TSX69

Acura Announces Launch Plan & Pricing for 2014 RLX FlagShip Sedan

01/15/2013 - DETROIT, Mich.
The all-new 2014 Acura RLX flagship sedan will debut at Acura dealerships on March 15, 2013, with a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) starting at $48,450*. Featuring an all-new 310-horspower direct-injected SOHC i-VTEC V-6 powerplant, the most spacious passenger cabin in its class, and the 1st-ever application of signature Acura technologies including Precision All-Wheel Steer™ and Jewel Eye™ LED headlamps, the RLX delivers new levels of technology-enhanced performance, safety, and luxury-class comfort to Acura's range-topping sedan.

"With an array of signature Acura technologies, the 2014 Acura RLX sets a new standard for luxury in the Acura lineup," said Jeff Conrad, vice president and general manager of Acura Sales. "The feature-rich RLX epitomizes Acura's 'Man-Machine Synergy' product direction, utilizing advanced technology and smart vehicle design to deliver incredible performance, comfort and value on a luxury scale."

Destination RLX
In February, Acura dealers will kick off the "Destination RLX" client experience program – with every Acura dealer nationwide featuring 2 2014 Acura RLX sedans, weeks ahead of the March 15 on-sale date, providing Acura clients with the opportunity to experience the numerous new technologies available on the RLX luxury performance sedan.

Flagship Features
The 2014 Acura RLX is powered by an all-new, 310-horsepower, direct-injected SOHC 24-Valve i-VTEC® V-6 powerplant, Acura's 1st-ever direct-injected engine architecture. Utilizing Variable Cylinder Management™ (with the ability to deactivate the rear bank of 3 cylinders) in combination with a lightweight and aerodynamic body design, the new Acura RLX is anticipated to carry a class-leading EPA fuel-economy rating of 20/31/24 mpg1 (city/highway/combined).

With the longest rear-seat legroom (38.8 inches), longest tandem seating distance (36.4 inches), and widest front and rear shoulder room in the mid-luxury class, the new RLX delivers full-size interior space in a nimbler, more efficient midsize luxury sedan exterior package.

Featuring the 1st-ever application of Acura Precision All-Wheel Steer™ (P-AWS) the RLX achieves new levels of handling agility, high and low-speed maneuverability, and confident handling control for a 2-wheel-drive luxury sedan. Precision All-Wheel Steer is the world's 1st technology to feature independent and continuous control of the left and right rear-wheel steering (toe) angles. Its benefits include crisper lane changes, more nimble cornering, enhanced dynamic response, tighter radius low-speed turning, and confidence-inspiring control.

As previously announced, a version of RLX featuring Acura's new Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive® (Sport Hybrid SH-AWD®) technology, producing 370 horsepower with expected EPA fuel-economy ratings of 30 city/30 highway/30 combined, will debut later in 2013.

Further, the new RLX confidently competes in the high-end luxury sedan market with an incredible array of leading-edge technologies, including the next-generation AcuraLink® cloud-based connected car system with AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic™ featuring freeway traffic and, for the 1st time, surface street traffic information. New standard safety technologies include Lane Departure Warning and Forward Collision Warning, a driver's knee airbag, and the next-generation of Acura's Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™ II) body structure; along with available Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS).

The RLX will also offer a bevvy of leading-edge visibility and driver-assistive technologies, including Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow, Blind Spot Information (BSI) system, Multi-view Rearview Camera, Expanded View Driver's Mirror, and front and rear parking sensors.

The 2014 Acura RLX will be available in 5 grades – the well-equipped RLX, the RLX with Navigation, the feature-packed RLX with Technology package, the RLX with Krell Audio package, and the top-of-the-line RLX with Advance package.

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TRIM
MSRP*

RLX
    $48,450

RLX with Navigation
    $50,950

RLX with Technology Package
    $54,450

RLX with Krell Audio Package
    $56,950

RLX with Advance Package
    $60,450 


Exterior Design and Function
The RLX follows an "aero-fused" exterior design motif with its wide and athletic stance, sharp upswept bodylines, aerodynamic greenhouse, and distinctive new Jewel-Eye™ LED headlights offering improved down-the-road illumination and lighting characteristics. The RLX's sleek upper body combines with aerodynamic features to deliver best-in-class levels of aerodynamic efficiency.

