Acura TLX...is it DOA?

"Tom McParland" (tommcparland)
04/07/2014 at 11:50 • Filed to: Acura, TLX, BMW, articles

Acura gets a lot of flack around here, and most of it for good reason. They were once a brand both respected by enthusiasts and folks who desired a quality luxury car but didn't want some of the baggage that comes with ze Germans. Then Acura killed all the cars loved by Jalops: the Integra, the RSX and most sadly the NSX. There was a glimmer of hope for a while with the 2nd generation TL, but then that glimmer went dark with their new corporate "beak," and the brand has been stumbling ever since. The all new TLX sedan is supposed to be a revival for Acura as a serious alternative to the established luxury players. No one knows yet how the product will be, but from a pricing standpoint it appears they have already lost.

But pricing hasn't been released yet!

True, but we have a clue in the !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! If you dig deeply into the fine print of the contest rules you will find this-

One (1) winner will receive a 2015 Acura TLX Advance SH-AWD. The approximate retail value ("ARV") of the prize is $49,995.

Now 50k, doesn't sound too bad for a fully loaded SH-AWD with Advance package. I would like to mention that I've always appreciated Acura's tired trim pricing. However, despite the value that Acura is offering the TLX is set to be priced about 5 thousand more than a current generation TL SH-AWD with Advance package. Also keep in mind that the TLX is supposed to be a replacement for both the TL and the TSX (hence the combination of letters). I don't know about you, but I was hoping for some kind of middle ground between the two retired cars. It is this overly ambitious pricing that could torpedo the TLX from the start.

If we just compare the top tier TLX, I wonder what else can be had for around 50k with 300hp and AWD? That would be the bogey of every luxury car maker, the BMW 3-series. A 335 xDrive starts at 45,400. Of course when you load it with the same equipment of an Advance TLX you hit about 53k. But remember, 50k cars are not bought they are leased. A 3 thousand dollar difference in MSRP does not make a drastic impact on lease payments, especially when BMW offers serious incentives for lessees. Also keep in mind that most people are perfectly happy with the performance of a 328 xDrive, which loaded with similar options will set you back about 50k even.

That's not fair the TLX is not in the same class as the 3, it will be bigger!

Perhaps, but will it be bigger where it counts? Like I mentioned before the TLX is supposed to replace both the mid-size TL and the compact TSX, so I would imagine the dimensions would be somewhere in between the two. But let's say the TSX holds the same interior dimensions as the current TL.

Sure the TL is a much larger car, but if you examine closely the interior dimensions to a 3-series they are very close. The numbers become even more interesting when you compare the F30 3-series, the TL, and an F10 5-series.

It really makes you wonder why people "need" the larger 5-series. Anyway back to the TLX, Acura needs to overcome both badge snobbery from the usual luxury buyers and cross-shopping from performance types like us. This is not a good place to be in for the brand.

Acura was once the reliable, sporty, and affordable alternative to BMW and Mercedes. When the TSX went up against the E90 it was similar in size, but despite not having the same caliber of performance the TSX was a joy to toss around (especially with the 6-speed manual), very reliable and much cheaper. The TSX was the car you bought because you couldn't afford the 3. The TLX is the car you get instead of the BMW; the problem is there are already plenty of of "alternatives" to the 3 series. In order for the TLX to succeed, Acura either needs to make the best sport-sedan IN THE WORLD, or seriously reexamine their pricing strategy.

(UPDATE: This post was written, a few weeks ago and today Acura announced that the TLX launch will be delayed until late this summer... it is that kind of thrill)

!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! is a professional car buying consultant, lover of all things automotive and a bit wagon obsessed. You can find more ramblings and plenty of carporn !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

DISCUSSION (100)

Stupidru > Tom McParland
04/07/2014 at 11:53

Pricing strategy aside, I think this car holds promise for me down the road. It's got the looks, it's going to be reliable, it's got all the widgets inside, and it can easily take a family for a weekend getaway in comfort

Party-vi > Tom McParland
04/07/2014 at 11:57

The old Cadillac CTS was a 5-Series-sized 3-Series competitor for 3-Series money, and that didn't work for Cadillac. Also, 26mpg highway kind of sucks considering the fatter 5-Series can supposedly hit over 30mpg.

