2015 Acura TLX

Section:Gallery

Sat., May 30, 2015

At 3,483 pounds, the four-cylinder TLX 2.4L is lighter by 100 pounds than its six-cylinder, FWD counterpart, and by 265 pounds than a six with AWD. With less bulk — and with the departure of 100 pounds from over the front axle, especially — the 2.4L is more lithe and responsive than the six-cylinder trims.
Acura’s Precision All-wheel Steer System (PAW-S) is standard on four-cylinder trims. PAW-S causes the rear wheels to pivot slightly in the direction of a turn. This counters the tendency of a front-drive car to understeer, a condition in which the front tires lose grip, causing the front end to “plow.
The 206-hp 2.4-liter direct-injected four is mated with an eight-speed automated double-clutch transmission that acts, with hyper-natural precision, to keep the engine in its sweet spot.
In virtually every respect, the near-luxury TLX satisfies class expectations. Well-outfitted in base trim, it can be optioned to include nearly every imaginable creature comfort and convenience feature
The 206-hp 2.4-liter direct-injected four is mated with an eight-speed automated double-clutch transmission that acts, with hyper-natural precision, to keep the engine in its sweet spot. On uphill grades, nearly imperceptible downshifts keep engine speeds within about 1,1000 and 2,000 RPM.
My tester included a Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) that presages the self-driving car. Edge the TLS too closely to a centerline or shoulder stripe and the system nudges the TLX back into its lane. At 50 mph on a curvy two-lane, LKAS steered happily until insisting that I resume control. With LKAS switched off, the TLX reverts to a conventional driving mode. When on, it acts only if the turn-signal indicator has not been engaged.