7 spoke 18x8J aluminum-alloy wheels and 245/45 R18 all-weather tires are standard, while Technology, Krell and Advance grades feature 19x8J wheels and 245/40 R19 tires. The RLX's alloy wheels also feature a noise-reducing design that lowers tire noise by 7 decibels across the audible frequency range.

Additional exterior features available on the RLX include an acoustic glass windshield and door glass, integrated power rear sunshade, front and rear parking sensors, heated and auto-dimming side mirrors, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

Interior Design and Function
The RLX interior features premium, soft touch materials throughout, with the tasteful application of premium metal and wood-grain accents. A stitched leather instrument panel, center console and steering wheel, along with available Milano perforated leather seats, communicate a new level of craftsmanship and refined luxury appeal in Acura's top-of-the-line sedan.

Luxury form and function are smartly integrated in the RLX's new center console, featuring dual screens – an 8-inch Navigation screen and a 7-inch On-Demand Multi-Use Display™ touch screen – that provide easy and direct 1-touch access to key functions, including audio, climate control, navigation, and text-to-voice SMS text message functionality. The sliding, leather-trimmed armrest conceals a dual-hinged center storage compartment with easy access for both the driver and front passenger to USB connectivity, 12-volt accessory power outlet and space to store tablets and other electronic devices.

Additional interior comfort and convenience features include push-button start, power tilt and telescoping steering, power sunroof, tri-zone automatic climate control, and Bluetooth®3 HandsFreeLink®.

The standard 10-speaker ELS® audio system includes HD radio™, XM radio, Pandora® interface, USB connectivity, and an auxiliary jack. The RLX with Technology package is equipped with a 14-speaker Acura/ELS® Studio premium audio system. The Krell Audio and Advance grades receive an ultra-premium, 14-speaker, Krell audio system that sets a new benchmark for high-fidelity sound in a luxury vehicle.

Chassis Technology
Whether on a serpentine mountain pass, congested city street, or cramped airport parking deck, and in all weather conditions, the RLX with Precision All-Wheel Steer™ (P-AWS™) is designed to deliver an unprecedented level of handling precision and control in a 2-wheel drive luxury sedan.

Working in concert with Vehicle Stability Assist® (VSA®) with Traction Control, and Agile Handling Assist dynamic braking system, P-AWS™ provides enhanced vehicle stability, maneuverability, and control. The RLX's handling performance is further elevated by its new double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension system with Amplitude Reactive Dampers, and new high-output, belt-type electronic power steering.

All RLX models have 4-wheel disc brakes with high-friction pads and a 4-channel anti-lock braking system (ABS), along with new Hydraulic Brake Boost that improves brake pedal feel. New Electric Parking Brake with Automatic Brake Hold, and high-efficiency Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) are additional 1sts for Acura.

New Direct-Injected i-VTEC® V-6 with VCM
The 2014 RLX is powered by an all-new, 3.5-liter, direct-injected SOHC
i-VTEC® V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management™. Rated at 310 horsepower, the engine delivers exceptional drivability, with more than 90-percent of its peak 272 lb.-ft. of torque available from 2000 rpm to 6600 rpm. Variable Cylinder Management with 3-cylinder and 6-cylinder operation works in concert with the VTEC valvetrain to deliver superb cruising efficiency. The engine is mounted to a lightweight and rigid aluminum front subframe using a vibration-canceling Active Control engine Mount (ACM) system.
The new engine is mated to a reengineered Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission with revised gearing, an intuitive selector and steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles. A driver-selectable Sport mode provides more aggressive shift points and more pronounced engine braking during deceleration, along with manual operation.

