Acura has unveiled the 2021 TLX, a completely redesigned sport sedan that embodies the brand’s Precision Crafted Performance ethos. This second-generation TLX is the quickest, best-handling, and most sophisticated sedan in Acura’s 35-year history, setting a new benchmark in the segment. With its bold design, powerful turbocharged engines, and advanced chassis, the Acura Tlx 2021 promises a thrilling driving experience.
The 2021 Acura TLX marks the highly anticipated return of the Type S variant after a decade, signaling Acura’s renewed focus on performance. The TLX Type S, set to arrive in Spring 2021, will feature an exclusive 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine and Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) system, making it the most performance-oriented Acura sedan to date.
Drawing inspiration from the Acura Precision Concept and Type S Concept, the Acura TLX 2021 boasts a muscular and athletic design. Its wide stance, low roofline, and extended wheelbase create a striking silhouette that commands attention. The new TLX is longer, wider, and lower than its predecessor, enhancing its sporty proportions and road presence.
Striking Exterior Design
The Acura TLX 2021 makes a powerful first impression with its bold and upright Diamond Pentagon grille, flanked by next-generation Jewel Eye® LED headlights. These headlights feature four LED elements and distinctive “Chicane” LED daytime running lights, inspired by Acura’s championship-winning ARX-05 Daytona Prototype race car.
The sleek side profile of the Acura TLX 2021 is characterized by sheer, angled surfaces that create dynamic light and shadow effects. Muscular rear wheel arches accentuate the sedan’s powerful stance, flowing into a rear section with “Chicane” LED taillights and dual exhaust outlets. The cabin is set further back, with steeply sloping roof pillars that emphasize the TLX’s wide and low proportions.
The A-Spec sport package further enhances the Acura TLX 2021‘s sporty appeal with unique Shark Grey 19-inch wheels, gloss black accents, darkened headlight and taillight treatment, and a rear decklid spoiler.
The Acura TLX Type S elevates the sporty design with an exclusive open-surface Diamond Pentagon grille, larger side air intakes, and aerodynamic elements like a rear decklid spoiler, front splitter, and rear diffuser. Quad exhaust outlets and unique 20-inch wheel designs complete the Type S’s aggressive look.
Advanced Chassis and Body Structure
Underneath its stunning exterior, the Acura TLX 2021 features an all-new, model-exclusive platform designed for Type S performance. This new chassis marks the return of double-wishbone front suspension to the TLX, providing enhanced handling, cornering grip, and ride quality.
The Acura TLX 2021‘s chassis incorporates performance-focused upgrades, including a variable-ratio steering system, electro-servo brake-by-wire technology derived from the NSX, and an available Adaptive Damper System. The body structure is the most rigid ever for an Acura sedan (excluding NSX), with a 50 percent increase in torsional stiffness and up to 100 percent improvement in localized rigidity at suspension mounting points.
Lightweight materials, including aluminum and press-hardened steel, comprise 56 percent of the body structure, improving weight balance and agility. The Acura TLX 2021 also utilizes NSX-derived electro-servo brakes, finely tuned for optimal performance and driver feedback. The TLX Type S features upgraded brakes with larger discs and Brembo® front calipers.
Powerful Turbocharged Powertrains
The Acura TLX 2021 offers two high-output turbocharged engines. The standard 2.0-liter turbocharged engine delivers 272 horsepower and 280 lb.-ft. of torque, significantly more powerful than the outgoing entry engine. It is paired with Acura’s 10-speed automatic transmission with Sequential SportShift.
The Acura TLX Type S is powered by an all-new 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine, developed exclusively for Type S models. This engine promises significant gains in horsepower and torque compared to the previous naturally aspirated V6, with over a 50-percent increase in low-end torque. The Type S also features unique transmission tuning for enhanced performance driving.
Both engines benefit from Acura’s 10-speed automatic transmission, which offers a wider ratio range, more gears, and quicker downshifts. Paddle shifters are standard for a more engaging driving experience.
Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®)
The Acura TLX 2021 offers available Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) on all models, with standard SH-AWD® on the Type S. This advanced torque-vectoring system enhances handling and control in various driving conditions.
Acura’s 4th-generation SH-AWD® system in the Acura TLX 2021 has increased rear torque capacity and quicker front-to-rear torque transfer compared to the previous system. It can send up to 70 percent of engine torque to the rear axle and distribute up to 100 percent of that rear torque between the left and right wheels, improving cornering and agility.
Premium and Driver-Focused Interior
The Acura TLX 2021‘s interior is designed with a “Dual Personal Cockpit” theme, emphasizing both driver and passenger comfort and luxury. High-grade materials, including real aluminum, open-pore wood, and full-grain Milano leather, create a refined and inviting cabin.
The Acura TLX 2021 offers class-leading hip and shoulder room, and advanced front sport seats with up to 16-way power adjustability. A leather-wrapped steering wheel, clear instrumentation, and improved visibility enhance the driver’s experience. A-Spec and Type S models feature unique interior details, including a flat-bottom steering wheel, metal-plated paddle shifters, and exclusive badging.
Intuitive Technology and Connectivity
The Acura TLX 2021 is equipped with Acura’s True Touchpad Interface™ with a 10.2-inch HD display and “Absolute Position” mapping for intuitive control. Physical Power, Volume, and Seek controls are conveniently located near the touchpad. The system offers improved swipe zones and handwriting recognition.
A 7-inch Multi-Information Display (MID) is standard, with an available 10.5-inch Head-Up Display (HUD). The Acura TLX 2021 offers the award-winning Acura ELS STUDIO 3D® premium audio system with ceiling-mounted speakers and a Twin Telford™ subwoofer. AcuraLink™ with 4GLTE Wi-Fi, over-the-air updates, and cloud-based services are also available.
Customizable Driving Experience and Safety
The Acura TLX 2021 features Acura’s Integrated Dynamics System with an Individual Mode, allowing drivers to customize powertrain and chassis settings. Comfort, Normal, and Sport modes (plus Sport+ in Type S) offer pre-set profiles, while Individual Mode provides personalized control.
Standard AcuraWatch™ suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies includes Traffic Sign Recognition, Driver Awareness Monitor, and Traffic Jam Assist. The Acura TLX 2021 also features a new front passenger airbag technology for enhanced protection in frontal collisions and Acura’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure for improved collision safety.
Conclusion: The 2021 Acura TLX – A New Era of Sport Sedan Performance
The 2021 Acura TLX represents a significant leap forward for Acura sport sedans. With its stunning design, powerful turbocharged engines, advanced chassis, and luxurious interior, the TLX delivers on Acura’s Precision Crafted Performance promise. The return of the Type S variant further solidifies the Acura TLX 2021 as a true performance contender in the sport sedan segment, offering an exhilarating driving experience and sophisticated luxury for discerning drivers. The Acura TLX 2021 is poised to redefine expectations and set a new standard for Acura sedans.
