even though i fully expected them to do so.
Good or bad, you know Acura's LED at least look different than Accord's.
10-02-2014, 11:58 PM
Racer
1. You have lived in LA and you are living in LA now are not same. I don't think you know what kind of situation we have here for the past 3 or 4 years.
2. quote me, where/when did i EVER say better visibility is no use? However, driving in LA with all the street lights, the difference between HID and LED are not very noticeable if any, other than color.
3. If you want to get into LED vs. HID. Show me how LED actually has better output than HID? The color is whiter but it does not mean it has better output. It takes a lot for LED to have comparable output as HID, simply because of the limitation of LED output pattern. You may say you had HID before and it does not seem to be as good as LED. Maybe that is true. but you have to understand not all HID are not the same. Example, G35 HID is crap, worse than most of the Halogen bulbs, while S2000's HID has better visibility than every LED equipped car i have driven. (Audi, 4 series, E-Class, Prius).
4. You don't need a car in LA if you don't venture outside the city? it does not sound like you ever lived in LA before.
2. quote me, where/when did i EVER say better visibility is no use? However, driving in LA with all the street lights, the difference between HID and LED are not very noticeable if any, other than color.
3. If you want to get into LED vs. HID. Show me how LED actually has better output than HID? The color is whiter but it does not mean it has better output. It takes a lot for LED to have comparable output as HID, simply because of the limitation of LED output pattern. You may say you had HID before and it does not seem to be as good as LED. Maybe that is true. but you have to understand not all HID are not the same. Example, G35 HID is crap, worse than most of the Halogen bulbs, while S2000's HID has better visibility than every LED equipped car i have driven. (Audi, 4 series, E-Class, Prius).
4. You don't need a car in LA if you don't venture outside the city? it does not sound like you ever lived in LA before.
I won't go into the reasons LEDs are being called better by the experts, (others have done that since.) You said to quote you...here it is:
"We don't have any of that... so useless for me."
(In response to the poster who said this: Henceforth, LED headlights are a must have for me.
Last edited by Boulder TSX; 10-03-2014 at 12:05 AM.
10-03-2014, 02:00 AM
Team Owner
So useless for me = visibility is no use in General?
and if you can distinguish the difference between sarcasm and being serious, then i can't help you.
Also like i said earlier LEDs are better in many ways and they are the future and you don't need an expert to tell you that. But because of the limitation of LED, the current LED headlight technology is just not as matured as HID with a good projector.
the whole point is it is too early to say LED headlights are better than HID, and it is a must have for people who live in the dark area.
and if you can distinguish the difference between sarcasm and being serious, then i can't help you.
Also like i said earlier LEDs are better in many ways and they are the future and you don't need an expert to tell you that. But because of the limitation of LED, the current LED headlight technology is just not as matured as HID with a good projector.
the whole point is it is too early to say LED headlights are better than HID, and it is a must have for people who live in the dark area.
10-03-2014, 08:42 AM
So useless for me = visibility is no use in General?
and if you can distinguish the difference between sarcasm and being serious, then i can't help you.
Also like i said earlier LEDs are better in many ways and they are the future and you don't need an expert to tell you that. But because of the limitation of LED, the current LED headlight technology is just not as matured as HID with a good projector.
the whole point is it is too early to say LED headlights are better than HID, and it is a must have for people who live in the dark area.
and if you can distinguish the difference between sarcasm and being serious, then i can't help you.
Also like i said earlier LEDs are better in many ways and they are the future and you don't need an expert to tell you that. But because of the limitation of LED, the current LED headlight technology is just not as matured as HID with a good projector.
the whole point is it is too early to say LED headlights are better than HID, and it is a must have for people who live in the dark area.
10-03-2014, 09:46 AM
Racer
"Useless for you" has yet to be proven...unless you drive only on Hollywood Blvd -- during daylight hours.
As for what's better, all of the leading luxury car manufacturers disagree with you, including BMW, Mercedes and Audi, who all have models debuting this year with LED headlights...each company has discussed why they are better. (Better illumination, warmer daylight temperature light, much less energy use, longer life, etc.)