Jonathon Klein > Tom McParland
04/07/2014 at 11:59

They need to separate themselves a bit more from Honda, then when they are able to not have Honda looking over their shoulders will they be able to make something genuinely awesome again.

jkm7680 > Tom McParland
04/07/2014 at 12:01

Win-Sell-Used Nsx

That's what Id do. I honestly dislike Acura, besides the Nsx, Tl and the Rsx

Victorious Secret > Tom McParland
04/07/2014 at 12:05

Yes, yes it is.

Being halfsized and cheaper didn't work for Cadillac, it won't work for Acura, and Acura has less of a reputation for luxury than even Cadillac did when they started.

I would buy this used because it will depreciate, but not new. And thats the problem. They need new sales. This car isn't a new purchase IMO.

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > Tom McParland
04/07/2014 at 12:05

"I wonder what else can be had for around 50k with 300hp and AWD?"

I don't want to be that guy that keeps defending Lincoln but you could get a AWD 300HP Lincoln MKZ starting at $38000. $12000 cheaper would sure lower the lease payments wouldn't it? have you that this would not be a fully loaded version but it would still be a pretty nice car.

Stupidru > Luc - The Acadian Oppo
04/07/2014 at 12:08

I've often thought about this for something down the line. It's an SHO in a tux

Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs > Luc - The Acadian Oppo
04/07/2014 at 12:09

You could have a Taurus SHO as well. 365hp of Twin Turbo awesomeness :D, admittedly I am somewhat biased on this one :P

Tom McParland > Luc - The Acadian Oppo
04/07/2014 at 12:19

Lincoln still makes luxury cars? I don't even think Lincoln is on Acura's radar anymore.

Tom McParland > Luc - The Acadian Oppo
04/07/2014 at 12:26

In all seriousness though, the fact that that is available from Lincoln means even more bad news for Acura

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > Tom McParland
04/07/2014 at 12:32

And apparently with a simple tire swap it is one hell of a performer.

http://jalopnik.com/5969022/lincol…

Captain_Spadaro > Tom McParland
04/07/2014 at 12:33

In a vacuum, its an okay car. Unfortunately, the rest of the class (E-class, 5-series, GS, etc.) exists. There's also the simple fact that marketing spin can't mask transverse FF origins and the weird proportions that result from said origins, as well as the compromises in dynamics. There's a reason the rest of the class uses RWD architecture.

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > Stupidru
04/07/2014 at 12:37

The MKS is the SHO in a tux not the MKZ. The MKZ is the hopped up Fusion but with good tires the MKZ would out perform the heavy MKS.

http://jalopnik.com/5969022/lincol…

AMC/Renauledge > Tom McParland
04/07/2014 at 12:41

Kinja'd!!!

I'd get a Buick Regal GS, and get more torque out of a turbo 4cyl and Brembos instead. Looks like the TLX will be competing with it directly, anyway. It'll just be more expensive. For no good reason.

The TLX doesn't have the design, the price, or the specs to make it stand out at all. By all measures, it'll be a perfectly good car, I'm sure. It just won't be exciting, special, or dynamic enough to make a dent in the market.

Textured Soy Protein > Tom McParland
04/07/2014 at 12:43

I think the TLX is actually a smart move by Acura and I think it could be a hit. The SH-AWD Advance is more of a halo model than a volume seller. I could see Acura selling the shit out of fwd 4-banger models in the low $30s.

As for your specific comparison of the SH-AWD Advance....

I priced a 328i xDrive Sport Line with all of the gizmos from the TLX SH-AWD Advance, and it came to $57,450. M Sport is $58,450. Even if leasing, and even with BMW's fantastically cheap leases, that's still a significant price difference.

The TLX SH-AWD has 65 hp more than the 328i xDrive. Yes it weighs more, and yes the BMW is underrated, and yes it's probably in the same general speediness ballpark. But for some buyers, spec sheets talk.

But like I said, the SH-AWD Advance isn't going to be the high-volume TSX model anyway.

M3BimmerBilly > Captain_Spadaro
04/07/2014 at 12:44

I dont want AWD and I wouldn't want its FWD brother either. If I did need AWD I'd just get the Audi A3. Way more badge for the buck and lets be honest, thats what this category is all about. If size/capacity was the objective, people would be buying some rental car from GM.

