KeithL

So I am searhing through the threads and trying to figure out on the TLX 2019 what is the real differences between AWD versions of A-Spec and Advance. The Acura.com website shows very little, but the PDF show there may be more differences, such as remote start, auto dimming side view mirrors,360 cameras and some other minor things. Both seem to indicate all the Acura Watch (BLIS, LKAS, ACC, Road Departure) features are in both. The areas I can;t be 100% sure on since the PDF and the website differ:

- rain sensing wipers
- Head up warning for CMBS
- vented front seats

Can anyone help clear this up.

Thanks!

jhb31

Rain sensing wipers are part of the tech package. Both models have it. They also both have vented seats and the CMBS. The advance has a few more luxury items while the A-Spec has a sportier look and larger wheels/tires along with the blacked out trim and a few other things. Not sure if the larger sway bar in the ASpec Awd is also on the advance. My understanding is the A-Spec suspension its set up differently than the other models.

Pens Fan

For some really strange reason reason Acura also switched to the same low profile tires on the Advance and Tech trims for 2019 as the A Spec- big mistake in my mind. Not every driver wants these pothole magnets !!

KeithL

Saintor

I am having an hard time finding a car that I want more than my TLX (going in a few months) in the same price range. If I need to spend more, chances are that I will spend much more lol.

jhb31

Not sure why people are so certain the next gen is coming out next year. It's much more likely to be in mid 2020 as a 2021 model. That's what the Mgr at my Acura dealer told me recently and he goes to the regional meetings where these topics among others are discussed.

KeithL

They typically do MMC (2018) then release a new model 2 model years later. Now they might be taking their time to get this right, but then why release the 2019 TLX so early if it were not a short model year? Unless they are doing the Audi route of releasing models year 6+ months before the end of the year. Right now I am looking at a few cars, a Modern Steel with Ebony ASPEC V6 AWD and then a few 2018s in Red or Blue, a few with the red leather. It is so damn hard to find V6 and then AWD in Georgia. I hope at least when they release the Type-S that it only comes with AWD to make it easier to find here.

dmski

@KeithL Did you get a chance to test drive the Aspec yet? Night and day difference from the 2015 which I hated and couldn't wait to get rid off. I also had the 4G and my Aspec is still way better. Go for it and ride it out until Type S is ready.

KeithL

2K6TSX

BEAR-AvHistory

Acura moved up the beak removal mid cycle change due to poor sales of the series. No reason they can't move up the next generation, if testing is done for the same reason.

dmski

Considering that 2019 is out already and the test mule has been spotted months ago I think next generation could be out late next year. I don't think they can stretch another 2 years with this model.

Pens Fan

Keith,

The 2018/2019 TLX as has been said above is a vastly improved version of the car. All of the gripes from 2015 have been addressed including the transmission. I opted for a 2018 Tech AWD in February (traded in 2012 TL AWD) and after 3,000 miles could not be happier. The A Spec is really cool looking and while it had lots of appeal to me-the New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut roads I drive on are too risky for me to opt for 40 series tires. The roads in Georgia are I am sure fine for them !1 I was filling up yesterday at a Shell station and a brand new 2019 A Spec AWD rolled in and that owner and I talked for a few minutes about how much we are enjoyngi our respective cars. He had Black/Red and that interior was really nice !!

Good luck with your decision-but to me even if the redesigned model arrives earlier than expected-you would really enjoy driving this model until then.

F23A4

jhb31

It was not moved up by much, think the 2018 was released in June 2017 so about 3 months early.
Is this the test mule from that video that went around. If so that was a 2018 or 19 TLX with some fender flares bolted on? I would be more confident of an earlier release if the test mule didn't just look like a modified current gen TLX. I would expect to see some "spy" photos of a new TLX body design in the next few months.

Bringing out the A-spec in a 4 Cyl for a 1 year run doesn't seem likely and the 4Cyl is the bigger seller I believe. Either way when this Gen run ends those on a budget will have to make a decision to get a end of model run TLX A-Spec for probably near or close to the price of a 2nd Gen 4Cyl model. Knowing Acura the discounts will be few if any to start with. I hope they do it next year so by the time I am ready to get rid of mine the discounts will be decent, but from what the Acura GM told me and past model changes don't think they will.

cobra611

From what I can see, you cannot get a heated steering wheel in the A-Spec. Is that correct? New York winters, that comes in handy

KeithL

OK so I went and drove a 19 ASPEC Modern Steel on Red Leather AWD. First the car is gorgeous, but while the 9AT feels better it still shifts for crap. I am so tron as the car looks amazing, but if I get 6 months in and it feels like my 15 ZF I will burn the car ;-). I hate driving my 15 TLX every day as that ZF has laggy long inconsistent shifts. Anyone car to share how well their 18 9AT is doing after a bunch of miles?

TacoBello

I think you're hoping for a "hail Mary", but really, you know what to expect. It's the same car with the same transmission as your 2015. If updates can't fix your car, you will not be anymore pleased with a new one.

dmski

It's definitely improved over the 15 but it ain't great. However, the car overall is a massive improvement. Take it for an extended drive test at least one hour. Your dealer should be able to work a great deal for you. I did not take much hit on mine. If I was to jump ship to another brand it would've been a massive hit. Patiently waiting for Type S to drop.....

Pens Fan

I have 3,000 miles on my 18 SH AWD Tech since February. I was hesitant to trade my 12 TL SH AWD because of the ZF transmission but I have had only one incident (strong downshift) and overall find it not an issue at all to me. The gas mileage is great too. I really think they have addressed 99% of the issues with it from 2015. I did take an extended (20 mile) test drive before pulling the trigger.

I love the A Spec look as you do but went with Tech (no Advances in color combo I wanted at end of February) since as I have stated a few times our lovely North East potholed roads are death to low profile 40 series tires so I decided reluctantly not take a chance on them. I have seen and talked with several A Spec owners in the past few months and all expressed positive statements of the car.