2016 Acura RLX: A Blend of Power and Luxury

The 2016 Acura RLX fills a gap in the automaker's lineup left by the departure of the RL luxury sedan in 2012. The RLX is powered by a 3.5L direct-injection aluminum V6 making 310 horsepower and 272 pound-feet of torque, which is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with Sequential SportShift paddle shifters and Grade Logic Control. With a curb weight of 4,000 pounds, the RLX isn't light, but the powertrain works well to propel the car to 60 mph in under seven seconds. The RLX Sport Hybrid makes an extra 66 horsepower thanks to a 3-motor system, and comes paired with a dual-clutch 7-speed transmission.

For 2016, the Acura RLX base trim has been discontinued, and 19-inch wheels are now standard and mounted to an improved suspension and slightly tweaked chassis. Most notably, the RLX now includes the AcuraWatch suite of aids, like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, collision warning, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert. Later in the model year, the RLX Sport Hybrid will debut, featuring a 3-motor hybrid system capable of 377 horsepower, with EPA estimated fuel economy at 30 mpg combined, compared with the 24 mpg combined figure for standard RLXs.

Distinguishing oneself among the crowded luxury sedan segment is not easy. The Acura RLX's refinement and capabilities are among the many virtues that let the RLX more than holds its own. A powerful V6 and smooth-shifting transmission provide spirited performance, while Acura's Precision All-Wheel Steer system gives the RLX a sure-footedness not found in front-wheel-drive cars. With loads of impressive amenities and safety features and a base price under $50,000, the RLX gives buyers a contender to consider against competitors like the BMW 5-Series, Audi A6, Cadillac CTS and Mercedes-Benz E350.

Luxurious interior; loaded with technology; powerful V6; dynamic handling with all-wheel steering

The RLX features unit body construction and rides on independent double wishbone suspension with lower control arms up front and an independent multi-link with coil springs and a stabilizer bar in the rear. Acura's Agile Handling Assist System provides active braking of individual wheels to assist in cornering, while the crown jewel of the RLX's dynamic handling is Precision All-Wheel Steer (P-AWS). The system enables the rear wheels to adjust toe angles independently of each other, while working in conjunction with Agile Handling Assist and Vehicle Stability Assist. Four-wheel 12-inch disc brakes provide stopping power, while 19-inch alloy wheels hold road-hugging high-performance all-season tires. Up front, "Jewel Eye" LED headlights provide what Acura claims to be a whiter, brighter beam than either HID or halogen lamps.

2016 Acura RLX Prices

TRIM

Starting MSRP

2016 Acura RLX Automatic with Navigation

$50,950

2016 Acura RLX Automatic with Technology Package

$54,450

2016 Acura RLX Hybrid Automatic with Technology Package

$59,950

2016 Acura RLX Automatic with Advance Package

$60,450

2016 Acura RLX Hybrid Automatic with Advance Package

$65,950

Standard equipment in the RLX with Technology Package includes leather seating, front 12-way power seats, navigation, a premium 14-speaker audio system, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, and AcuraWatch, which features a multi-view rear camera, Forward Collision Warning system, Lane Departure Warning, Road Departure Mitigation, Blind Spot Monitoring, and more.

The RLX with Advance Package adds 450-watt 14-speaker Krell sound system, surround-view camera, remote start, power sunshades, heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated outboard rear seats