AcuraLink® Connectivity System
The RLX is equipped with the next-generation AcuraLink® cloud-based connected car system, delivering a comprehensive array of media, convenience, and security services via embedded 2-way communications and web-enabled devices. AcuraLink® leverages the Aha™ by Harman cloud-based interface to provide users with thousands of customizable cloud-based news, information and media feeds. Next-generation AcuraLink® also delivers an array of available, subscription-based, security and convenience features, such as AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic™ featuring freeway traffic and, for the 1st time, surface street traffic information; airbag deployment notification; stolen vehicle tracking; remote locking and unlocking; security alarm notification; and 24-hour personalized concierge services.

Advanced Safety, Visibility, and Driver Assistive Technology
The RLX offers a bevy of leading-edge safety technologies, including standard Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), 7 smart-deploying airbags including a driver's knee airbag, and Acura's next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering II (ACE II) body structure.

The RLX is anticipated to earn top-level safety ratings, including a 5-star NCAP Overall Vehicle Score2. The RLX is also expected to join the Acura TL sedan in earning an IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating, including a GOOD rating in the stringent new IIHS small overlap frontal crash test.

The RLX also offers a comprehensive list of advanced visibility and driver-assistive technologies, including the standard Expanded View Driver's Mirror and Multi-View Rear Camera with Dynamic Guidelines, along with available Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS) system, Collision Mitigation Brake (CMBS) system, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow, Blind Spot Information (BSI), and front and rear parking sensors.

Additional details on key advances and technologies for the all-new 2014 RLX:

Class leading interior space based on the RLX's longer wheelbase and efficient packaging. At 196.1 inches, the RLX is similar in length to the outgoing RL, but it has a 2-inch longer wheelbase and is nearly 2 inches wider, placing the new RLX well above the norm in the mid-luxury class. The flagship RLX sedan has up to 3 inches more rear legroom than competing models, including the BMW 535i, Lexus GS350 and Audi A6.
Extensive use of lightweight materials includes the application of strength steel to 55 percent of the body, and the intensive use of aluminum—for the front fenders, hood, steering hangar beam, front and rear bumper beams, front subframe, and all-new "hybrid" front and rear door panels (steel inner structure mated to aluminum outer skin). The RLX weighs in at 3,933 pounds. Static bending and torsional body rigidity are up 52 percent and 46 percent, respectively.
Jewel-Eye™ LED headlights (an Acura 1st) LED lamps enhance the RLX's modern and distinctive appearance while providing outstanding light distribution and improved down-the-road illumination.
Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™ offers a wide range of search options including local search functionality and AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic™ for both highways and surface streets.
Agile Handling Assist (an Acura 1st) uses active braking to help the driver smoothly and easily trace the desired line through a curve with smaller steering inputs.
Electric Parking Brake (an Acura 1st) provides 1-touch parking brake activation.
Automatic Brake Hold (an Acura 1st) maintains the vehicle's position when the driving or parking brake are released until the throttle is depressed.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow (an Acura 1st), allows the RLX to independently maintain a set following distance in low-speed traffic situations, including stop and go traffic, and to initiate vehicle braking when necessary.
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) uses a camera mounted in the upper portion of the windshield to detect vehicles ahead of the RLX and audibly and visually alert the driver when it determines a frontal collision with a detected vehicle is possible.
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) uses the same windshield-mounted camera to detect lane markings on the road and alerts the driver if the vehicle is wandering from a detected lane.
Front seatbelt e-pretensioners use electronic control to reduce belt tension under normal driving conditions, while also enabling automatic belt tensioning in hard cornering maneuvers or in the event of a collision.
Multi-angle rearview camera with dynamic guidelines uses dynamic guidelines that reflect steering wheel inputs on the display to aid in backup maneuvers.
Capless fueling (an Acura 1st) eliminates the fuel cap and improves ease of fueling.

For More Information
Additional media information including detailed pricing, features and high-resolution photography of the 2014 Acura RLX is available at www.acuranews.com. Consumer information is available at www.acura.com.