And with that, the axe you carry with derision of Acura has been proven beyond any doubt in this thread....when it ended up running beyond reality.
As for what's better, all of the leading luxury car manufacturers disagree with you, including BMW, Mercedes and Audi, who all have models debuting this year with LED headlights...each company has discussed why they are better. (Better illumination, warmer daylight temperature light, much less energy use, longer life, etc.)
And with that, the axe you carry with derision of Acura has been proven beyond any doubt in this thread....when it ended up running beyond reality.
Last edited by Boulder TSX; 10-03-2014 at 09:51 AM.
10-03-2014, 09:56 AM
2024 Honda Civic Type R
What I feel like reading the past few pages.
10-03-2014, 10:14 AM
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
Exactly.
10-03-2014, 10:22 AM
Senior Moderator
Um, this is...interesting...
10-03-2014, 11:48 AM
Team Owner
"Useless for you" has yet to be proven...unless you drive only on Hollywood Blvd -- during daylight hours.
As for what's better, all of the leading luxury car manufacturers disagree with you, including BMW, Mercedes and Audi, who all have models debuting this year with LED headlights...each company has discussed why they are better. (Better illumination, warmer daylight temperature light, much less energy use, longer life, etc.)
And with that, the axe you carry with derision of Acura has been proven beyond any doubt in this thread....when it ended up running beyond reality.
As for what's better, all of the leading luxury car manufacturers disagree with you, including BMW, Mercedes and Audi, who all have models debuting this year with LED headlights...each company has discussed why they are better. (Better illumination, warmer daylight temperature light, much less energy use, longer life, etc.)
And with that, the axe you carry with derision of Acura has been proven beyond any doubt in this thread....when it ended up running beyond reality.
Also BMW claimed i was supposed to get 30mpg, no i only get 22. BMW also told me i should change my oil every 11,000 miles.
I agree with all of those except for better illumination. They have not been out long enough to be proven.
Last edited by oonowindoo; 10-03-2014 at 11:56 AM.
10-03-2014, 11:53 AM
Team Owner
"Useless for you" has yet to be proven...unless you drive only on Hollywood Blvd -- during daylight hours.
As for what's better, all of the leading luxury car manufacturers disagree with you, including BMW, Mercedes and Audi, who all have models debuting this year with LED headlights...each company has discussed why they are better. (Better illumination, warmer daylight temperature light, much less energy use, longer life, etc.)
And with that, the axe you carry with derision of Acura has been proven beyond any doubt in this thread....when it ended up running beyond reality.
As for what's better, all of the leading luxury car manufacturers disagree with you, including BMW, Mercedes and Audi, who all have models debuting this year with LED headlights...each company has discussed why they are better. (Better illumination, warmer daylight temperature light, much less energy use, longer life, etc.)
And with that, the axe you carry with derision of Acura has been proven beyond any doubt in this thread....when it ended up running beyond reality.
I said the same thing on BMW forum about BMW's LED.
Is the Lighting package for 1900$ really worth it? - Page 3
So, no this is not about Acura. Stop making shit up.
10-03-2014, 11:58 AM
Team Owner
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10-03-2014, 12:32 PM
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no shit because BMW is charging $1900 to add LED headlight.
Also BMW claimed i was supposed to get 30mpg, no i only get 22. BMW also told me i should change my oil every 11,000 miles.
I agree with all of those except for better illumination. They have not been out long enough to be proven.
Also BMW claimed i was supposed to get 30mpg, no i only get 22. BMW also told me i should change my oil every 11,000 miles.
I agree with all of those except for better illumination. They have not been out long enough to be proven.
10-03-2014, 01:10 PM
Team Owner
10-03-2014, 06:00 PM
Racer
no shit because BMW is charging $1900 to add LED headlight.
Also BMW claimed i was supposed to get 30mpg, no i only get 22. BMW also told me i should change my oil every 11,000 miles.
I agree with all of those except for better illumination. They have not been out long enough to be proven.
-----------------
So, no this is not about Acura.
Also BMW claimed i was supposed to get 30mpg, no i only get 22. BMW also told me i should change my oil every 11,000 miles.