Captain_Spadaro > Tom McParland
04/07/2014 at 12:45

I'm also going to add that I find it very odd that Acura/Honda mentions J1349 AUG2004compliance, as (and someone please correct me if I am wrong), J1349 is the hp rating method used by everyone who sells cars in North America, so its kind of expected. Now, if they were listing J2723, which (to my knowledge, again please correct me if I am wrong) is the one that has the 3rd party observer present (and is currently used really only by GM), that'd be a different story. That said, everyone knows BMW under-rates their engines, so even then, comparing on-paper bhp ratings is kind of a wash.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Tom McParland
04/07/2014 at 12:55

...Yeah it's that kind of thrill#thenewTLX

Straightsix9904 > Tom McParland
04/07/2014 at 14:03

Don't murder me, but I would rather have a Lexus.

Tom McParland > Straightsix9904
04/07/2014 at 14:04

Perfectly reasonable response, but Lexus is a legit alternative to zeGermans. Acura is not.

Straightsix9904 > Tom McParland
04/07/2014 at 14:08

If I had $50K, I just couldn't pull the trigger on this. I know this is rehashing your article, but I would rather have a plain jane Lexus ES and 15K

jalop1991 > Straightsix9904
04/12/2014 at 17:19

How about a plain jane Avalon—same car as the current ES—and save an addition $5K or $10K over that $15K?

Gmonster > Party-vi
04/12/2014 at 19:47

A 535xi is getting 25 on its best day.

Gmonster > Luc - The Acadian Oppo
04/12/2014 at 19:49

its a fucking Lincoln. That brand makes Acura look like BMWs being sold at Mercedes cheap ass prices

Party-vi > Gmonster
04/12/2014 at 22:32

I believe that, but the 528i has an EPA estimate of 30 on the highway.

Gmonster > Party-vi
04/12/2014 at 22:49

yeah but nobody who want sh-awd w 300 hp would cross shop a 528. 528 is a shameful car.

Collin > Tom McParland
04/13/2014 at 16:48

At the Atlanta Auto Show recently, the TLX was awarded "Best in Show" or something to that effect despite the presence of the GMC Canyon, which was at least 10x more desirable. I was not happy. I guess we'll see what people think when it comes time to open up their wallets though.

someoneatacura > M3BimmerBilly
04/15/2014 at 02:43

You should try driving one. The AWD system can send 100% of the power to the rear (emergency conditions), and 70% under normal conditions. People who buy cars for the badge don't have any business commenting on the car.

someoneatacura > Captain_Spadaro
04/15/2014 at 02:44

You need to check out the Wikipedia article on SH-AWD. It's better then quattro, xdrive, etc. You also need to drive a car with that system.

someoneatacura > Luc - The Acadian Oppo
04/15/2014 at 02:45

Have you been inside the Lincoln? It doesn't not punch above it's price point.

someoneatacura > Victorious Secret
04/15/2014 at 02:48

The TLX will punch into the 5 series market. A current TL is a bargain over a 3 series, while offering more room, features, and performance for the dollar. The cars performance is still unknown, but there is proof out there how good the old TL drove over audi's and other cars way over it's price point.

Captain_Spadaro > someoneatacura
04/15/2014 at 10:14

I've read the article already. I'm not impressed. Besides, do you really think most buyers care how it works? They can't even open the hoods FFS!

someoneatacura > Captain_Spadaro
04/17/2014 at 00:35

Of course they do. There is a display mode that shows you where the torque is going. They very much understand the system and it's by far the best one. And my customers know how to work their hood latches, and they love talking about cars. They love cars, and if you loved cars you'd go drive one and see if you like it.

M3BimmerBilly > someoneatacura
04/17/2014 at 09:17

This car sucks. I would rather drive a 10 year old BMW E46 sedan with Xdrive if I needed a AWD car.

Captain_Spadaro > someoneatacura
04/17/2014 at 14:52

You are giving FAR too much credit to your customers (or you are blessed with ones who actually care, I could go either way). Remember that study that was done a few years ago about how 80% of BMW 1-series buyers didn't know the car was RWD? It stands to reason that a similar number of Acura customers don't understand how SH-AWD works, info display be damned. AS for me, I'm simply not a fan off FF-based AWD, and I'm not a fan of Acura or Honda in general right now, and I honestly don't see that changing much, particularly if you and that asshole Aaronm_mt from Autoblog keep telling me I'm a terrible person for not liking Honda products.

