I just got back from test driving the new RL. First thing I noticed was the interior. Very high class. The materials used were top notch.
The navigation system, though it isn't a touch screen, worked pretty well with the knob. I found it worked better than BMW's. The audio volume and power knob is too small. I guess once you get used to it, it should be ok.
I really liked the smart key. No need to take your keys out. Especially when it's rainning or snowing.
The RL drove very smooth. It took the corners and turns tenaciously. It had a lot of power. I kept hitting VTEC.
The 5at shifted smoothly. I tried the paddle shifters and it works well but I wouldn't use it that much.
The brakes are great. It's very tight. Stops the RL pretty well.

These are the main things I noticed on my 15min test drive.

I wouldn't buy one just yet. I would test out Infiniti's new M35 AWD and Lexus' GS AWD first before making my final decision.

 

sweet

 

I want one ! ill get one used in 2 years!

 

Smart move. I'd rather let others discover any potential problems, not to mention let them take the depreciation hit!

 

It's a shame it's going to be too expensive initially..

 

Nice, brief review. Can't wait to test drive it. How did you find the handling in the curves, or did you have any in your brief test drive?

 

There was a few curves. It handled the curves excellently. I took the curves as hard as I can and none of the tires squealed and there was limited body roll. The best way to test out the SH-AWD is to drive it in snow. Too bad there wasn't any snow.

I couldn't believe that Acura gave the RL Michelin Pilot HX MXM4. They should've gave it better tires.

 

did u feel it to be a ton faster then the tl .. cuz a while back i heard sum1 say they wee beatin skylines in japan????BS

 

They were beating Skylines around a track. Around the curves, the RL would kill a TL and it would do so in a more safe manner.

 

Where is this info coming from that says the RL is beating a Skyline on a track?

 

Not really beating a Skyline. Honda was testing their SH-AWD against Nissan's ATTESSA. Both companies now have the best AWD systems in the world.

 

Don't know, but the biggest difference between the two AWD systems from both companies is that Nissan's cuts off power to the innermost wheel, whereas Honda's sends power to the outmost wheel. So I think it would be possible for an RL to beat a Skyline, in terms of handling at least.

 

'heard'

 

i also went to the acura dealership to try to test drive the car, but they only had one demo and there was a line to test drive it. It DOES look really good in person though