I agree with all of those except for better illumination. They have not been out long enough to be proven.
-----------------
So, no this is not about Acura.
I agree with you about "better technology" not always being better.
A prime example is electric steering, which has affected steering feel in recent BMW's, Acuras and other cars that were much better with hydraulic steering.
10-03-2014, 06:06 PM
Team Owner
not really.
i have about 20 miles commute each way against traffic.
Since i don't drive in the city often, on ramp is the only time i could actually enjoy the car without going triple digits.
So the daily 20mph - 90mph run is the only fun time i have in my car, so you can safely assume that i'd use every single drop of power from that engine to do that run.
Then there is a big hill that i have to climb over and i usually maintain my 80mph speed going up hill (@10mpg in 6th)
I probably get better mpg in city than on the freeway
i have about 20 miles commute each way against traffic.
Since i don't drive in the city often, on ramp is the only time i could actually enjoy the car without going triple digits.
So the daily 20mph - 90mph run is the only fun time i have in my car, so you can safely assume that i'd use every single drop of power from that engine to do that run.
Then there is a big hill that i have to climb over and i usually maintain my 80mph speed going up hill (@10mpg in 6th)
I probably get better mpg in city than on the freeway
Last edited by oonowindoo; 10-03-2014 at 06:08 PM.
10-04-2014, 10:30 AM
Itz JDM y0!
Checked out a 3.5L Tech with the aero kit and 19" wheels today.. Looks much better in person IMO. For $40k it isn't half bad.
Hidden exhaust tips look retarded tho.. you can clearly still see the tips bent under the rear bumper.
Hidden exhaust tips look retarded tho.. you can clearly still see the tips bent under the rear bumper.
10-04-2014, 01:15 PM
Team Owner
that car you saw was definitely not $40k. More than $46k.
10-04-2014, 03:45 PM
Itz JDM y0!
Turns out they listed it at ~40k without any of the accessories that were installed (was the demo car)
Did a build your own on the site with a 3.5l tech optioned to look like the one I saw and it came out to ~46k
AWD 3.5 w/ the Kit and wheels is $48-49k
Only way to buy the car imo is with the aero kit and optional wheels (especially for the 4 cyl). Otherwise it doesn't look that great.
Did a build your own on the site with a 3.5l tech optioned to look like the one I saw and it came out to ~46k
AWD 3.5 w/ the Kit and wheels is $48-49k
Only way to buy the car imo is with the aero kit and optional wheels (especially for the 4 cyl). Otherwise it doesn't look that great.
Last edited by VR1; 10-04-2014 at 03:52 PM.
10-04-2014, 05:28 PM
I'm the Firestarter
Add Mercury, Porsche, Toyota (Corolla, Prius, numerous Lexii) to that list. There's plenty of cars out there with LEDs, with varying degrees of implementation, and the output is far better then it was five years ago.
They design itself looks OK on the MDX, but the lights are too narrow on the TLX. They make the car look like its squinting, especially next to the walrus-like nose.
They design itself looks OK on the MDX, but the lights are too narrow on the TLX. They make the car look like its squinting, especially next to the walrus-like nose.
Last edited by Belzebutt; 10-04-2014 at 05:33 PM.
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civicdrivr (10-04-2014)
10-05-2014, 08:44 AM
I feel the need...
My dad has a Lexus CT with LED headlights. They are less than stellar and cut off noticeably before my HID lights. I think most LED lights are at best as good as decent bi-xenons. Even when I ask the Audi sales guy he says they're pretty much comparable to the bi-xenon version.
Was simply relaying in this thread related to Jewel Eye LED's, that they are a significant upgrade over Acura's projector Xenon HID's in both light output and throw pattern. We sold our 2G MDX with just 42,000 miles and if I had to estimate a percentage, the projector bulbs where on perhaps 10% of those miles, so to riposte Onooowindoo's conjecture that "bulbs burn out" doesn't really hold true in our case.
Again, Jewel Eye LED headlights perhaps not a big deal to some. To me: likeeee.