Connect with Acura:
Media Information: www.acuranews.com
Consumer Information: www.acura.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Acura
Twitter: www.twitter.com/Acura_Insider
YouTube: www.youtube.com/acura
Flickr: www.flickr.com/acuranews
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/acura
Google+: https://plus.google.com/+acura

*MSRP excludes tax, license, registration, vehicle options and destination charge of $895.00. Dealer prices may vary.

1 Preliminary EPA mileage estimates determined by Acura. Final EPA mileage estimates not available at the time of printing. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.
2 Government 5-Star Safety Ratings are part of NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (www.SaferCar.gov). Vehicles tested under the new program cannot be compared to MY10 and earlier vehicles.
3 Certain functions that rely on a satellite signal will not work correctly in Hawaii and Alaska. These functions include but are not limited to automatic clock updates and time zone adjustments.

® The Bluetooth word mark and logos are owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any use of such marks by Honda Motor Co., Ltd is under license.
® Sirius, XM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of Sirius XM Radio Inc. and its subsidiaries.
® Pandora, the Pandora logo and other Pandora marks are trademarks or registered trademarks of Pandora Media, Inc. or its subsidiaries worldwide.

2011TL

Thanks TSX69. Any guesses as to the additional price for the hybrid version? +$5k?

sixsixfour

so what exactly is standard on the RLX? thats 5 different trims and it doesnt really list what details go with what option.

KeithL

This is pretty much where I expected pricing. It seems to line up close with M37, oh I'm sorry Q70 pricing. A M37S with technology runs around $61K. I expect the hybrid to teeter on $65K. It is also pretty much in line with the GS350, although a GS350 F Sport would be higher. So it seems they are under cutting Lexus pricing a tad and probably giving a few more features than Infiniti at similar price points. It is clear they are not trying to compete on price.

getakey

I did a quick check on GS350 Sport pricing and it seemed pretty much inline with the RLX pricing. Seemed to top out at $61K. But, GS has AWD and rear steering.

I will go back and look at the GS 350 hybrid price

getakey

The GS 350 F Sport is AWD. Base is $49K and tops out at $62K

The GS 450 Hybrid is only RWD. Looks like base is $60K and tops out at $71K

GoHawks

The GS also started out life as a RWD car first. I know it all comes down to personal preference, but I think the GS is a nicer looking car too.

getakey

Lexus styling just does not do it for me. Really want to see the RLX in person

KeithL

I test drove a GS350 and it was a nice ride, and the interior is very nice. My M37S lease is up in Septemebr and the choices this year will be great, RLX, Q50, new Genesis coming, GS350, I expect a TLX as well, hopefully they will do a Krell Advance with that and ad the legacy SH-AWD for around $48K. I drove the 13 Accord and if the TLX ups the game as it should, being same platform, the TLX should be a really awesome car with SH-AWD. Acura really needs to up its game as the competition is fierce, especially with all the new models this year. Also Caddy should have a new CTS and the ATS, although I sat in an ATS and was not impressed with interior quality or materials.

hondamore

Purely a guess, but I'm thinking they will make the SH-SH-AWD version in the advanced level trim only (because of anticipated small volume) and price it in the $65K range. I am eager to see what the Canadian pricing will be like on the AWD version - if it is close to my speculated US price of $65K, I think it represents a good bang for the buck and I will be a buyer.

getakey

I'm thinking closer to $70 at least at the top trim level

KeithL

5 options in a low volume car. I'm guessing the Base Nav will make up the majority of the cars with then some non-nav and tech, I suspect the take rate on the Krell and Advance will be less than 10-15% combined. and I can only guess the hybrid will be 5-10%. I have to agree that I think it is coming in 1 or 2 trims, probably Advance. It may allow them to keep the hybrid price down to around $63K, but my gut say $65K

jhr3uva90

These prices are higher than I expected. With the old RL, Acura could at least use the fact that the RL was built in Japan as an excuse for high prices. But an American-built FWD car starting at over $48K? I don't think it will sell at that price. I expect the REAL sales price to be about $5,000 lower.

