The Acura Rlx, a sophisticated and technologically advanced luxury sedan, boasts a range of features and specifications designed to deliver a premium driving experience. For those looking to delve into the details of what makes the Acura RLX tick, this comprehensive breakdown covers everything from engine performance to interior dimensions.
Engine and Performance
Under the hood, the Acura RLX is powered by a Direct Injection V-6 engine, a testament to Acura’s commitment to refined power. This 3.5-liter engine is engineered to produce an impressive 310 horsepower at 6500 rpm (SAE net), ensuring robust performance in various driving conditions. Complementing this power is a substantial torque output of 272 lb-ft at 4500 rpm (SAE net), which provides ample responsiveness and acceleration.
The engine incorporates a 24-Valve, SOHC i-VTEC® valvetrain, a hallmark of Honda’s engine technology, optimizing efficiency and power delivery across the rev range. Furthermore, the inclusion of Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM®) enhances fuel economy by deactivating cylinders when full power is not needed, contributing to a more efficient drive. The engine’s high 11.5:1 compression ratio further contributes to its power and efficiency. A Drive-by-Wire Throttle System ensures precise and immediate throttle response, enhancing the driving feel. The Acura RLX is designed to meet stringent environmental standards, holding a ULEV-2 CARB Emissions Rating. Owners can also appreciate the low maintenance nature of this engine, with a Tune-Up Interval of approximately 100,000 miles with no scheduled tune-ups required.
Drivetrain and Transmission
The Acura RLX comes standard with Front-Wheel Drive, providing confident handling and traction in most conditions. Power is delivered through a smooth and responsive 6-Speed Automatic Transmission. For drivers who enjoy a more engaging experience, Sequential SportShift Paddle Shifters are included, allowing for manual gear control at the driver’s fingertips.
The transmission’s carefully selected Gear Ratios (1st: 3.38, 2nd: 2.11, 3rd: 1.49, 4th: 1.06, 5th: 0.76, 6th: 0.56, Reverse: 2.26) are optimized for both brisk acceleration and efficient highway cruising. The Final Drive ratio of 4.25 further contributes to the vehicle’s overall responsiveness.
Suspension and Chassis
The Acura RLX chassis is engineered for a balance of comfort and handling. The front suspension utilizes a Double-Wishbone with Split Lower Control Arm design, known for its superior wheel control and ride quality. The rear features a sophisticated Multi-Link Rear Suspension, which further enhances handling and ride comfort by independently managing each wheel’s movement.
Stability is further enhanced by Stabilizer Bars measuring 33.0 mm in the front and 25.0 mm in the rear, reducing body roll during cornering. Amplitude Reactive Dampers are incorporated to dynamically adjust damping force based on road conditions, providing a smooth ride over varied surfaces while maintaining composure during more spirited driving.
Steering is managed by an Electric Power-Assisted Rack-and-Pinion Steering (EPS) system, which offers precise and responsive steering feel while improving fuel efficiency compared to traditional hydraulic systems. The Agile Handling Assist Brake Vectoring System subtly applies braking force to individual wheels during cornering, enhancing turn-in and overall agility.
Braking is handled by Ventilated Front Disc Brakes (12.3 inches) and Solid Rear Disc Brakes (12.2 inches), providing confident stopping power. The Acura RLX rides on Aluminum Alloy Wheels, with standard models featuring 18 x 8.0 Noise-Reducing wheels and Technology and Advance Packages upgrading to 19 x 8.0 Noise-Reducing wheels. Tires are P245/45 R18 High-Performance All-Season for standard models and 245/40 R19 High-Performance All-Season for upgraded packages, ensuring grip and all-weather capability. The steering system has a Steering Ratio of 13.9, and the car boasts a Turning Diameter (Curb to Curb) of 40.5 feet, making it reasonably maneuverable in urban environments.
Exterior and Interior Dimensions
The Acura RLX presents a substantial yet elegant presence with its exterior dimensions. It has a Wheelbase of 112.2 inches, contributing to its stable ride and spacious interior. The overall Length is 196.1 inches, Height is 57.7 inches, and Width is 74.4 inches. The Track (front/rear) measures 64.3 / 64.2 inches, providing a wide stance for enhanced handling. The Ground Clearance (unladen) is 4.5 inches.
Inside, the Acura RLX prioritizes passenger comfort and space. Front occupants enjoy Headroom of 37.6 inches and Legroom of 42.3 inches, while rear passengers have Headroom of 36.9 inches and Legroom of 38.8 inches. Shoulder Room (front/rear) is 59.6 / 57.0 inches, and Hiproom (front/rear) is 55.9 / 54.5 inches. The EPA Passenger Volume is a generous 102.1 cubic feet. Cargo space is also practical, with EPA Cargo Volume at 14.9 cubic feet (w/o Krell Audio) and 14.7 cubic feet (with Krell Audio).
Fuel Economy, Capacities, and Weights
The Acura RLX strikes a balance between performance and efficiency, achieving EPA Fuel Economy Ratings of 20 mpg (City), 31 mpg (Highway), and 24 mpg (Combined). It is designed to run on Premium Unleaded 91 Octane fuel, maximizing engine performance. The Fuel Tank Capacity is 18.5 U.S. gallons, providing a good driving range.
The Curb Weight of the Acura RLX varies slightly depending on the package, starting at 3933 lbs for the base model and reaching 3997 lbs for the Advance Package. The Weight Distribution is 61% front and 39% rear, typical for a front-wheel-drive vehicle and contributing to its handling characteristics.