Some peeps wouldn't present a compliment on an Acura feature even if your life depended on it.
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skd2k1 (10-06-2014)
10-06-2014, 11:32 AM
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not really.
i have about 20 miles commute each way against traffic.
Since i don't drive in the city often, on ramp is the only time i could actually enjoy the car without going triple digits.
So the daily 20mph - 90mph run is the only fun time i have in my car, so you can safely assume that i'd use every single drop of power from that engine to do that run.
Then there is a big hill that i have to climb over and i usually maintain my 80mph speed going up hill (@10mpg in 6th)
I probably get better mpg in city than on the freeway
i have about 20 miles commute each way against traffic.
Since i don't drive in the city often, on ramp is the only time i could actually enjoy the car without going triple digits.
So the daily 20mph - 90mph run is the only fun time i have in my car, so you can safely assume that i'd use every single drop of power from that engine to do that run.
Then there is a big hill that i have to climb over and i usually maintain my 80mph speed going up hill (@10mpg in 6th)
I probably get better mpg in city than on the freeway
I have zero experience with a Lexus CT, but you jest when you say "they are pretty much comparable to bi-xenon's". I don't dispute there is wide variance between the performance in different makers LED headlights as the auto motive technology is still fairly young.
Was simply relaying in this thread related to Jewel Eye LED's, that they are a significant upgrade over Acura's projector Xenon HID's in both light output and throw pattern. We sold our 2G MDX with just 42,000 miles and if I had to estimate a percentage, the projector bulbs where on perhaps 10% of those miles, so to riposte Onooowindoo's conjecture that "bulbs burn out" doesn't really hold true in our case.
Again, Jewel Eye LED headlights perhaps not a big deal to some. To me: likeeee.
Some peeps wouldn't present a compliment on an Acura feature even if your life depended on it.
Was simply relaying in this thread related to Jewel Eye LED's, that they are a significant upgrade over Acura's projector Xenon HID's in both light output and throw pattern. We sold our 2G MDX with just 42,000 miles and if I had to estimate a percentage, the projector bulbs where on perhaps 10% of those miles, so to riposte Onooowindoo's conjecture that "bulbs burn out" doesn't really hold true in our case.
Again, Jewel Eye LED headlights perhaps not a big deal to some. To me: likeeee.
Some peeps wouldn't present a compliment on an Acura feature even if your life depended on it.
I thought my s2000's HIDs are better than the HIDs from my previous TL.
10-08-2014, 12:19 PM
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2015 Acura TLX 2.4L Test ? Review ? Car and Driver
Instrumented test of TLX 2.4 is out from Car and Driver:
C/D TEST RESULTS:
Zero to 60 mph: 6.8 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 17.9 sec
Zero to 120 mph: 28.8 sec
Rolling start, 5-60 mph: 7.3 sec
Top gear, 30-50 mph: 3.8 sec
Top gear, 50-70 mph: 4.5 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 15.4 sec @ 93 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 134 mph
Braking, 70-0 mph: 179 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad*: 0.83 g
FUEL ECONOMY:
EPA city/highway driving: 24/35 mpg
C/D observed: 27 mpg
*Stability-control-inhibited
The numbers look highly competitive against IS250, ATS 2.5, and 320i.
The review itself isn't very glowing however. In fact, it's quite a large contrast compared to the original first drive review. Obviously the two articles were written by two different journalists, and I guess we can see the different sides of things regarding this car. One thing I don't quite agree with this latest review is the interior. Based on my experience, I thought the TLX interior is highly competitive with the 3 series.
Instrumented test of TLX 2.4 is out from Car and Driver:
C/D TEST RESULTS:
Zero to 60 mph: 6.8 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 17.9 sec
Zero to 120 mph: 28.8 sec
Rolling start, 5-60 mph: 7.3 sec
Top gear, 30-50 mph: 3.8 sec
Top gear, 50-70 mph: 4.5 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 15.4 sec @ 93 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 134 mph
Braking, 70-0 mph: 179 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad*: 0.83 g
FUEL ECONOMY:
EPA city/highway driving: 24/35 mpg
C/D observed: 27 mpg
*Stability-control-inhibited
The numbers look highly competitive against IS250, ATS 2.5, and 320i.
