ACURA RLX Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

In 2017, Acura introduced the facelifted version of the RLX on the North American market, improving the Japanese automaker's flagship.

The RLX took the flagship from the previous RL and Legend lineups left. The Legend was a very appreciated vehicle worldwide, whether it sported the Honda or the Acura badge. Moreover, the RLX was sold as Honda Legend in Japan. Meanwhile, technology evolved, and the Japanese carmaker improved its skills in creating hybrid sports vehicles, such as the NSX. As a result, some of the ideas met on the 2018 model-year RLX were carried over from that car.

Up front, the RLX sported the new design language made by Acura and seen on the MDX model. Its grille featured a 3D pattern with lines and dots that converged to the center towards the Acura chromed badge. A chromed trim surrounded it, and, in addition, more chromed elements were added to the lower bumper around the side scoops. The diamond-inspired look of the headlights featured LED lamps with adaptive lighting. From its profile, the RLX looked more like a sports sedan than a regular, mid-size one. In addition, the carmaker added a few more chromed trims at the back around the side exhausts and on the trunk's lid.

Inside, the carmaker listened to the critics who said that the interior was not as luxurious or didn't provide such a premium feel as some of its competitors. Thus, Acura introduced a higher quality leather upholstery, new wood trims, and seats.

Under the hood, Acura offered a choice of two drivetrains. The base version featured a 3.5-liter V6 that sent the power to the front wheels via a ten-speed automatic. At the same time, the top model received a 377 hp (382 PS) hybrid powerplant that sent its torque in all corners via a seven-speed automatic.

After the disappointing RL that was the worst-selling Acura up to 2013, the RLX came as a surprise, ready to fight back on the premium car market.

Introduced as a 2014 model-year, the RLX came fitted with many standard features and a new image made to impress. In addition, the car's interior was upgraded with many tech features, and thanks to the increased wheelbase compared with the RL, it offered more room inside its cabin. Last but not least, the Japanese automaker installed a new V6 engine under the car's hood.

The front of the vehicle showed the already-known Acura shield on the broad grille, with chromed trims on it. It was flanked by standard LED headlights that sported a swept-back design, with a few sharp corners that connected the curved lines of the headlamps. From the profile, the flared wheel arches were nicely connected to the rest of the vehicle, with the sculptured lines that continued on the doors towards the back of the car. Finally, on the rear fascia, the automaker installed LED taillights.

Inside, it was a pleasant surprise since it came loaded with all the tech available. On the center stack, the automaker placed an 8" touchscreen for the HVAC and sound system, while a second 8" display used only for navigation was installed above, in a separate cluster, on top of the dashboard. The driver could enjoy the clear layout for the instrument cluster, a feature already common for most Acuras. There was room enough for five passengers, with bolstered front seats and a wide bench in the back. Since the RLX wasn't available with an all-wheel drive system, the center tunnel was not that big anymore.

Under the hood, Acura installed e redeveloped version of the J-family engine. The V6 powerplant was fueled by a direct-injection system, and the 310 hp were sent to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic gearbox.