Except for the NSX supercar, Acura has by no means actually forayed into the realm of BMW M or Mercedes-AMG; these insane efficiency figures (and value tags) have been most likely thought-about too excessive for the budget-conscious luxurious model. Beginning in 2000, although, Acura launched its Kind S efficiency model with the CL coupe, adopted by the TL sedan and RSX hatchback. These fashions supplied glorious (albeit under class-leading) efficiency, stellar practicality, and affordable value tags. Sadly, the moniker has lain dormant since 2008 when the TL Kind S left manufacturing, however now it has lastly returned on the 2021 Acura TLX.
The TLX is now in its second era after the earlier mannequin was tasked with changing the TL and TSX within the model’s roster. Acura has positioned the brand new TLX Kind S immediately at mid-level efficiency choices from Europe and Asia, together with the Audi S4, BMW M340i, Genesis G70 3.3T, and Mercedes-AMG C43.
With the competitors squarely in thoughts, Acura flew us to WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca to expertise the revived Kind S on the observe and a few of Northern California’s finest roads.
Exterior: Sure, It Comes In Gold
Visually, the TLX Kind S advantages from the improved styling applied on the bottom TLX. This features a longer wheelbase and general size with a vastly prolonged dash-to-axle ratio, making it look extra like a rear-wheel-drive automobile. Acura’s enhancements to the Kind S are refined however noticeable, with “Kind S” badging adorning the grille, fenders, and trunk. Gloss black accents on the splitter, rear diffuser, and spoiler present a sporty really feel and can even come completed in actual carbon fiber. Quad exhaust ideas full the game Kind S transformation.
Acura gives six exterior colours, together with a gold Tiger Eye Pearl paint unique to Kind S. This new hue pops within the daylight however tends to look darkish and mustardy in low gentle. As a part of a Pirelli P Zero Summer season tire bundle, an NSX-inspired cut up five-spoke wheel caps off the TLX’s curb attraction in great trend. These lighter wheels do not simply look higher; in addition they scale back unsprung weight by 5.78 kilos every (21.3 kilos complete). Acura says most consumers will go for the usual shark-gray multi-spoke design wheels with Pirelli Cinturano P7 all-season efficiency tires, however for less than $800, we extremely advocate the summer time rubber.
Efficiency: Sturdy However Not Extraordinary
We thought the bottom four-cylinder TLX A-Spec felt enough however needed to attend for the stronger Kind S to ship our full verdict on this compact sedan. Acura knew it wanted to carry its greatest weapons, so it developed an all-new, Kind S-exclusive 3.0-liter V6 engine with direct injection and a single twin-scroll turbocharger. It produces 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, placing it proper within the ballpark with fashions just like the Audi S4 however under heavy hitters just like the BMW M340i. Crucially, Acura made this engine aurally pleasing with an lively exhaust that includes a butterfly valve that stays closed more often than not however stays broad open in Sport+ mode.
Energy goes out to Acura’s Tremendous-Dealing with All-Wheel-Drive (SH-AWD) system by way of a 10-speed automated transmission. The AWD system can route as much as 70% of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels and cut up that torque as much as 100% to the left or proper wheels.
Acura hasn’t quoted a 0-60 mph time, however, weighing in at over 4,200 kilos, TLX Kind S homeowners should not anticipate to burn S4 or M340i homeowners off the road. We estimate a 0-60 time of round 5 seconds flat.
Driving Impressions: Hitting The Goal
Acura introduced just a few of its traditional Kind S fashions to drive on the occasion, together with a CL, TL, and RSX, to remind us what the efficiency nameplate was all about. These blasts from the previous helped us body Kind S precisely based mostly on what it represented greater than a decade in the past. None of those vehicles set efficiency benchmarks for opponents to chase; they have been fast, well-appointed, comfy, sensible, and cheaper than rivals. By these measurements, the most recent TLX hits its goal and picks up the place the Kind S nameplate left off in 2008.
Our day at Laguna Seca started with a jaunt on California’s winding mountain roads. The Kind S appeared completely suited to this setting, utilizing its normal adaptive dampers to ship a comfortable trip. Acura had an Audi S4 on-hand for back-to-back comparisons, and the TLX felt extra compliant, regardless of Audi usually having essentially the most comfy suspension among the many German choices. Bringing the S4 to the occasion was a daring transfer on Acura’s half, because it revealed each the nice qualities and flaws within the TLX Kind S.
Pushing each vehicles laborious on public roads, we felt extra assured within the Acura. In comparison with the mechanical S4, the Kind S delivers an electronic-feeling expertise with much less finite limitations. Once you attain the restrict within the Audi, it snaps whereas the Acura gently makes use of its electronics to nudge the automotive again onto the right path. Acura’s SH-AWD system is stellar, retaining the automotive caught to the pavement with out the understeer current within the S4.
