For the mid-cycle update of the TLX, Acura focused on
refining three elements: styling, trims and tech.
The 2018 TLX is the latest
Acura to say goodbye to the much ridiculed chrome beak and in its place, comes
a more conventional ‘diamond pentagon’ grille. It also gets new headlamps that
maintain the ‘Jewel Eye’ units with LED turn signals, a new bumper, more
sculpted hood, fenders, tweaked tail lamps, and different rear bumper fascia
and exhaust finishers.
The second reason Acura thinks the refreshed TLX is
worth it is the addition of a new sportier A-Spec edition that’s available
exclusively with the 290 Hp 3.5-liter V6 in both two-wheel drive and SH-AWD
configurations.
Replacing the outgoing model’s GT package, it gives
the TLX a more aggressive appearance with a unique front fascia, round LED fog
lights, side sills, rear diffuser, round dual-exhaust finishers and gloss black
decklid spoiler. Dark finish 19-inch wheels with wider 245-series tires
complement the sports-tuned suspension. If you get the AWD model, Acura adds a
stiffer spring rate and rear stabilizer bar for improved body control.
Acura’s third and final update to the TLX is the
redesigned infotainment system. It still uses a dual-screen layout but Acura
says the new software improves the system response time by 30 percent and
offers more intuitive menus and command structures, while supporting Apple
CarPlay, Android Auto and Sirius XM 2.0.
A bunch of active safety come as standard for 2018,
ranging from Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) with automatic
emergency braking to Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow and Lane
Keeping Assist.
Besides the 290 Hp 3.5-liter V6 that we mentioned
earlier and which can be had with AWD, the 2018 TLX will continue to be offered
with the same base, direct injection 2.4-liter four cylinder that churns out
204 Hp and 182 lb-ft of peak torque.
Pricing has not been announced yet, but the 2018 TLX
should stay close to the 2017 version when it reaches showrooms in June. We’ll see the new TLX in the flesh at this
week’s New York Auto Show.
