Acura debuted as the luxury brand of Honda approaching 40 years ago and primarily for North American consumers. More than a dozen models have been discontinued, leaving the automaker with five vehicles, including the flagship TLX.
Unveiled in 2014 as the replacement for the TL and TSX models and the discontinuation of the RLX, the TLX (Touring Luxury Executive) assumed its current status in 2021. It was the start of its second generation for the four-door, entry level sedan.
The 2024 Acura TLX Type S comes with a 355-horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine. The Acura’s zero-to-60-mph time ranges from 4.6 to 5.9 seconds, and it has a top speed of 155 mph.
Part of an impressive corps, the TLX is matched against the Audi S4, BMW M340i, Lexus IS and top rival, the Genesis G70. There’s not a bad choice in the group. Value is the edge for the Acura over the two German stalwarts. The Type S is about $12,000 more than the standard TLX. But its standard equipment includes ELS Studio sound system with Amazon Alexa integration, its new digital gauge cluster, heated seats, a head-up display, and wireless Apple CarPlay.
The reviewed TLX Types S with its new exterior eye-catching color choice, Urban Gray Pearl, starts at $58,195 (all prices include a $1,195 destination fee), a $1,250 increase from the 2023 model. All exterior color choices, except Lunar Silver Metallic, add another $600. Adding other options easily pushes the price past $60,000.
The BMW M340i begins at $58,595; the 2024 Audi S4, comparably equipped, begins at $62,895. Throughout its lineup, Genesis gets top marks, with G70 receiving multiple honors. It begins at $50,450, but isn’t as sports-enthralled as the Acura.
Red upholstery handsomely complements the Urban Gray Pearl paint, another nod to the sporty theme. The cabin’s design is highlighted by a satin-metal-finish trim accent, ambient lighting, metal sport pedals and a flat-bottomed steering wheel with contrast stitching.
A comfortable, quiet ride with a well-designed cabin and quality material is another strong trait. The seat positioning allows the driver and passengers to feel like they’re part of the drive, regardless of the situation — city driving to the open road. Two passengers only are accommodated in the backseat — and tightly.
Newly standard are a 10.5-inch head-up display and a corresponding 12.3-inch central touchscreen. It’s 20 percent larger than in the 2023 model and it has superior clarity for using wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
But it’s also part of the sedan’s downsides. Using tech features, navigating general functions and using the sound system is unwieldy. It’s all touchpad on the center console. At best, it’s cumbersome. At worst, it’s driving frustration and easily leading to distracted driving.
Not quite as extreme is the console series of braking and reversing levers combined with a push-button starter. One system for all functions would provide consistency.
Still, the 10-speed automatic transmission shifts crisply and without hesitation. Multiple driving modes are a plus, including Sport or Sport+. Both give the sport-oriented sedan further spunk.
The Type S also has adaptive shocks and 20-inch wheels; other TLXs trim have 19-inch wheels. All-wheel drive is also standard, further enhancing the Acura’s ride and cornering despite its 4,200-pound weight.
An old-school stately family sedan? That’s not the Acura TLX Type S. It’s more about family fun.
James Raia, a syndicated automotive columnist in Sacramento, also writes about sports, lifestyle and travel for several print and online publications. Email: james@jamesraia.com.