The electrical energy steering incorporates a faster ratio than the usual TLX, although it nonetheless feels gentle and extremely assisted in its consolation mode. Sport mode or the Kind S-exclusive Sport+ mode provides some weight to the combo, giving the automotive a extra substantial really feel behind the wheel, although we nonetheless most well-liked the S4’s steering. We weren’t followers of the NSX-derived tunable electro servo-brakes, which felt a bit tough to modulate on the highway. Benefit Audi right here. The brakes felt extra at residence on the observe, the place the shortage of bodily connection to the pedal offers them a constant really feel devoid of fade.
Most Kind S homeowners won’t ever take their automotive on a race observe like Laguna Seca, however driving the automotive right here helped us uncover the automotive’s extra excessive potential. The automotive tends to push broad whenever you take a bend too rapidly, however you’ll be able to nudge the automotive round by hitting the throttle early within the nook to immediate the SH-AWD’s torque vectoring talents, giving it extra RWD-like adjustments of course and rotation.
Acura’s drive modes are completely calibrated, with essentially the most aggressive Sport+ mode retaining the engine and transmission in a frenzy. Out on the highway, we truly discovered the Sport+ mode annoying in visitors, which means it does precisely what its title suggests. Oftentimes, Sport+ modes are poorly named and nonetheless enable the automotive to quiet down into a snug cruise, which is the case within the lesser TLX. Not so with the Kind S, which is actually aggressive. Nevertheless, the TLX Kind S might nonetheless strike an accord with consumers who worth consolation greater than observe efficiency and 0-60 mph instances due to the flexibility in its driving modes.
Inside & Options: Nicely-Optioned
As with the refined exterior adjustments, the cabin adjustments are minimal on the Kind S. The Ultrasuede/leather-based seats from the A-Spec mannequin come normal with heating, ventilated, and 16-way energy adjustment, together with adjustable aspect bolstering. These chairs now have “Kind S” embossing within the headrests, matching a refined “Kind S” steering wheel badge. Prospects can choose a black or pink inside or a brand new Kind S-exclusive Orchid white possibility.
With content material from the Superior and A-Spec packages, the TLX Kind S is best outfitted than its rivals as normal. The in depth normal options listing features a 10.2-inch infotainment show with built-in navigation, a 710-watt 17-speaker ELS Studio 3D premium audio system, and a wi-fi charging pad. The one necessary lacking options from the TLX Superior bundle are a head-up show, 360-degree digital camera, and heated rear seats.
Not like its expensive European opponents, the TLX Kind S comes loaded with security options resembling forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise management, lane departure warning, lane-keeping, and visitors signal recognition. The German choices boast extra premium supplies and mature cabin designs, however the TLX would not really feel low-cost given its value and array of ordinary options.
House & Cargo Capability: Few Sacrifices
The TLX strikes a pleasant steadiness with reference to its measurement and inside packaging. A 113-inch wheelbase is longer than opponents, however that size would not translate to vastly superior passenger quantity. With 77.4 inches of mixed legroom cut up up in a 42.5/39.4 entrance/rear ratio, the TLX has sufficient house to suit 4 comfortably, though taller occupants could really feel a bit cramped within the again.
The trunk homes 13.5 cubic toes of house, which is among the many bigger choices on this section. For the Kind S mannequin, Acura fitted further bracing behind the rear seat. Slightly than delete the trunk passthrough, Acura engineers stored the folding rear seats. The bracing hinders practicality a bit, blocking bigger objects from becoming within the opening, however the hole continues to be helpful for skinnier objects like skis.
Pricing: An Excellent Worth
Acura promised that the TLX Kind S would begin within the low $50,000 vary and has delivered on that purpose. The Kind S begins at $52,300 ($53,325 with vacation spot) with the usual all-season tires. Choosing the high-performance wheels with summer time tires solely provides $800, bringing the value to $53,100 excl. vacation spot. Just one “trim” degree will probably be supplied, which means the entire necessary tools comes normal apart from some non-obligatory carbon fiber inside and exterior trim. This pricing construction places Kind S on par with its 6-cylinder-powered opponents’ base MSRPs however far forward when factoring in choices.
Its key rival, the Audi S4, begins at $49,900, however that value can rapidly balloon to over $60,000 when equally outfitted. It is a related story with the BMW M340i and the Mercedes-AMG C43. Solely the Genesis G70 3.3T and Volvo S60 Recharge present related efficiency for much less money.
Verdict: What Kind S Was Meant To Be
After driving the brand new TLX, we’re excited to have the Kind S model again in our lives. If you happen to method this automotive with affordable expectations, it satisfies them properly. The TLX Kind S bundles a snug trip and well-appointed inside with sporty styling, spirited dealing with, and a throaty soundtrack. If you happen to have been anticipating this automotive to return alongside and smash each efficiency benchmark set by Audi, BMW, and Mercedes, you’d stroll away disillusioned. Driving this automotive back-to-back with the S4, there have been traits we most well-liked on the Acura, and there have been just a few issues we preferred higher within the Audi. However that is how shut opponents needs to be.
In case you are out there for a sports activities sedan within the $50,000 value vary, the TLX Kind S deserves consideration as a pockets and back-friendly possibility. It is extra comfy than its European rivals, it prices much less, and it needs to be cheaper to take care of as properly. Acura fastidiously formulated what it needed Kind S to be, and it got here out proper on course.