What do you get when you combine the Acura TSX coupe with the Acura TL sedan? The all-new 2015 Acura TLX, which is larger than the TSX but smaller than the TL. In retiring those two cars, Acura borrows from the best of both, including the TSX's 2.4L four-cylinder and the TL's 3.5L V6 engines, enhanced with new eight- and nine-speed automatic transmissions. The TLX also gets a complete suite of driver assist systems and a new infotainment interface and connectivity options. It makes Acura more of a contender in the entry-level luxury sedan segment, though competitors like BMW and Mercedes still have an advantage in infotainment and performance.
How Much?
The 2015 Acura TLX comes in a number of different trim levels. The base model TLX 2.4L starts at $31,445, while the TLX 2.4L with Technology Package starts at $35,500. The next step up includes the TLX 3.5L at $35,320, the TLX 3.5L with Technology Package at $39,375, and the TLX 3.5L with Advance Package at $42,600. The flagship TLX 3.5L SH-AWD comes in two versions: with the Technology Package at $41,575, and the Advance Package at $44,800.
What Does It Come With?
Acura certainly has the luxury part down. The top-of-the line 2015 TLX 3.5L SH-AWD with Advance Package we tested comes with a 3.5-liter 290-horsepower V6 engine, a 9-speed dual-clutch transmission with paddle shifters, and super handling all-wheel drive. It's also equipped with 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels, all-LED exterior lighting, keyless entry and start-up, start-stop to save fuel, heated and ventilated front sport seats, and heated side mirrors with reverse gear tilt-down. Tech amenities include navigation with 3D view and real-time traffic, text message and email capability, and a 10-speaker/490-watt ELS Studio Premium audio system with AM/FM HD radio, SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth audio, and a USB port and aux-in jack. Safety features such as collision mitigation braking, road departure mitigation, forward collision warning, lane keeping assist, blind spot detection, and adaptive cruise control are all standard.
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How's the Tech?
The TLX uses the familiar dual-screen setup found in other late-model Acura and Honda vehicles: an 8-inch (non-touch) screen at the top of the dash, with a smaller touch screen in the middle. This is augmented by buttons lower down in the dash that surround a rotary controller. We like this setup much more than the infotainment interface in the 2015 Acura RDX ($40,890.00 at Truecar) , which is more complicated to navigate.
The TLX has one of the best premium audio systems in the segment. A Song By Voice feature works well to call up music on a connected Apple device. You also get Siri Eyes Free for hands-free phone operation over Bluetooth. In addition to Pandora Internet radio, the TLX adds Aha Radio, which provides podcasts, social media feeds, and local search in addition to streaming music. But this is still less app-based content than you'll find from the leaders in the space, such as Infiniti and Lexus. And Aha's local search isn't tied into the TLX's navigation system, which includes unique features such as Zagat restaurant ratings and scenic routing options, but lacks its own connected search option.
The AcuraLink telematics system has expanded beyond automatic crash notification and maintenance reminders to include more detailed real-time traffic. A smartphone app adds remote functionality such as door lock/unlock, and the ability to send a destination to the car's navigation system. And you get a comprehensive suite of driver assists, including collision mitigation braking, which can apply the brakes to avoid a crash, and road departure mitigation, which automatically steers a car back into its lane.
How Does It Perform?
The 290-horsepower V6 is a potent power plant, and when combined with all-wheel-drive makes for peppy, road-hugging performance. This is especially true with the transmission's Sport+ mode engaged, which holds lower gears longer and makes downshifts occur more quickly. The TLX is also lighter than the TL and subsequently handles more nimbly, while ride quality is well-balanced for either rough city streets or smooth highway cruising.
Should I Buy It?
That Acura had to kill two models to create the 2015 TLX shows that the luxury brand needed to take drastic measures to compete in an entry-level luxury category that's grown more competitive. While the TLX holds its own in luxury and advanced safety, it still falls a bit short on infotainment and performance compared with the luminaries of the segment, like the BMW 3 Series and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. These vehicles offer more apps, connected navigation, and more horsepower for roughly the same price. Still, between Acura's legendary reliability and this new sedan's upgrades, the TLX definitely puts the brand back in the game.
Acura's 2015 TLX is once again a contender in the midsize luxury sedan segment, but it still falls short on infotainment and performance compared with top competitors.
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