With a base price far more in line with the outgoing TSX than with the outgoing, but upmarket TL, the new TLX represents an excellent value. Competitors include the Lexus ES350, the Mercedes-Benz CLS, the Audi A4 and the BMW 3-series. With a base price that starts just below $31,000, the TLX undercuts many of its rivals, while still offering plenty of space, sophisticated drivetrains and a modern chassis.
Base TLX's come with a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine making 206 hp. Power is sent to the front wheels via an 8-speed DCT transmission, which features a torque converter to smooth out any jerkiness in the drivetrain during low speed operation. This combination should be good for about 28 mpg in mixed city and highway driving. The optional engine is a 3.5L V6 making 290 hp. Power is sent to either the front, or to all-four wheels via a 9-speed automatic transmission. Even equipped with the V6 and all-wheel drive, the TLX should return around 25 mpg in mixed highway and city driving.
The TLX has a difficult niche to fill, being both a luxury car and a sports sedan at the same time. Acura have addressed this with the addition of a revised four wheel steering system, enabling the TLX to be both nimble and stable when carving up a twisty road.
Good balance between luxury and sportiness; available all-wheel drive; good fuel economy; advanced transmission options
Acura lists seven different trim levels for the TLX, but in reality there are three basic configurations, which can each be ordered with a Technology Package or in some cases, a loaded Advanced Package.
Basic levels of equipment are hardly Spartan however. The base TLX comes equipped with LED headlights, Bluetooth connectivity, SiriusXM satellite radio, a rearview camera, keyless access, a muti-function display, Siri eyes free functionality and USB and iPod connectivity.
Should buyers option the technology package, they'll also get a navigation system with real time traffic updates, a premium audio system with HD radio, a colored display screen, a perforated leather trimmed interior, rain sensing wipers, lane assist and lane departure warning systems as well as blind spot and forward collision warning systems.
The V6 TLX comes in both front and all-wheel drive configurations, though all-wheel drive versions always come equipped with either the Technology or the Advanced Package.
2015 Acura TLX Prices
TRIM
2015 Acura TLX Front Wheel Drive
$31,445
2015 Acura TLX Front Wheel Drive V6
$35,320
2015 Acura TLX Front Wheel Drive Tech
$35,500
2015 Acura TLX Front Wheel Drive V6 Tech
$39,375
2015 Acura TLX Super Handling-All Wheel Drive V6 Tech
$41,575
2015 Acura TLX Front Wheel Drive V6 Advance
$42,600
2015 Acura TLX Super Handling-All Wheel Drive V6 Advance
$44,800
Safety systems across the TLX line include anti-lock brakes, traction control and stability control. Front, side, side curtain and driver's knee airbags are all standard.