KeithL

The old RL used to get a $8K discount, but that was becasue it was not selling. I have never found Acura to discount their cars as much as Infiniti does so I thinks you may get 8% off MSPR if they do not sell, but I exepct the first few months there will be little or no discounts unless this does as poorly as the ILX or old RL. With the expected price tag of the AWD I doubt you'll see much discounting for a while. Infiniti is heavily discounting the M, they keep nagging me to take me out of my lease and give me 2013 of same car for $50 less per month and I already got this car at a almost $5K discount in 2011 on a 39 month leass that is around a $6500 disocunt and the car has gone up over $1K since I got mine. The bargin right now is the TL, I was getting offiers of a SH-AWD Advannce for a tad over $41K, but can't wrap my head around getting a car that is being phased out in less than 6 months.

TSX69

Let me preface this post by saying that I really really want Acura to succeed with this car. It would be nice for them to move more away from entry-level luxury & as of right now, only the MDX has done well for them in the mid-level luxury. Even tho the ZDX never sold a lot, at least it gave them another vehicle in their lineup in the mid-level range.

The RLX is indeed competitive, especially against the Germans, however, this looks like the 2005 model all over again: nice looking (could be deemed boring but inoffensive), packed with features (some innovative like SH-AWD/PAWS/Krell), good specs (300hp was great for 2005 but they did not update over the years as the other brands moved on) & reasonably priced. The 1st year it did sell well but then in 2006, the M & GS came out & sales quickly fell. The next year, they decontented the car to lower the base price & incentives were high but sales continued to slide (going to ignore the last few years as it was clear that Acura was not making them as my local dealers only got 1 a year). If this were the MDX, a $49k starting price would not be a concern as it already has been a success with a fan base, but I feel that the RLX is starting in a deep hole & needs every advantage it can get to gain traction in the market.

My thinking is that if they started with a lower price they could attract more buyers (like how Hyundai did with the Genesis/Equus) & save them from having to find ways to lower the price later on; even if these means having a low content base model (which I thought/hoped the FWD, American-made, leatherette vehicle was going to be). Also, I have heard more times that I care to: "If I am going to spend that much money on a car, I might as well get a BMW/Mercedes/Lexus instead". Yes, they would have to get a base model German car at the price the Acura goes for but to them, the emblem on the hood is more important than the toys inside.


Now for selfish reasons: I always said that I would not spend $50k on a car but it looks like I am going to have to if I want window shades & ventilated seats (which I find to be basic comfort luxury items that should be standard @ this level). I could wait for the TLX or even the MDX but not sure how much longer my TSX will last (not that there is anything wrong with it but I was hoping to trade it in before the more expensive maintenance costs kick in).

I hope this car does well for Acura - I do not expect E/5 type of sales but hopefully GS/M level. It is still on my list so hopefully I will be swept away when I see it in person. I do wonder if the hybrid version is going to get any extra goodies/changes, I hope that they say so soon so that I can figure out whether or not to wait or just get FWD.


On the good news side: I have been scanning reviews & articles this morning (most only rehash the press release so nothing worth posting) but none have said anything negative about the price so far (unlike the ILX which most reviews commented as being over priced). This review, however, did say it was an incredible value. More press like this would definitely help:

Acura Announces Plan & Pricing for 2014 RLX FlagShip Sedan

Feature-rich Acura RLX boasts numerous signature Acura-exclusive technologies, delivers incredible value on a luxury scale with starting price of $48,450.

Glashub

In regards to the Krell system. I have the Lexicon system in my Genesis withLogic 7. Lexicon is as highly regardedas Krell. Both companies have their amps made by a company in LA named ATI. Ibought an ATI amp for a 1/3 of what the Krell costs. Same amp in every way except 2: it doesn’thave the Krell name and it’s nowhere near as beautiful to look at.

Back on point: the ELS system in my TL’s sounded as good ifnot better than the Lexicon.

hondamore

You are probably right suggesting that the RLX top model will max out at $69,900. My guess was tempered with a good deal of wishful thinking. My other fear is that they make the SH-SH-AWD version in such small numbers that dealers will be reluctant to discount off MSRP even a penny. Alas, we must wait and see...Acura will knock our socks off with the new technology, make us fall in love with it and then make us bend over to buy it. My ass still hurts from buying my '05 RL.