The review itself isn't very glowing however. In fact, it's quite a large contrast compared to the original first drive review. Obviously the two articles were written by two different journalists, and I guess we can see the different sides of things regarding this car. One thing I don't quite agree with this latest review is the interior. Based on my experience, I thought the TLX interior is highly competitive with the 3 series.
10-08-2014, 12:53 PM
I drive a Subata.
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That review is strikingly similar to my brutally honest review. 
10-08-2014, 01:07 PM
Senior Moderator
Honest is another way to say hate. 
10-08-2014, 01:33 PM
Team Owner
So for the most part of the 20 miles commute each way, you just drive at 80mph or so in 6th gear?
Yea, every headlight design is different, whether it's halogen, HID, or LED. The halogens on my sister's camry is horrible, can't see shxt. On the other hand, the halogens on the town & country that I rented a week ago were quite good.
I thought my s2000's HIDs are better than the HIDs from my previous TL.
Yea, every headlight design is different, whether it's halogen, HID, or LED. The halogens on my sister's camry is horrible, can't see shxt. On the other hand, the halogens on the town & country that I rented a week ago were quite good.
I thought my s2000's HIDs are better than the HIDs from my previous TL.
and based on my butt dyno, the car does not feel faster even i down shift to 5th.
10-08-2014, 01:54 PM
Ex-OEM King
My honest review of this thing:
I went and drove this car so I thought I'd provide some feedback...
If I could describe this car with one word, it would be "yawn". It's another mediocre offering from Acura that's really quite good at what it does but isn't really great at anything. I've never been so underwhelmed by a really good car. In essence, it's a hopped up Accord with a higher price tag. I'll break it down from here and use the Accord as a benchmark.
Engine/Transmission
V6 Engine: On one hand, it's really not worth buying a TLX V6 when you can get the Accord V6 with a very similar motor for about $10k less (12hp advantage to the TLX), features are a wash. The 12hp isn't all that noticeable. The biggest advantage to the TLX comes in the transmission. The 9 speed in the TLX is a gem and is the same as the one used in numerous other cars on the market today. Aside from this, the Accord is cheaper and similar too similar to warrant the extra cost. It wouldn't surprise me if Honda puts the 9AT into the Accord V6 sometime in the near future.
4 Cylinder Engine: On the other hand, the DCT in the 4 cylinder TLX is really good. The torque converter really takes out the harshness of a traditional DCT and locks up pretty quick after take off to provide all the benefits. It's a lot better than the 4 cylinder Accord's CVT and that makes the cost jump worth it (for me), but again you are paying ~$10k more for a nicer transmission. Additionally, the extra 20hp from the TLX 4 cylinder is definitely noticeable at highway speeds but the torque output being the same makes city driving a wash. Also, the Accord is actually faster to 60 than the 4cyl TLX, who knew.
Overall Engine: As usual for Honda, both engines are great. They are smooth, punchy at the low end, and you need to wind them both up to get the most power out of them. And I'm sure they will be just as reliable as the next sunrise in the long run. As I said, the transmissions is where the TLX shines over the Accord but there are many other cars on the market that offer a similar driving experience.
Handling/Ride
I sampled both the FWD as well as the SHAWD versions and the AWD one is the one to get. The grip is fantastic and the way the SHAWD system shuffles power to help the car turn faster is eerie in it's behavior. You expect it to understeer and it feels like it's understeering but it still goes around the bend neutrally. It's hard to describe with words but the system works as advertised and does a damn good job of killing the understeer. It was August when I drove it so there was no snow to test out that aspect of it.
The FWD one performs exactly as you'd expect it to. That said it is still fine for those who don't live in the tundra and use this just for a daily driver. You have to push it to get it to understeer and I don't see many owners even approaching that limit. Enthusiasts won't even consider this one so it doesn't really matter anyway.
Ride is great, I'd don't think I'd have an issue driving this for a few hours. Seats are comfy, plenty of room and the cabin isn't a dark box.
