Quiet elegance
Acura’s RLX epitomizes mid-size luxury, performance and economy
For 2016, the Acura RLX is the very definition of understated luxury —not too flashy, not too many gadgets and slightly-aboveaverage performance. Combined in the form of the RLX, they end up as more than an Accord that went to finishing school.
The 2016 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid is back for 2016, and I tested this reinstated, flagship sedan.
If you’re looking for dramatic ex- terior styling cues, look elsewhere. Acura toned down the “boomerang” chrome front-end trim. The rest of the bodylines, lighting and silhouette could be interchangeable with those of a number of luxury and top-line mid-size sedans.
The most prominent feature of the RLX Sport Hybrid is what’s under the sheet metal. The powertrain consists of a direct-injected 3.5-liter V-6 engine and three-motor hybrid system backed with a seven-speed dual-clutch auto transmission that makes use of the rear electric mo- tors to get the Acura underway. This combo achieves decent city and highway mileage figures for a midsize sedan that can accelerate.
Again, another good feature of the RLX is something you can’t see — the compliant ride. Acura’s excellent Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system provides a combination of all-weather, allroad driving performance. I was pleasantly surprised by the strong initial acceleration from a standing start. My Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive model has the V-6 driving the front wheels, and an all-electric, two-motor, rear differential sends the torque to the rear wheels. This combo creates a techy all-wheel-drive RLX.
The RLX skips adaptive suspensions commonly found in the segment and employs a well-tuned setup of coil springs, aggressive dampers and grippy tires. Make no mistake — this is not a BMW 5 Series, but it is not as mushy as you think. The ride is well-balanced, slightly soft and very predictable, which is something some people are perfectly happy with.
A surprise is the RLX’s uncommon electric steering system that uses actuators to provide rearwheel steering, providing crisp, confident feedback while turning at high speeds and excellent maneuverability in tight parking lots. Braking is short, true and very consistent after repeated hard use.
Inside, the interior is wellappointed, but like the exterior, it’s understated.
A highlight is the AcuraWatch suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies and available Surround View Camera4, bi-directional starter and heated steering wheel. Space is at a slight premium, as I would have liked a bit more head room and trunk space. RLX goodies include: vivid, dual LCD infotainment displays; navigation system; AcuraLink communication system; and plenty of infotainment and connectivity features integrating your smartphone.
Key competitors include the Cadillac XTS and Lincoln MKZ; the RLX is slotted right in the middle.