The 2018 Acura TLX has just debuted prior to the official start of the New York Auto Show, with Honda’s fancy pants brand calling it a sport sedan.
The most obvious change to this refreshed model is the strong new grille, which is slowly making its way across the Acura lineup after debuting on the Precision Concept and then the popular MDX. The grille translates nicely on the sedan giving it a more upscale look; people will likely prefer it over the beak-style grille on the old one. Rounding out the styling changes are a new bumper, fancy “Jewel Eye” headlights, 17-inch wheels, a more sculpted hood, and new fenders.
Three different variants of the TLX will be available: a front-drive base model powered by a carryover 2.4-liter four-cylinder, a more aggressive 3.5-liter V6 model, and an all-new V6 A-Spec model, which is available with front or all-wheel drive. Acura’s Super Handling All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) is now available on all V6 models and can be added without having to opt for other upgrade packages. All the engines being offered appear to be the same, meaning the four-cylinder should still output 206 horsepower and 182 pound-feet of torque, while the V6 gets 290 hp and 267 lb-ft.
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The new A-Spec model is a more performance-oriented variant and gets a unique look that gives it a bit more character over the other TLXs. Upgrades include dark finish 19-inch wheels, LED fog lights, more pronounced side sills, a dual exhaust setup, a sportier suspension setup with more aggressive damper settings, and retuned steering. AWD models of the A-Spec also get a stiffer spring rate and rear stabilizer bar. Inside, the A-Spec gets leather seating with more bolstering and a sport steering wheel.
Of course, the 2018 Acura TLX gets all the technology that drivers should expect from a luxury brand including standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a faster and more intuitive infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen and touch-capacitive display. The TLX comes standard with the AcuraWatch suite of safety and driver assistance features that includes automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and road departure mitigation.
The 2018 Acura TLX goes on sale in June and pricing will be announced closer to its launch.
