The 2014 Acura RLX will make its debut on March 15, 2013, following an announcement Acura made at this years North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The new model is priced from $48,450 to $60,450, depending on the grade chosen. This five-passenger sedan is the new flagship of the Acura line, and it will be sold in front- and all-wheel-drive versions.
RLX Pricing
Instead of offering different trim levels, Acura will offer the RLX in various grades beginning with the standard model priced from $48,450. Pricing increases by $2,500 when a navigation package is added and increases by another $3,500 with a technology package, retailing for $54,450.
Choose the Krell Audio Package and your price bumps up by another $2,500 and tops out at $60,450 with the advance package. An all-wheel-drive model with a hybrid package debuts later in 2013.
Engine and Transmission
The 2014 Acura RLX is powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that makes 310 horsepower and 272 foot-pounds of torque. This engine features variable cylinder management, effectively shutting down a bank of three cylinders when not needed. The cast aluminum engine is paired with a sequential six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters located behind the steering wheel.
Fuel economy ratings are not final, but Acura estimates that the RLX will lead its class by delivering 20 mpg around the city and 31 mpg on the highway.
RLX Dimensions
With a 196.1-inch wheelbase, the 2014 Acura RLX comes in at two inches longer than the RL sedan it replaces. Acura says that the sedan, weighing in from 3,933 pounds, is two inches wider than the RL and offers more rear legroom than competing sedans from Acura, BMW and Lexus.
The RLX sits on 18-inch all-season radial tires. Seven-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels are standard. Customers can upgrade to 19-inch wheels and premium tires.
Cabin Amenities
Premium and soft touch materials are found throughout the cabin of the Acura RLX. Leather seating surfaces, a leather-stitched steering wheel, metal and woodgrain accents and ambient lighting are presented.
Choose the navigation package and this system offers voice recognition, local search and Acura-Link real-time traffic technology. Dual screen access from the center console features an 8-inch navigation screen and a 7-inch multi-use display.
The technology package upgrades the 10-speaker ESL audio system to 14 speakers and includes HD Radio, XM Radio, Pandora connectivity, a USB port and an auxiliary jack. Choose the Krell audio system package and the RLX is outfitted with a high-fidelity audio system. The Advance package includes every amenity mentioned for one price.
Showroom Debut
Weeks before the Acura RLX goes on sale, each Acura dealer will have two sedans on hand as part of a national Destination RLX promotional program. That event will take place February and give potential buyers the opportunity to familiarize themselves with Acura’s all-new flagship sedan.
The Acura RLX’s competitors include the BMW 5 Series, Lincoln MKS, Lexus GS 350, Cadillac XTS and the Audi A6. Consider the Acura MDX if additional utility is needed.
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