someoneatacura > Captain_Spadaro
04/17/2014 at 23:36

80% of BMW customers don't understand English either. They are the type of people who walk into a dealership, and just but a car without driving it. It's about status. I have seen this happen on multiple occasions. A Car company would not select this customer to show off as the best representation of their brand, even though they capitalize on their business. These are the same people that treat cars as appliances. My customers are blessed because I open up their eyes to what they have. How can anyone expect to know the details of a car if they are never taught in one form or another? I make a point to communicate and inform my customers about their car, and what it can do (and I'm not a salesman). When I see a customer, it's because they have to be there. If I didn't make them feel like their car was something they should feel good about, I would be doing them a disservice. I enjoy cars, not just my brand. If you enjoy cars as much as me (maybe you don't, maybe this is a vent site to you) you would try anything out, hoping it is fun. The last thing I would want to miss is a good time.

someoneatacura > M3BimmerBilly
04/17/2014 at 23:37

You can still drive those? I thought they were dead after the 32,000km oil change intervals.

Captain_Spadaro > someoneatacura
04/18/2014 at 01:24

I do enjoy cars, but, as I said before, I'm not a Honda man, and I don't see that changing; that said, dad had an NSX in the early 90s and I think its the only car he truly misses, and I have fond memories of riding in it. However, after driving cars like the 2nd gen CTS-V, GS350 F Sport, and the FR-S, the only FF car that honestly holds any interest for me now is the new GTI (Ford almost had it, but then they screwed the pooch on the Focus ST by not giving it a limited slip).

M3BimmerBilly > someoneatacura
04/18/2014 at 10:09

Acura sucks

someoneatacura > Captain_Spadaro
04/19/2014 at 03:07

If a limited Slip is all that is screwed up on the Focus ST, just buy a quality aftermarket one. Those can be added for nothing (let alone the long term VW ownership costs).

I just drove a 1991 NSX last week that belongs to the owner of a sports car club where I live. It has under 100,000kms, and real performance mods (it's a track car). I'm not sure if there is anything done to the engine besides the intake and exhaust, but it has a flywheel and clutch upgrade (can't remember the name, something with "science" in it) and everything for the suspension. I was literally scared after giving it 100% in first gear. It had such a visceral connection to the road, that COMPLETELY translated to the driver. I could feel the tires crying under the power, and every pebble in the road. I have not been able to get this feeling out of my head or memory since. I've driven an FR-S, and everything Lexus has to offer until just before the LFA came out. IS350 was a great car, same with the IS F. GS450H was really quick as well as the GS430. Still, none of these cars could give me what that NSX had. But you really need to stop calling the SH-AWD based TL FF. It's torque split under normal driving is 60% F 40% R. It only goes FF for highway cruising to help save some gas (which probably doesn't help, it's thirsty).

Captain_Spadaro > someoneatacura
04/19/2014 at 08:33

One can buy a quality limited slip from Quaife, but what fries me is that Ford doesn't have it on the options list (or through Ford Racing, which is slightly ironic, as I believe the Quaife diff is from the short-lived ST-R race Focus program).

"But you really need to stop calling the SH-AWD based TL FF. It's torque split under normal driving is 60% F 40% R"

Uh, that IS front biased...

Nibby > Tom McParland
04/23/2014 at 09:41

2nd and 3rd gen TL FTW

Nibby > Tom McParland
04/23/2014 at 09:43

Also, look at the interior dimensions of the 2nd gen TL http://www.thecarconnection.com/specifications…

GTI MkVII > Tom McParland
04/23/2014 at 09:47

50 grand is WAY too much for this car. As the linked article mentions, this car is supposed to replace both the TSX and TL. It definitely shouldn't cost more than a top spec TL then. For 50 grand, I'd get an absolutely fully loaded A4 Prestige S-Line.

macanamera > Tom McParland
04/23/2014 at 10:16

I don't even get how people walk into Acura dealers.

Diesel > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire
04/23/2014 at 10:16

Kinja'd!!!

Yeah, it's that kind of thrill.

Tom McParland > macanamera
04/23/2014 at 10:19

I think most of it is by accident...however in fairness to the brand their crossovers are a good value.

macanamera > Tom McParland
04/23/2014 at 10:21

Unless I am mistaken, Acura outsold Audi last year (in the states), so that's a lot of accidents!

Kate's Dirty Sister > Tom McParland
04/23/2014 at 10:22

"A 3 thousand dollar difference in MSRP does not make a drastic impact on lease payments, especially when BMW offers serious incentives for lessees."