Safety and Driver Assistive Technology
Acura prioritizes safety, and the RLX is equipped with a suite of advanced safety and driver-assistance technologies. These include:
- Forward Collision Warning (FCW) System: Alerts the driver to potential frontal collisions.
- Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) with Head-Up Warning: Can automatically apply brakes to help mitigate or avoid a collision.
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW) System: Alerts the driver if the vehicle drifts out of its lane.
- Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS): Provides gentle steering adjustments to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane.
- Blind spot information (BSI) System: Alerts the driver to vehicles in their blind spots.
- Multi-View Rear Camera with Dynamic Guidelines: Provides a clear view behind the vehicle with helpful guidelines for parking and maneuvering.
- Next-Generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) Body Structure: Enhances occupant protection in a collision.
- Comprehensive airbag system including Dual-Stage, Multiple-Threshold Front Airbags (SRS), Front Side Airbags, Side Curtain Airbags, and Driver’s Knee Airbag.
- Front Seat Belt e-Pretensioner System: Tightens seatbelts in certain frontal collisions.
- Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control and Motion Adaptive Steering: Helps maintain stability and control in various driving conditions.
- 4-Wheel Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), and Brake Assist: Enhance braking performance and control.
- LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL): Increase vehicle visibility.
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with Location and Pressure Indicators: Monitors tire pressure and alerts the driver to low pressure.
- Expanded View Driver’s Mirror: Provides a wider field of view to reduce blind spots.
- Theft-Deterrent System with Electronic Immobilizer: Helps prevent vehicle theft.
Driver Convenience, Audio, and Interior Features
The Acura RLX is designed for convenience and comfort, offering a range of features including:
- Hill Start Assist: Prevents rollback when starting on an incline.
- Electric Parking Brake with Automatic Brake Hold: Provides effortless parking brake operation and holds the vehicle at a stop.
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow: Maintains a set speed and following distance, even in stop-and-go traffic (Advance Package).
- Parking Sensors (front and rear): Assist with parking maneuvers (Advance Package).
- Auto-On/Off Headlight Operation with Wiper Integration: Automatically controls headlights based on ambient light and wiper operation.
- Rain-Sensing Windshield Wipers: Automatically adjust wiper speed based on rain intensity.
- Heated Side Mirrors with Reverse Gear Tilt-Down: Improve visibility in cold weather and during parking.
- Auto Dimming Side Mirrors: Reduce glare from headlights (Advance Package).
- Acura Navigation System with 3D View: Provides advanced navigation features (available on certain packages).
- AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic™ and Traffic Rerouting™: Provide up-to-date traffic information and can suggest alternate routes (available on certain packages).
- Next-Generation AcuraLink®: Offers connected services (available on certain packages).
- SMS, MMS Text Message and Email Capability: Allows for hands-free communication.
- On Demand Multi-Use Display™ (ODMD™) and Multi-Information Display (MID): Provide vehicle information and control various systems.
- Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® Wireless Telephone Interface and Streaming Audio: Enable hands-free calling and wireless audio streaming.
- Premium audio systems including Krell® Premium Audio System with 14 speakers, Acura/ELS Studio® Premium Audio System with 14 Speakers, and Acura/ELS Audio System with 10 Speakers, depending on the package.
- Tri-Zone Automatic Climate Control with Humidity Control and Air Filtration: Provides customized climate settings for different areas of the cabin.
- GPS-Linked Climate Control: Adjusts climate settings based on GPS location (available on certain packages).
- Keyless Access System with Acura Personalized Settings and Pushbutton Ignition: Offer convenient vehicle access and starting.
- Power Windows with Auto-Up/Down and Auto-Reverse and Power Moonroof: Add convenience and ventilation.
- Sport Seats with Leatherette-Trimmed Interior or Perforated Milano Premium Leather-Trimmed Interior: Offer comfortable and supportive seating in various trim levels.
- Driver’s and Front Passenger’s 12-Way Power Seat with 4-way Power Lumbar Support: Allow for extensive seat adjustability.
- Heated Front Seats and Heated and Ventilated Front Seats: Provide comfort in various weather conditions.
- Heated Second Row Seats (Outboard Positions): Enhance rear passenger comfort in cold weather (Advance Package).
- Power Rear Sunshade and Rear Door Side Sunshades (Manual): Help reduce glare and heat in the rear cabin.
- Electronic Tilt and Telescopic Steering Column and Heated Steering Wheel: Provide comfortable driving position and warmth in cold weather.
- Jewel Eye™ LED Headlights and LED-Illuminated Taillights, Brakelights, and Door Handles: Enhance visibility and add a distinctive lighting signature.
Exterior and Interior Colors
The Acura RLX offers a range of sophisticated exterior and interior color combinations.
Exterior Colors:
- Bellanova White Pearl
- Silver Moon Metallic
- Forged Silver Metallic
- Graphite Luster Metallic
- Crystal Black Pearl
- Pomegranate Pearl
- Gilded Pewter Metallic
Interior Colors:
- Ebony Leatherette and Milano Leather
- Seacoast Milano Leather
- Graystone Milano Leather
Conclusion
The Acura RLX specifications reveal a well-engineered luxury sedan with a powerful V6 engine, a comfortable and technologically advanced interior, and a comprehensive suite of safety and convenience features. This detailed breakdown provides a thorough understanding of what the Acura RLX offers, making it easier for potential buyers to appreciate its blend of performance, luxury, and technology.