GoHawks

Very well said. I too wish Acura success, but I'm just not sure.

The tech will be amazing, but it was amazing when the 2nd gen was introduced too, and in the end it wasn't enough.

When the 2nd gen came out, I REALLY liked the styling. It was considered a Best Buy on wheels, and it was a huge departure from the first gen. I knew I had to have one.

When I saw the RLX concept last year I knew that while it would probably be a great car, it's styling left me feeling a bit... Meh, and after owning Acuras for 19 years I left the brand and bought a Cadillac CTS Coupe. The styling just reaches out and grabs you. I was/am apprehensive on the reliability, but after almost 1 year and 12K miles, so far, so good.

I also have doubts that someone will spend upwards of mid $60K to $70K for it. I just don't think Acura has the street cred to command BMW/Mercedes/Lexus money. I also thing that designing the RLX as a FWD car first with SH-SH-AWD second is a mistake. Every other competitor in this price range starts out as a RWD car first, with the exception of maybe Audi.

Mind you that I am not necessarily saying that's the justified, but it is what it is.

Now the styling of the NSX is another story. That car is absolutely gorgeous.

Again, I hope I'm wrong, but I don't see the RLX initiating Acura's renaissance.

jhr3uva90

I don't think the RLX will be a big seller, but I do think folks will get some good deals on it. Also, I see the RLX as a preview of what will be in the TLX/TL in the future.

KeithL

If they charge a almost $9K premium for the AWD version they will sell maybe a dozen a year. The FWD already has a tough hill to climb and to price it above all their direct competitors will kill it. Unless they are just using the AWD RLX as the car that gets the attention and really don't want to sell many of the AWD. This is a very competitive year in the luxury lines Acura needs to be smart about it. My lease is up in 8 months and the choices (while spanning a large range) are huge,

GS350, TLX, RLX, 14 Genesis, ATS, 14 CTS , Q50, MKZ are just the most recent new models then I still will be looking at an A4, maybe BMW (never been a huge BMW fan), and the list keeps growing... Yes that list spans probably $30K+ in range, but I am not hung up on haveing the most expensive car, just one I like that fits in my budget.

hondamore

I know this is a ridiculous example, but if you look at Mercedes E-class, the difference between the entry level 6 cylinder and the E36 AMG is $50,000, so there is precedent for manufacturers charging huge premiums to be in the latest and top of the line model. I really hope that you are right and the AWD version comes in at $65000, but I've been disappointed too many times in the past with Acura pricing. I heartily agree with an earlier poster who suggested that Acura has to build demand at "wow what a great deal" pricing and then they could slowly increase their prices to match the new-found demand. Right now they are just taking advantage of loyal Honda/Acura buyers in the luxury car price range. Just my two cents.

Shotgun

I feel ya Hondamore! I too bought a brand new 05 RL the day it was released and sold it a month ago because I'm anticipating purchasing a new RLX, of course the SH-SH-AWD variety. Looks like a new pain in the ass is coming on... But you know, I miss the hell out of my OBP 05 RL which had the auto rear shade, navigation, the works basically for what, in retrospect, was a hell of a reasonable price...

Type-S RPh

My guess with AWD is that it will start with the tech package cars, no base or just nav and will add 5k to the price so think just under 60k for a Tech AWD, 62k with Krell, 65k for advanced. Just a guess but that would seem logical. Just my

kssod

At 65k plus, the sSH_AWD, would really need to be unbelievably good. My 12 535xdrive M-sport with every option was 69k and could be bought for 64k. i paid 54k for it CPO with 10k miles.
the 2006 RL was awesome, but it is amazing how much better the 5 series is. from the HUD, to the almost endless torque. This car just always feels like it can fly. It moves from 70 to 100 effortlessly. The adjustable dampers, sport mode, and seats are very nice also. It is also pretty impressive how the hood and doors are stamped, very distinct curves,and angles, just love how the different surfaces catch the light, much nicer than the A6. I will look give the new Rl a serious look, but while under warranty the 5 has it now....