That is not exactly true, 3K is about 60$ a month for a typical 4 year lease. That's worth considering for most people, even in that price range.

JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t > Luc - The Acadian Oppo
04/23/2014 at 10:27

Who worth their Jalop rep doesn't swap out the tires on a new car first thing? The only reason I still have the potenza RE050s on the factory wheels of the FieSTa is because I'm putting the Direzza ZIIs on 15's —they're lighter.

(In all honnesty the RE050s are actually a pretty good tire...)

SAABerJon > Tom McParland
04/23/2014 at 10:28

No Honda is worth $50k, period.

Tom McParland > macanamera
04/23/2014 at 10:28

Crossovers are so hot right now.

macanamera > Tom McParland
04/23/2014 at 10:30

That by itself bothers me, lol.

Tom McParland > SAABerJon
04/23/2014 at 10:30

Kinja'd!!!

BillGK > Tom McParland
04/23/2014 at 10:30

That's a damn good article for people considering the V6 TLX!!!

macanamera > Tom McParland
04/23/2014 at 10:31

Kinja'd!!!

Kate's Dirty Sister > M3BimmerBilly
04/23/2014 at 10:34

lol

sj > Tom McParland
04/23/2014 at 10:34

typo: "contender"

Tom McParland > sj
04/23/2014 at 10:35

Good catch...not only to my photoshop skills suck so does my text editing

Bryce Womeldurf > Tom McParland
04/23/2014 at 10:36

Kinja'd!!!

They should go back and look at the TSX for inspiration. I feel like the obese-looking mid 2000s RL came out and then they for some reason decided to make all of their cars look visually heavy in the same way. The body on these was just right. Sharp details and that nice crease down the side. They haven't made anything else that's turned my head like this since. The new RLX is decent looking but most of their stable just looks fat and they still refuse to get rid of the beak.

MallardDuck > Luc - The Acadian Oppo
04/23/2014 at 10:40

Or you could get a 300hp AWD Chrysler 200S (also with a 9 speed transmission) for $28k, fully loaded S for about $33k, or fully loaded C for $38k.

MallardDuck > Tom McParland
04/23/2014 at 10:40

Or you could get a 300hp AWD Chrysler 200S (also with a 9 speed transmission) for $28k, fully loaded S for about $33k, or fully loaded C for $38k.

D-Dubya > Stupidru
04/23/2014 at 10:41

MKZ is a Fusion in a Tux, MKS is the Taurus. It's got the SHO drivetrain, but the suspension is substantially softer.

You'vepointed out a very serious problem that Lincoln, Acura, and now Inifiniti have. Nobody knows what the hell the damn names mean!

Tom McParland > MallardDuck
04/23/2014 at 10:42

And again...just like the Lincoln comment above these alternatives mean more bad news for Acura.

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > Stupidru
04/23/2014 at 10:43

No... that would be the Lincoln MKS.

The "Mark Zed" is a Ford Fusion in a tux.

nauyop > Tom McParland
04/23/2014 at 10:44

Kinja'd!!!

I don't know how they're gonna replace two cars with one, but here's the supposedly next TSX which I don't know how they're gonna name it when it comes to North America (if it does of course). The Honda Spirior aka the Honda Accord Euro was the other version of the Accord sold in some other places and named as the Acura TSX in North America, while the North American Accord is sold in other places under the name of Honda Inspire since three generations ago.

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t
04/23/2014 at 10:44

"Who worth their Jalop rep doesn't swap out the tires on a new car first thing?"

A poor/cheap Jalop...

Tom McParland > nauyop
04/23/2014 at 10:45

I wonder if that is the same platform as the TLX...from the pics the proportions look very similar.

Doug Nash > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t
04/23/2014 at 10:46

I had the REo70's on my STi - factory - and they were simply OUTSTANDING. Granted, they were never able to muster more than about 10,000-miles. But such is life in the fast lane.

nomnom > Tom McParland
04/23/2014 at 10:46

Sounds like Japlo is still butthurt that Acura and Honda will not invite them to First Drives and Media events.

Doug Nash > Luc - The Acadian Oppo
04/23/2014 at 10:49

Sorry. I'm never going to take those re-badged Ford models seriously (and apparently, not too many people are). Ford had a good thing going with the long departed LS. That was at least a real-deal RWD sport-ish sedan.

