2018 ACURA TLX FIRST LOOK

2018 ACURA TLX FIRST LOOK BY AUTO CRITIC STEVE HAMMES

Though Acura’s bread is buttered by SUV sales, Honda’s premium division isn’t neglecting their cars; case in point, the refreshed 2018 TLX.

Reinvigorated with sportier, more assertive styling, the brand’s performance luxury sedan now comes in 3 distinct variants: the entry level 2.4-liter 4-cylinder model with a new 17” wheel and tire package, the 3.5 V6 TLX in either front-drive or with Super Handling All-Wheel Drive and the new TLX A-Spec.

This is the most intoxicating flavor, with the most expressive body kit, exclusive 19” wheels, a sport-tuned suspension and sharper steering.  And when ordered with Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, A-Spec models also receive a stiffer spring rate and rear stabilizer bar for improved body control.

Inside, the seats feature increased bolstering, red driver’s meters and a thick-rimmed sport steering wheel.  206 and 290 horsepower outputs and 8- and 9-speed automatic transmissions remain.

The 2018 TLX is the first Acura to feature a refreshed dual-screen user On Demand Multi-Use Display™ interface that supports Apple CarPlay™, Android Auto™ and Sirius XM 2.0. New software improves the system response time and offers more intuitive menus and command structures for a quicker user experience – approximately 30 percent faster. An enhanced 7-inch touchscreen has a capacitive display that is more responsive to the touch and is positioned within easy reach of the driver and front passenger.

Pricing is to be announced closer to the on-sale date in June.