I've been an Acura owner for 20 yrs, If Acura wants to move up, the dealers and whole ownership experience also needs to improve, ie valet from home/work for service, maintenance included, dealership appearance etc.

NCBlue

I was at the dealer this mornig and saw the pricing sheet. The pricing isnt exact because i did not have a pen to write. The base 48800 base with nav 50500, tech 54500, krell 56400 and advance 60100 no destination charges included.

BDoggPrelude

I'm thinking the AWD will add more than $5k and here is why: AWD adds about $3,500 to the comparable FWD model in the TL lineup. With the ILX there is a $3,000 premium for the hybrid model over a comparable non-hybrid. Since the RLX SH-SH-AWD will be both a hybrid and AWD I think it's safe to assume this setup will command at least $6,500 over the FWD model. Obviously, the hybrid drive train in the RLX will be significantly more complex than both the hybrid drive train in the ILX and the AWD setup in the TL. Yes, it will have less mechanical parts than the TL SH-AWD but I can't imagine electric motors cost a whole lot less than a driveshaft and an extra differential. Also, keep in mind the FWD RLX will continue with the same 6-speed automatic currently used in most of Acura's other vehicles while the AWD model is rumored to utilize a new 7-speed dual-clutch transmission that will surely factor into the final pricing.

Who knows, maybe Acura is going to sit back and see how much interest there is in the FWD model before they announce pricing for the SH-SH-AWD. If sales of the FWD model turn out to be lacking, (which I think is a big possibility), maybe Acura will decide to cut back on some of their profits to try to push more units. Otherwise, I think the combination of an AWD hybrid powertrain and the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission is going to add a ridiculous amount of money to the RLX.

BDoggPrelude

Just realized some of the added cost of the hybrid-AWD model will be reduced by the removal of the P-AWS components.

Also, for an extra $2k, that Krell audio system better be the most amazing OEM car audio system in the world. The Mark Levinson Reference audio system in the Lexus LS costs $400 less.

KeithL

The more I let all this RLX stuff set in and look at the bland styling I get more turned off by it, especially at the price points. Time will tell, and I rely want to one back to Acura, but they can't get the ball out of the park since the 3G TL.

07wdptl-s

So true even the Avalon has the jewel projectors and led accents on the headlamps, acura went one step forward with the 2012 tl and then went 2 steps back with the new rlx it is just so bland I really want to like it but can't get over styling.

KeithL

I am really hoping the TLX resembles the C concept. The choices of really nice styled cars this year is nuts, the new Q50 is really got me interested even though my M has not really made me love it like my old 2008 TL Type S did.

BDoggPrelude

Agreed on the C-Concept, minus all of the creases in the hood. Of course, Acura would have to reach down deep and find their balls to release something so un-conservative. The TL definitely needs to get away from its current styling. The TL's main competition are the Lexus IS and Infiniti G, (now the Q50), both of which have fairly aggressive styling that make them stand out in the crowd. The Europeans can get by on brand recognition and heritage but the Japanese sport sedans need that edgy styling to set them apart IMO.

As for the Q50, I cannot figure out why the hell Infiniti would rename their bread and butter sedan when it has done so well since its release. I'm also not fond of the Lexus spindle-style grill they gave it. It's nowhere near as extreme as the new IS but it still seems like a copied style to me.

Rocketsfan

Trust me, all this is included in the price of whatever make you're buying. I, for one, don't want to pay upfront for all the stuff I never use (outside of maybe extended warranties... lol). Once I've bought the car, I don't care what the sales floor/lobby looks like. Hell, I don't even care what it looks like when I go to buy a car as long as rats and roaches aren't running around. I'm there to buy the car, not the dealership sales floor.

jhr3uva90

Same old story going back to 2004. The RL/RLX was designed in Japan while the TL was designed in the USA. For some reason, Honda Japan tends to create conservative designs. Meanwhile, the USA designers might go over the top (2008 TL, ZDX) but at least they try.