In any event. For around $50K with 300/300 & AWD, I'll take me one Audi S4 please.

Tom McParland > nomnom
04/23/2014 at 10:52

WUT? I'm not on Jalopnik's payroll and I don't see how this above article expresses any "butthurt" It is a critique at Acura's pricing strategy...is it speculative, sure but this is the internet and that is what we do. I am not saying the TLX is a bad car, in fact I like the styling and I hope that it performs well. I just have my doubts in regards to its success against the competition.

Zendax > Tom McParland
04/23/2014 at 10:55

The TL was always in a weird place between family sedan and luxury. They seemed to do well there, but their plan is to move the new vehicle up market to be a true contender in the luxury space.

With that said, I don't like their odds. I doubt they'll be offering the same level of luxury (at least on paper) as Hyundai and Kia's offerings in the same space, and for performance, the Q50 is the better bet.

It'll sell, like the TL, to people who've bought Honda all their life and now find themselves with a bit more money to spend.

thechosenwonton > Tom McParland
04/23/2014 at 10:56

I personally have been looking at the new Volvo V60R, loaded retail is still less than 50k, has AWD, turbo, 325hp, and is a wagon. I've said similar about Honda; don't try to out Toyota Toyota, know your niche, and yet they seem to be trying to do the same thing with the Acura line - don't try to out German ze Germans. That car at 38-40k sells, at 50k there are just better options imo.

Tom McParland > thechosenwonton
04/23/2014 at 10:57

Yeah I have a 3-5 year plan to snatch up a CPO V60 R

dogisbadob > Tom McParland
04/23/2014 at 10:57

Acura should definitely bring back the names. Maybe they could sell the Euro Civic hatch as our Acura Integra.

This TLX would be the Vigor.

Of course the RLX would be the Legend.

Victorious Secret > nomnom
04/23/2014 at 10:58

Hard to take a fanboy seriously.

nafsucof > someoneatacura
04/23/2014 at 11:00

there are currently two lsds available. the quaife and a new wavetrac which is the same but different! lol... i have a torsen in my svt and it transformed it!

jamiescale1 > Tom McParland
04/23/2014 at 11:03

Credit where credits due: the top pic of the TLX rear 3/4 view is actually pretty handsome.

Based solely on that pic, if it was RWD and the front wasn't so lame I'd consider it....but alas; Acura :(

Tom McParland > jamiescale1
04/23/2014 at 11:04

I happen to really like the styling of the TLX...but when I see the price for a TLX with a shred of performance, I can't get past it.

dave1827 > Tom McParland
04/23/2014 at 11:05

"It really makes you wonder why people "need" the larger 5-series. "

Because it's bigger and some people can't comfortably fit in a 3-series...?

Dream Crusher, a name suggested by steliosr32 > Tom McParland
04/23/2014 at 11:05

The last TL sold in droves despite the "beak" this one looks 10 times better and will sell in droves as well. TLX is far from DOA. The one thing might be killing them is the no V8 offering and people still associating Acuras with rebadged Hondas.

jamiescale1 > Tom McParland
04/23/2014 at 11:05

Every time I see a bla Acura design I always think of this goof:

burglar can't heart click anything > someoneatacura
04/23/2014 at 11:05

The problem that the article alludes to is that nobody will bother to drive one. Acura currently has zero brand image. The German 3 have cachet in spades, Cadillac has the edgy American zing down pat, and if you want safe blandness and reliability you go Lexus.

Also "normal" nameplates these days can have just as much luxury in them as luxury brands. Chrysler 300, VW CC, Impala, heck even a loaded Fusion Titanium oozes features, quality, and looks that you never used to be able to get without going fancy marque.

Acura's not alone. Infiniti lost their minds by calling all their cars the same thing and loading them with crapware "features." Lincolns are expensive pretty Fords. The only reason to get a Jaguar sedan is if you really hate Germans and love depreciation.

Tom McParland > dave1827
04/23/2014 at 11:06

But the interior dimensions are not drastically bigger.

mr.ed > Tom McParland
04/23/2014 at 11:07

A flack is a public relations hack. Flak is anti-aircraft fire, the term you were intending.

Also: It's homing in, as in pigeons or torpedoes. Honing is polishing, as in cylinders.

It's jury rigged, a nautical term about a temporary rigging fix, not jerry, which was a derogatory term about Germans.