Styling
Headlights are cool, rest of it is blah. It's so boring and uninspiring to look at...even the concept was boring looking. Also, the exhaust is hidden which is apparently a thing for a sport sedan.
Interior
As I said, the seats are comfy, plenty of room, bright cabin with good visibility all around. Materials are quite good, definitely par for the course in a $40k car. They are better than the 4G TL but not as good as the 3G TL. I have no gripes with the interior at all, it's a good place to spend some time.
Technology
Oh where do I start... So there's a non-touch screen in the dash that shows nav and a few other things...that's it. And then there's ANOTHER screen in the dash to control some of the HVAC (not all) and all of the stereo. You'd think that this lower screen would also control the nav system but nope, there's another set of buttons below the touch screen to control the rest of HVAC and the nav. I'm not really sure why this is necessary and even less sure why car companies went away from having one touch screen do all the work. My 3G TL has one touch screen that covers all the functions and buttons for backup in many cases. It's so much easier to see something you want and touch it than to sort through menu after menu to find what you want.
In any case, this was quite possibly the most annoying part of this car. It's needlessly complicated and hard to use. I had a hard time figuring everything out while sitting in a parking lot let alone while driving.
Other than that, everything else was actually pretty great value for a car of this price and class. The tech package (don't know why you wouldn't get this...) comes standard with Nav, hard drive, keyless entry and ignition, push button start, bluetooth, voice command (that actually works), etc. On top of that you also get heated and cooled seats, XM radio, real leather, upgraded sound system, sunroof, etc. all for ~$40k. That's very hard/impossible value to beat from the Germans.
Conclusion
Overall, the TLX is a good car but not a great car. They'll sell tons of them and everyone who buys one will like it but the select few enthusiasts who buy it likely won't love it. It checks all of the boxes to make a great daily driver except for excitement. There just isn't any. And the infotainment system is infuriating. I'm sure that I'd eventually get used to it but it's just not like the old one where you could just sit down and use it.
In the end, it's fine but I'd pass on buying this one. Having a "sport sedan" with a 290hp V6 is just blah and insulting to those of us who want to actually have some fun with this. Because of that, I'll say this. Until they drop in a TT V6 with 350hp+, add in the excellent DCT/6 speed manual, firmed up suspension, some more aggressive styling, visible exhaust outlets, and a Type S badge on the back, I won't even consider stopping at an Acura dealership again. Acura has been dropping the ball on new models ever since the 3G TL went out of production and until they fix this, their sales issues won't go away. Especially not with the new IS/GS being available for very similar prices.
Cliffs:
- Boring
- Uninspiring
- Still a very good car
- Not a great car
- Infuriating infotainment
- Buy a Lexus IS/GS if you want a Japanese luxury sport sedan.
I went and drove this car so I thought I'd provide some feedback...
If I could describe this car with one word, it would be "yawn". It's another mediocre offering from Acura that's really quite good at what it does but isn't really great at anything. I've never been so underwhelmed by a really good car. In essence, it's a hopped up Accord with a higher price tag. I'll break it down from here and use the Accord as a benchmark.
Engine/Transmission
V6 Engine: On one hand, it's really not worth buying a TLX V6 when you can get the Accord V6 with a very similar motor for about $10k less (12hp advantage to the TLX), features are a wash. The 12hp isn't all that noticeable. The biggest advantage to the TLX comes in the transmission. The 9 speed in the TLX is a gem and is the same as the one used in numerous other cars on the market today. Aside from this, the Accord is cheaper and similar too similar to warrant the extra cost. It wouldn't surprise me if Honda puts the 9AT into the Accord V6 sometime in the near future.
4 Cylinder Engine: On the other hand, the DCT in the 4 cylinder TLX is really good. The torque converter really takes out the harshness of a traditional DCT and locks up pretty quick after take off to provide all the benefits. It's a lot better than the 4 cylinder Accord's CVT and that makes the cost jump worth it (for me), but again you are paying ~$10k more for a nicer transmission. Additionally, the extra 20hp from the TLX 4 cylinder is definitely noticeable at highway speeds but the torque output being the same makes city driving a wash. Also, the Accord is actually faster to 60 than the 4cyl TLX, who knew.
