Vehicle model
Acura RLX
The Acura RLX appeared in 2013 to replace the RL and become the flagship of Honda's luxury division in North America. Unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show in late 2012 and then marketed as a 2014 model, the RLX was part of a long line of Acura flagship sedans, with the Legend and RL among its illustrious predecessors. With the RLX, Acura sought to offer a large, refined, technologically advanced and comfortable sedan capable of competing with German and Japanese premium-segment benchmarks. Built on a front-wheel-drive platform derived from the large Honda Accord/Legend, the RLX adopted generous dimensions, a plush presentation and a spacious cabin. Its exterior styling, marked by the Power Plenum grille and later the Diamond Pentagon front fascia during the mid-cycle update, conveyed an elegant yet understated approach true to Acura's image. Up front, the Jewel Eye LED lighting signature made its debut on this model, subsequently becoming a distinctive brand trait. Two main mechanical directions coexisted. The standard version received a 3.5-litre direct-injection V6 producing around 310 horsepower, paired with an automatic transmission and, notably, the P-AWS (Precision All-Wheel Steer) rear-wheel steering system, a rare technology in the segment that improved agility and stability. The most notable variant, however, was the RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD, launched shortly after. It combined the V6 with three electric motors — one integrated into the transmission and two on the rear axle — to deliver a combined output of about 377 horsepower along with a particularly sophisticated torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system. A styling and technical update in 2018 refreshed the design, instrumentation and certain driver aids. Despite these undeniable qualities, the RLX struggled commercially against the Mercedes E-Class, BMW 5 Series, Audi A6 and Lexus GS, partly due to a front-drive architecture perceived as less prestigious and a brand image less established in the very high-end. Critical reception praised the comfort, comprehensive equipment, Honda's reputed reliability and innovative hybrid technology, while lamenting a design considered conservative and driving enjoyment that fell short of the best rivals. Sales remained modest throughout its career. Acura discontinued the RLX in 2020, with no direct flagship-sedan replacement, as the brand refocused its strategy on SUVs and more dynamic models such as the TLX and the NSX sports car. The RLX nonetheless leaves a notable technical legacy, particularly through its Sport Hybrid SH-AWD powertrain and Jewel Eye headlights, which helped shape Acura's modern identity and demonstrated the brand's engineering ambitions in the luxury sedan field.
History
History of the Acura RLX
The Acura RLX appeared in 2013 to replace the RL and become the flagship of Honda's luxury division in North America. Unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show in late 2012 and then marketed as a 2014 model, the RLX was part of a long line of Acura flagship sedans, with the Legend and RL among its illustrious predecessors. With the RLX, Acura sought to offer a large, refined, technologically advanced and comfortable sedan capable of competing with German and Japanese premium-segment benchmarks. Built on a front-wheel-drive platform derived from the large Honda Accord/Legend, the RLX adopted generous dimensions, a plush presentation and a spacious cabin. Its exterior styling, marked by the Power Plenum grille and later the Diamond Pentagon front fascia during the mid-cycle update, conveyed an elegant yet understated approach true to Acura's image. Up front, the Jewel Eye LED lighting signature made its debut on this model, subsequently becoming a distinctive brand trait. Two main mechanical directions coexisted. The standard version received a 3.5-litre direct-injection V6 producing around 310 horsepower, paired with an automatic transmission and, notably, the P-AWS (Precision All-Wheel Steer) rear-wheel steering system, a rare technology in the segment that improved agility and stability. The most notable variant, however, was the RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD, launched shortly after. It combined the V6 with three electric motors — one integrated into the transmission and two on the rear axle — to deliver a combined output of about 377 horsepower along with a particularly sophisticated torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system. A styling and technical update in 2018 refreshed the design, instrumentation and certain driver aids. Despite these undeniable qualities, the RLX struggled commercially against the Mercedes E-Class, BMW 5 Series, Audi A6 and Lexus GS, partly due to a front-drive architecture perceived as less prestigious and a brand image less established in the very high-end. Critical reception praised the comfort, comprehensive equipment, Honda's reputed reliability and innovative hybrid technology, while lamenting a design considered conservative and driving enjoyment that fell short of the best rivals. Sales remained modest throughout its career. Acura discontinued the RLX in 2020, with no direct flagship-sedan replacement, as the brand refocused its strategy on SUVs and more dynamic models such as the TLX and the NSX sports car. The RLX nonetheless leaves a notable technical legacy, particularly through its Sport Hybrid SH-AWD powertrain and Jewel Eye headlights, which helped shape Acura's modern identity and demonstrated the brand's engineering ambitions in the luxury sedan field.
Technology
Technologies, engines and platforms
The RLX is based on a front-wheel-drive platform and offers two configurations. The gasoline version combines a 3.5-litre direct-injection V6 of around 310 hp, an automatic transmission and P-AWS rear-wheel steering. The RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD pairs this V6 with three electric motors (one on the transmission, two at the rear) for about 377 hp and a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system. The sedan features advanced instrumentation, a dual central screen and the AcuraWatch suite of driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, emergency braking, lane keeping and blind-spot warning. The chassis prioritizes comfort and acoustic isolation, with regenerative braking on hybrid versions.
Tires and wheels
Tire and wheel compatibility
Tire and wheel sizes vary by year and version (standard or Sport Hybrid SH-AWD); always confirm the exact size specified for your RLX before purchasing.
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