For a while now, Acura has been trying to redefine its full-size automotive offering. Known originally as the Acura Legend back in the 80’s and 90’s, the company renamed its vehicle to the RL, because suddenly it became cool to name cars using random letters and numbers. For 2014, the car has been renamed RLX – named appropriately to match the other vehicles in its family (the TL will be renamed TLX in 2014).

So we know where it fits in the Acura family, but how does it compare to its competitors? The RLX fits in a weird segment of B-market full-size luxury cars that don’t necessarily compete with the BMW 7-series, S-Class, or A8. Rather, it’s priced to compete with the Lincoln MKS and Cadillac XTS.

WHAT WE LIKE

Pricing

At $49,990, the vehicle is priced slightly higher than its direct competitors mentioned above. However, if size matters to you most, then its dimensions rival the S-class and the 7-series for only half the price tag. Of course, it won’t carry the same features, performance, or brand value as the Germans, but expect it to last long enough to be your kid’s first car. If you take good care of it, these cars can last up to 300,000 kilometres. So what you’re getting is size and reliability at an affordable price tag.

Performance

Powered by a 3.5-litre V-6 i-VTEC engine, the RLX outputs 310 horses and 272 lb.-ft. of torque. Initially we doubted whether this engine was powerful enough to dart a sedan of this size, especially considering the engine’s specs are similar to the smaller TL’s engine. We are happy to report that the power delivery and throttle response was instantaneous and the gear shifts are seamless. There is also a “Sport” mode button, which enhances throttle response and the overall excitement of your ride. At most speeds, depressing your foot on the gas pedal in Sport mode will jolt the vehicle forward instantaneously.

Multimedia Interface

The multimedia interface on Acura’s 2014 models has come a long way. We tested the systems on some 2013 models, only to be disappointed by the single screen that required input using a rotary dial. The 2014 RLX and MDX however feature a dual-screen layout consisting of a touch screen and a non-touch screen. The touch-screen, strategically placed closer to the driver, is used to input information using a keyboard and user-friendly buttons. The non-touch screen displays the information relayed by the touch screen. Both screens work very well together. The only thing we would have liked to see improve is the system’s speed, as the processor used to power these systems took a while to load.

Lane-Keeping Assist System

We first tested Acura’s Lane-Keeping Assist System on the 2014 MDX and were pleasantly surprised with what it could do. The system uses sensors to detect the white lines within a lane. It then tries its best to keep you within the lane. This feature helps reduce driver strain and provides an easier steering experience. Now couple this with the vehicle’s built-in adaptive cruise control and the vehicle is very close to being able to drive itself! 

On a two-kilometre stretch, we activated the Lane-Keeping Assist System and the Adaptive Cruise Control and the car was able to follow and match the speed of the vehicle ahead. If the car ahead would slow down, the RLX would react and slow down as well. No acceleration or steering input was needed for this two-kilometre test. Don’t expect these systems to drive you home any time soon.

WHAT WE DISLIKE

Door Handles

The RLX, like many luxury cars, has touch-sensitive door handles. The way these work is you touch them and they unlock. Unfortunately upon many instances, touching the door handles didn’t always unlock the car. After further attempts, the door still didn’t unlock. So I had to go “traditional” and use the keyless remote to unlock the door. We’re not sure if it’s just an issue with the specific vehicle we got, but be sure to test it out if you happen to take one for a test drive.

Body

This is by far the best full-size Acura we have seen to date. Throughout the body, you will notice sharp lines and smooth curves that set it apart from its predecessor. The problem however is that the body itself seems a bit outdated. Mind you, the headlights and taillights have been drastically redesigned, but they just feel like they are sitting on an older body that has gone through some nips and tucks. Ideally, we would have loved to see Acura design something sleek – something like the CLS or the A7. That being said, we could be totally wrong as many full-size car buyers are slightly older and prefer conservative designs. We’ll have to wait and see how well the RLX does in the long run.

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