The new 2018 Acura TLX hits showrooms on June 1, a reflection of the brand’s aggressive new design direction, taking its cues from the Acura Precision concept that debuted last year. The TLX refresh also includes new premium features and technology enhancements that place the 2018 TLX among the most technologically advanced and well-equipped cars in the mid-size luxury sedan segment. Meanwhile, the all-new TLX A-Spec variant amps up the sporty character of TLX with exclusive design elements and new premium features.
“We’re enhancing the already outstanding dynamic performance of the Acura TLX by carrying our Precision Crafted Performance direction through to the exterior design,” said Jon Ikeda, vice president and general manager of Acura. “The addition of the new A-Spec further advances the TLX to a more distinctive position in the segment and enhances its appeal to a more performance oriented buyer.”
The 2018 TLX is the first Acura sedan to take design cues from the Acura Precision Concept and boasts the Acura diamond pentagon grille, a more sharply sculpted hood and front fenders. All models feature a new rear diffuser with exposed dual-exhaust outlets; while the Technology Package adds chrome exterior accents, leather seats with high-contrast stitching and piping, and a power-operated driver’s seat thigh extension. Paired with strong dynamic characteristics—more aggressive and sporty front and rear fascia and side sills, Acura’s signature Jewel Eye™ LED headlights, and new alloy wheel designs— the TLX redesign is a competitive new standard for what a performance luxury sedan should look like. The 2018 TLX is available in eight exterior colors.
The 2018 TLX also introduces new technology to the Acura lineup; it’s the first Acura to feature a dual-screen user interface (ODMD 2.0) with more intuitive menus and command structures on a new 7-inch touchscreen with a 30-percent faster response time and Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay compatibility. AcuraWatch, now standard across the Acura lineup, applies a suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies, including lane-keeping assist, forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning/mitigation.
Reflecting Acura’s Precision Crafted Performance® DNA, the all-new 2018 TLX V6 A-Spec variant takes it a little further in regards to both style and performance enhancements.
The TLX A-Spec goes a little darker in appearance; the exterior features the diamond pentagon grille in matte-black with dark chrome surround, an aggressive lower front fascia, 19-inch alloy wheels finished in Shark Gray paint and combined with aggressively flared side sills for a more athletic and planted stance. The A-Spec exterior upgrades also add a gloss-black decklid spoiler and “smoked” LED taillights. And inside, the TLX A-Spec features sexy red leather seats, red LED ambient light piping; red driver’s meter highlights, a brushed steel-look instrument panel, and an exclusive, thick-rimmed steering wheel with A-Spec badging.
A retuned electric power steering system, upgraded damper settings, and new Michelin Primacy tires offer improved lateral grip and responsiveness. A-Spec models feature extremely responsive handling, those equipped with SH-AWD also get a quicker steering ratio and a stiffer spring rate, and rear stabilizer bar for improved body control. The engine boasts an impressive growl in Sport and Sport+ modes, enhancing the sporty feel for the driver.
“The cumulative effect of these changes is significant. The revised on-center tuning lends a refined touch and makes for truer straight-line tracking requiring fewer minute corrections than in any previous TLX we’ve driven,” said Andrew Wendler of Car and Driver Magazine during a first drive review, “Turn-in, too, is sharper; the A-Spec responds quickly and accurately to inputs at any speed. The biggest revelation comes in long, high-speed sweepers where the car rewards looking deep into the turn with true tracking of even minimal steering inputs.”
As with previous models, the 2018 Acura TLX is available with two advanced powertrain options: a 2.4-liter, 206-horsepower i-VTEC® inline-4 mated to an 8-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (8DCT) with torque converter; and a 3.5-liter, 290-horsepower i-VTEC® V6 mated to a refined 9-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel-drive models include Acura Super-HanAll-Wheel Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®), the “most sophisticated torque-vectoring system in the industry, enabling a precise, dynamic driving experience that is uniquely Acura.”
The all-new 2018 Acura TLX starts with an MSRP of $33,000. The 2.4-liter models can be equipped with the Technology Package, while V6 models are available with the Technology, A-Spec, and Advance Packages. Claim yours June 1st at your local Acura dealer.
Sources: Official Acura Press Release, Car and Driver
