Three years after launching the midsize TLX sedan as a replacement for both the TL and TSX, Acura is back trying to strengthen its position in the increasingly challenging segment with a significant update. Debuting at the New York Auto Show, the 2018 Acura TLX follows last year’s MDX crossover in adopting the design cues from the 2015 Precision concept while getting a big tech upgrade on the inside.
The visual changes are immediately apparent as the last vestige of the Acura shield grille has been ditched on the TLX in favor of the diamond pentagon first seen on the concept. The LED headlamps are retained although the clusters have been reshaped to correspond to the new grille shape. At the tail, the changes are less pronounced with some new chrome trim on the bumper and reworked exhaust outlets for a big more aggression.
For those that want to amp up the visual aspects of the TLX even more, Acura is reviving the A-Spec trim level as an option for V6 models. Only available on V6-powered TLXs, A-Spec includes an unique version of the front fascia with larger pockets in the lower corners that contain round fog lamps. Rocker sill extensions and rear diffuser with large round dual exhaust tips complete the perimeter of the A-Spec. A set of black-painted 19-inch alloy wheels with 245-mm tires transmit power to the road while retuned springs, dampers and electric power steering assist are claimed to improve handling precision.
The current direct-injected 2.4-liter four-cylinder and 3.5-liter V6 engines are carrying over into 2018 with 206-horsepower and 290-hp respectively. Availability of the torque-vectoring super-handling all-wheel-drive is now expanded to all V6 trim levels.
Inside, the TLX adopts the same funky push-button shift system we’ve seen on the MDX and the Honda Pilot. The long running dual screen layout for the infotainment system is retained but the guts of the system are all-new and now feature Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support for the first time in an Acura. The touch capable lower display now swaps the old resistive digitizer for a more responsive capacitive unit like those used on modern phones and tablets.
With the TLX, Honda is continuing its aggressive rollout of advanced driver assist systems. A full suite of systems in the AcuraWatch package is standard on the sedan including adaptive cruise control with full stop and go capability, forward collision warning, lane keeping and road departure mitigation.
Since this is a mid-cycle update, it's no surprise to see Acura stick with just the four-door sedan body style. However, with Buick's decision to drop the sedan from its competing Regal lineup in favor of a five door hatch and a crossover wagon, it will be interesting to see if Acura chooses a similar path when the next all-new TLX bows in a few years. Certainly the continuing market shift away from sedans would seem likely to push the brand in that general direction. No pricing information is available yet for the 2018 TLX but it will probably be available this summer.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/samabuelsamid/2017/04/11/2018-acura-tlx-adding-precision-to-the-middle-of-the-brand/
2017-04-11T00:00:00+00:00