The Bottom Line: What is a TLX? The TLX is an Acura nameplate that means Touring Luxury Executive. These vehicles are meant to be luxury vehicles that also have the comfort needed for long road trips. A perfect car for someone who has a commute from the suburbs to the city.
Acura has always been considered a luxury brand, as it has high end features, inside and out, that deliver an overall experience marked by comfort, style, and performance. When you buy a top quality Acura luxury model, such as a TLX, you can count on all of the equipment being in the luxury car class.
This week Acura sent me a 2021 TLX Type S Performance luxury sport sedan with a base window sticker price of $53,100. The only option on the press car is the pearl paint for an additional $500. The total MSRP manufacturer’s suggested retail price, including the $1,025 destination charge, is: $54,625. After adding in the state and local sales tax, plus the DMV and dealer fees, the total out the door purchase price came to: $61,453.
The base TLX features a 272 HP horsepower turbocharged 2.0L liter 4 cylinder engine bolted to a 10 speed automatic transmission. The TLX’s terrific chassis tuning makes it very entertaining to drive, and proves that Acura can build a very nice touring sedan.
When you order the Type S Performance Edition you get a 355 HP 3.0L liter direct injection twin scroll turbocharged V6 engine with 354 lb-ft of torque, mated to a high performance 10 speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, coupled to a SH-AWD super handling-all wheel drive traction control system. Plus you get electric power steering, a set of red painted Brembo disc brake calipers, an immobilizer theft deterrent system, and 4 cool looking polished stainless steel quad oval exhaust tips.
The Type S package also includes: exclusive Type S styling accents, an Acura ELS Studio 3D premium auto system with 17 speakers, the Acura Navigation system with voice recognition, a wireless phone charging pad, a Type S sport steering wheel, leather trimmed sport seats with ultra suede inserts, driver and front passenger 16 way power and ventilated front seats, rain sensing windshield wipers, power folding side view mirrors, remote engine start key fob, blind spot information, rear cross traffic monitors, and front and rear parking sensors. That’s a lot of sports car options in a single package.
Acura made important changes to the chassis, transmission and suspension to make the new TLX a real Type S high performance model. The overall torsional rigidity increased by 15% thanks to the addition of a cross brace mounted behind the rear seats. The front suspension springs are 40% stiffer, and are bigger by 10% in the front, and 30% in the rear. Plus the 10 speed automatic transmission is sport tuned to shift 40% faster.
The Type S is as refined and driver focused as ever. With the ultra suede trimmed seats and the flat bottom sport steering wheel, the interior feels athletic and purpose built. Select the orchid leather option, exclusive to the Type S, to create a boutique feeling interior that indulges the senses beyond what performance can do alone. Blistering power meets radical refinement in this dynamic sport sedan. The Type S is designed at its core to deliver an addictive performance focused driving experience.
The TLX Type S features a sport tuned 10 speed automatic transmission, the SH-AWD all wheel drive system, a sport tuned double wishbone front suspension, and Brembo disc brake calipers. The TLX Type S, according to Acura, will be available in limited quantities, with fewer than 2,000 cars being built for the 2021 model year.
With its 355 hp turbo V6 engine and all wheel drive, the Type S model’s base price is higher than the Audi S4’s, but lower than the BMW M340i’s. Acura has set the price for the new Type S version of the TLX sedan at $53,100, and offers a single option, the Apex Pearl paint for $500. After adding in the $1,025 destination charge, the Acura TLX Type S is a fantastic luxury sports sedan for less than $55,000 on the window sticker.
When you’re ready to buy a new sports sedan the 2021 TLX Type S should be at the top of your ride and drive list, as it’s the newest Type S sport sedan for sale today. Call, click or visit your local Acura dealer for a test drive, and a Bottom Line price review, on the new 2021 Acura TLX Type S. And remember, the base window sticker price for an Acura TLX sedan starts at only $37,500.
A word to the wise is sufficient: Be Smart, Stay Safe, and Just Breathe. Remember, “You Are What You Drive ©” And maybe, just for those reasons alone, you should “Drive one, Buy one, Today ©”.
This Bottom Line new vehicle review is a Nut & Bolt and Dollars & Sense © editorial provided by Tony Leopardo. “Tony the Car Guy” is an automotive writer, editor and publisher in the San Francisco Bay Area. If you have a question, or comment for Tony, send it to tonyleo@pacbell.net and visit AutoWire.Net at www.autowire.net
