stagefoursurvivor

Perhaps the details have yet to be released but, I'm very curious about long term maintenance, especially the two rear electric motors and battery.
I know Acura has a strong history of reliability and durability but, this new technology gives me pause.
What's the life expectancy on the battery?
Are the electric motors reparable or just swap out for new if there's an issue?
Extended AcuraCare would seem prudent with long term ownership i.e. beyond 4/50K.
This car seems to have everything I value in a car, especially understated looks

TampaRLX-SH

When I got to test the SH RLX back in March, the rep from Torrance said they would be 100K lifespan. I do not remember if he said they would be warranted that long or just for the span of the factory warranty.

KeithL

Some university did a study a while back about hybrid batteries and said they tested them for 150K miles of usages and found no noticeable degradation so the 100K or 10 years most makes put on them is usually easily met.

stagefoursurvivor

I wonder if there's a significantly diminished capacity with age/mileage?
I wonder how difficult/costly replacement will be?
Although I usually keep cars awhile, 10 years would likely max out for me.

KeithL

I believe that was the point of the study, to show that they are reliable and performance does not degrade that much. I don;t recall if they did the test for 150K or 180K, but they gave up because the batteries were still going strong.

victorber

I would think that a Maintainability & "Reliability Study" had to be completed prior to release to the public. This would clarify all the flow-down requirements (Mean Time Between Failures etc) and Life Expectancy from Honda/Acura to the vendors.

These studies are normally coupled with a "System Safety Report", These are probably the areas missed in the GM fiasco.

stagefoursurvivor

Personally, I'm attract to the "stealth" luxury and reliability. The hybrid is a plus, not because I'm a closet treehugger, I'm just cheap, a skinflint, love the MPGs!
Volvo used to offer that, OK well NEAR luxury. Not anymore.

getakey

I doubt if the math will work out to a savings if you compare price of Hybrid over price of PAWs

TampaRLX-SH

True. But not all adopters of hybrid technology do so solely for cost savings. Maybe in some cases, not at all. If that were true only the most inexpensive hybrid vehicles would exist. Do you think a Lexus LSh is targeted for cost savings?

getakey

I should have added that I am a big proponent of Hybrid/EV vehicles. I was trying to hold out for the RLX Hybrid, but my RL gave out too soon. I would have bought the hybrid knowing that there was no savings. I was also loking closely at Teslas, but they are so common here, I would not have a unique car

stagefoursurvivor

True, final OTD price won't approach $10+K off MSRP of the PAWS, in all likelihood. I have had zero interest in the PAWS, from day one, regardless of discounts.
OTOH, I'm going target the 2016, not the first model year 2014/15 UNLESS I stumble across a deal I can't refuse. A year should allow any "kinks" be addressed and give a better picture of the market for the RLXh.
Would I pay MSRP? Yes...grudgingly.

hondamore

I'm in the same holding pattern as stagefoursurvivor - eager to try the SHAWD RLX but in no hurry to pay full MSRP and in no hurry to experience first-model year "issues". I too am resigned to waiting for the 2016 model year for the bugs to be worked out and for the early adopter pricing to pass.

Regarding the hybrid nature of the new AWD RLX, I am mostly excited about the performance aspects of the system, although buying gas less frequently would be nice. Hybrids are the way of the future, so I might as well jump on the train with my next car.

Regarding the concerns about the batteries - Honda has been making hybrids longer than anyone and I feel confident that the battery module will outlast my ownership of the vehicle.

getakey

From when I first read about the SH-SH-AWD, I considered it a performance enhancement. Any mpg improvement was just a bonus

crxb

Did you drive a Tesla S?

I drove a P85 Model S - whatever you think about electric cars - it goes out the window once you drive this car - amazing car

getakey

I have not driven one yet. I'd like to. My biz partner got one of the first Roadsters. It was a rocket, but the ride not so good. I know the S is a completely different animal

There are about 6 in my general neighborhood now. Neighbor across the street has a Tesla and a new MDX

stagefoursurvivor

I was/am considering a '11 or '12 RL especially after seeing the PAWS, which I find totally unimpressive in comparison to the Hybrid or the SH-AWD.
The Hybrid is a whole new animal, MPG is a huge bonus included in a refined, below the radar package with demonstrated brand reliability.
$65-70K just seems ridiculous for transportation when I consider I bought a new Volvo in '73 for $3800 OTD!

crxb

have your neighbor w/ the S give you a ride or better yet see if he/she would let you drive it. It will ruin you for any other car (provided you can live w/in its range) (95% of my driving)

it almost seems to make something like the set up of the RLX Hybrid look too complicated.

ride was much like a german sedan

acceleration - like a rail gun - little sound - just instant thrust