2008 Acura RL – Pinnacle of Performance, Elegance, and Cutting-Edge Features

The Acura RL has minimal changes for 2008. On the entry-level RL, the GPS-linked solar sensing dual-zone automatic climate control has been replaced with a more conventional dual-zone automatic climate control. For 2008 both the base RL and the Tech Package come with a Bluetooth wireless telephone interface.

Acura's flagship 2008 RL offers more standard equipment for the dollar than most of its competitors. All-wheel drive, a premium sound system, and a luxurious interior are all standard. Even with the rest of the bells and whistles, such as navigation, adaptive cruise control and collision mitigation braking, still makes it one of the best luxury sedan values on the market.

The 2008 RL is Acura's entry in the mid-sized luxury sedan market, and it remains one of the best appointed sedans in its class. With all-wheel drive, steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, heated leather seats, a moonroof, tire pressure monitoring, a Bose AM/FM/6-disc CD changer with an auxiliary jack and XM satellite radio, and a power rear sun shade all standard, the RL delivers in most areas. It even boasts active noise cancellation to reduce cabin noise levels, thereby saving weight on sound deadening materials.

Standard all-wheel drive; well-appointed interior; technology galore.

The RL is powered by a 290-horsepower V6 which is one of the more powerful six-cylinder engines in its class. The V6 is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission with a manual mode. Independent suspension all around and front and rear stabilizer bars complete the package.

Standard safety features include electronic brake distribution, stability and traction controls, fog lights, xenon headlights, and front and rear side curtain air bags. Throw in the car's five-star crash rating, and the RL becomes one of the safest vehicles on the road.

2008 Acura RL Prices

TRIM

Starting MSRP

2008 Acura RL Automatic (Hawaii)

$49,165

2008 Acura RL Automatic

$46,280

2008 Acura RL Automatic with Technology Package

$49,900

2008 Acura RL Automatic with Technology and CMBS/PAX Packages

$53,700

The optional Tech Package includes a rearview camera, AcuraLink's satellite communication, and a navigation system that gives live traffic updates as well as Zagat survey results for area restaurants.

Though not as flashy (or as expensive) as some of its V8 rivals, the RL proves to be capable in nearly all driving circumstances, and is consistently one of the top performers in its segment.