It's Jerry built, not jury, as above.

burglar can't heart click anything > AMC/Renauledge
04/23/2014 at 11:08

I was behind a facelift GS the other day, and I caught myself staring at it somewhat longingly. What, me, staring at a Buick? Am I old?

Darn pretty car.

oz4 > someoneatacura
04/23/2014 at 11:10

Depends on the type of SH-AWD. Almost, every other previous and current iteration of SH-AWD, found on models other than the RL, are crap and pretty much FWD 99% of the time. I would like to shake the Honda engineers hand that decided to gear the the rear axle to turn faster than the front axle and use only a simple clutch pack to engage that rear axle.

KSEGGFTW > Tom McParland
04/23/2014 at 11:12

Didn't read any of the article. Just the headline.

Why? Because the short answer is: YES.

Why? Because it's fucking Acura.

Tom McParland > Dream Crusher, a name suggested by steliosr32
04/23/2014 at 11:13

Droves....really?

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

dave1827 > Tom McParland
04/23/2014 at 11:16

3-4 inches of shoulder room can make a world of difference. For me it was the difference between my shoulder pushed up against the B-pillar or not.

burglar can't heart click anything > Tom McParland
04/23/2014 at 11:16

Kinja'd!!!

FWIW looks like the TSX space is taken over by the ILX. Which is a Civic, right? Looks like you can get it with a 201hp 2.4l & manual. $30k.

I blame you for having me actually visit the Acura website.

Bueller > Tom McParland
04/23/2014 at 11:19

I also expected an Acura with exclusive body panels. The TLX is just the current Accord with different doors, beak and badges. IOW, Acura is becoming Honda's Buick, which itself is becoming Chevy, abandoning the Honda that we grew up knowing.

Tom McParland > dave1827
04/23/2014 at 11:20

You are correct "some people can't comfortably fit into a 3- series" but how many large folks like yourself do you see driving 5 ers?

fintail > Tom McParland
04/23/2014 at 11:23

C-pillar/beltline relationship reminds me of a new Malibu. At least the TL(X) has been de-uglied a bit. They need to redo the 04-08 style.

Noodles > Tom McParland
04/23/2014 at 11:25

But it's dynamic!

Sorry- the TLX has no appeal to me. Sad to see what was formerly my favorite brand fall so far.

mcbenz > Tom McParland
04/23/2014 at 11:25

If I was browsing for a car of that class around that price tag I would definitely want it to be RWD or AWD that is not in a transverse engine layout. I don't understand why Honda/Acura dislike RWD so much that only their flagship models of the past (NSX, S2000) had the option. I wish I could walk into the office of the executives and just tell them "HEY most of your buyers would want this to be a RWD sports car, stop focusing on making soccer mom MDX bull**** and diversify your company" Make this vehicle a sporty RWD with an optional manual gearbox and watch the leasing frenzy begin.

mcbenz > Tom McParland
04/23/2014 at 11:25

472CID > Tom McParland
04/23/2014 at 11:30

Not sure why people bring up the 5 series (and the rest of the funky midsize bunch). The TL was almost exactly the same size as the RL, and therefore the same size as a midsize, but few if any compared the TL to anything but the 3 series. This new TLX and the Infiniti Q50 seem to be playing in that bigger is better game, I don't see it working too well for Infiniti...

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > Tom McParland
04/23/2014 at 11:31

This post raises an interesting issue I noticed when I was at the Autoshow back in February... many "bigger" cars aren't actually bigger in a meaningful way.

And let's compare the dimensions of the cars above to my "small and crappy" PT cruiser:

Exterior Length/Width/Height (inches): 168.9/67.1/63.3

Front/Rear headroom (inches): 39/ 40

Front/Rear shoulder room: 54/54

Front/rear hip room: 50/47

Front/rear leg room: 40.6/ 40.9

Min/max cargo capacity (cu. ft): 21.6/62.7

I've bolded the areas where the PT beats all of these "larger" cars. In terms of exterior dimensions, it's smaller in every way except for height... where it is about 6" taller.

And in other areas where the PT isn't bigger, it comes within an inch or two.

If you're like me and are looking for a car that is space-efficient and has usable and ample cargo capacity, you shouldn't waste your time/money buying any of these small to midsize luxury sedans.

On luxury sedans these days, practicality and utility has become an afterthought.