Chicago Sun-Times

Quiet elegance

Acura’s RLX epitomizes mid-size luxury, performanc­e and economy

- BY JEFF TAYLOR For the Sun-Times

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.

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