Overall Engine: As usual for Honda, both engines are great. They are smooth, punchy at the low end, and you need to wind them both up to get the most power out of them. And I'm sure they will be just as reliable as the next sunrise in the long run. As I said, the transmissions is where the TLX shines over the Accord but there are many other cars on the market that offer a similar driving experience.
Handling/Ride
I sampled both the FWD as well as the SHAWD versions and the AWD one is the one to get. The grip is fantastic and the way the SHAWD system shuffles power to help the car turn faster is eerie in it's behavior. You expect it to understeer and it feels like it's understeering but it still goes around the bend neutrally. It's hard to describe with words but the system works as advertised and does a damn good job of killing the understeer. It was August when I drove it so there was no snow to test out that aspect of it.
The FWD one performs exactly as you'd expect it to. That said it is still fine for those who don't live in the tundra and use this just for a daily driver. You have to push it to get it to understeer and I don't see many owners even approaching that limit. Enthusiasts won't even consider this one so it doesn't really matter anyway.
Ride is great, I'd don't think I'd have an issue driving this for a few hours. Seats are comfy, plenty of room and the cabin isn't a dark box.
Styling
Headlights are cool, rest of it is blah. It's so boring and uninspiring to look at...even the concept was boring looking. Also, the exhaust is hidden which is apparently a thing for a sport sedan.
Interior
As I said, the seats are comfy, plenty of room, bright cabin with good visibility all around. Materials are quite good, definitely par for the course in a $40k car. They are better than the 4G TL but not as good as the 3G TL. I have no gripes with the interior at all, it's a good place to spend some time.
Technology
Oh where do I start... So there's a non-touch screen in the dash that shows nav and a few other things...that's it. And then there's ANOTHER screen in the dash to control some of the HVAC (not all) and all of the stereo. You'd think that this lower screen would also control the nav system but nope, there's another set of buttons below the touch screen to control the rest of HVAC and the nav. I'm not really sure why this is necessary and even less sure why car companies went away from having one touch screen do all the work. My 3G TL has one touch screen that covers all the functions and buttons for backup in many cases. It's so much easier to see something you want and touch it than to sort through menu after menu to find what you want.
In any case, this was quite possibly the most annoying part of this car. It's needlessly complicated and hard to use. I had a hard time figuring everything out while sitting in a parking lot let alone while driving.
Other than that, everything else was actually pretty great value for a car of this price and class. The tech package (don't know why you wouldn't get this...) comes standard with Nav, hard drive, keyless entry and ignition, push button start, bluetooth, voice command (that actually works), etc. On top of that you also get heated and cooled seats, XM radio, real leather, upgraded sound system, sunroof, etc. all for ~$40k. That's very hard/impossible value to beat from the Germans.
Conclusion
Overall, the TLX is a good car but not a great car. They'll sell tons of them and everyone who buys one will like it but the select few enthusiasts who buy it likely won't love it. It checks all of the boxes to make a great daily driver except for excitement. There just isn't any. And the infotainment system is infuriating. I'm sure that I'd eventually get used to it but it's just not like the old one where you could just sit down and use it.
In the end, it's fine but I'd pass on buying this one. Having a "sport sedan" with a 290hp V6 is just blah and insulting to those of us who want to actually have some fun with this. Because of that, I'll say this. Until they drop in a TT V6 with 350hp+, add in the excellent DCT/6 speed manual, firmed up suspension, some more aggressive styling, visible exhaust outlets, and a Type S badge on the back, I won't even consider stopping at an Acura dealership again. Acura has been dropping the ball on new models ever since the 3G TL went out of production and until they fix this, their sales issues won't go away. Especially not with the new IS/GS being available for very similar prices.
Cliffs:
- Boring
- Uninspiring
- Still a very good car
- Not a great car
- Infuriating infotainment
- Buy a Lexus IS/GS if you want a Japanese luxury sport sedan.
10-08-2014, 02:54 PM
Moderator
10-08-2014, 03:40 PM
Moderator
