Test drive | Acura TLX Type S: the anti-nostalgic

For many aficionados of Acura, the golden age of the brand was experienced during the 1990s. The Integra Type R and NSX led by their playful chassis and their fiery atmospheric mechanics then lived their dreams. With the recent return of the Type S label affixed to some of its creations, Honda's luxury brand is attempting to encapsulate this nostalgia and thus regain the hearts of enthusiasts lost along the way. The TLX Type S, however, is not a greatly outdated exercise.

Design

This Type S takes advantage of the nicely balanced proportions of the TLX renewed in 2021. Despite its transverse engine platform, the front hood is quite long and slightly sloping, which suggests a certain dynamism at first contact. The black diamond-cut pentagonal grille topped with the headlights provides just enough drama. The side plan is also very interesting with a slightly raised rear portion with fleshier wings which cover a 15 mm wider track. The rear completes the not-too-sweet cake with four exhaust pipes and a discreet glossy black diffuser, continuing with the front and rear spoilers. A more varied choice of colors would undoubtedly have been appropriate to highlight this pretty ensemble, which is more evocative and cohesive than many recent sedans.

On board

Here, it's pure Acura that leads the design. An impression of solidity therefore emanates from the assembly and the materials chosen which are essentially flexible on the surfaces where the fingers regularly touch. The layout of the controls is excellent, especially at the central nacelle, raised to make their use less distracting. The black of the dashboard blends elegantly with the red upholstery of the seats to make the atmosphere not too busy. The practical aspect of this TLX Type S is nevertheless restricted by its rear seats which are much narrower than those… of a Honda Civic. The rear trunk of only 384 L of volume is also limited in expansion due to an “X” structural reinforcement placed behind the folding backrests.

Under the hood

The hood lifts to reveal a 3.0L turbocharged V6. With an output of 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque (from 1400 to 5000 rpm), it symbolizes a more conservative design philosophy. Thus, its rev counter, which peaks around 6200 rpm, reveals the fact that this engine relies largely on its wide torque range. In this sense, it does the job very well, even too well. It gives a somewhat generic impression in this flat efficiency. The accelerator pedal also seems disproportionately sensitive at times. The throaty, not too strong sound of the engine is, however, pleasant. The 10-speed transmission provides a certain consistency, but the manual mode is not very engaging and its selections are not always on point at low speeds in sport modes.

Behind the wheel

The TLX Type S must accompany its sporting promises with tangible elements to make up for its reputation gap. The basics are promising: double wishbone front suspension, all-wheel drive sending up to 70% of the torque to the rear and large Brembo calipers at the front (four pistons). A quick succession confirms this good hold with light and lively steering in addition to being well textured in turns when the car leans. This TLX will never pivot like a rear-wheel-drive platform sedan. Exiting the curve is done without artifice: it holds on with ardor and great stability. Despite its mechanics partly in front of the front axle, the snout does not feel too heavy either, even when braking hard, powerful and impeccably distributed moreover. Unlike certain sports sedans, this TLX also provides exemplary comfort with its adaptive shock absorbers.

Embedded technologies

Despite the addition of a larger screen for 2024 (12.3 inches), this TLX still suffers from a glaring lack of fluidity in its navigation. The culprit: a touchpad which serves as a navigation tool by mimicking the multimedia screen. In summary, you have to place your finger on the pad as if you were using the touch screen directly. This quickly becomes a source of distraction. In addition, the operating mode changes when migrating to Apple CarPlay, becoming similar to that of a smartphone. A shame, because the menu structure is good, and Acura uses physical keys for certain controls, including volume and choice of driving modes. The digital instrumentation – a new feature – is readable and easily configurable. The ELS Studio audio system also shines with its depth.

The verdict

Boasting a dynamic side supported by its solid front axle and excellent steering, this TLX Type S makes a good impression. However, it is not the uncompromising scalpel that Acura is trying to sell us, but rather a versatile sedan that spices up everyday life in just the right amount. Its all-wheel drive therefore adds a safety net with its rather conservative configuration even more than it transcends this front-wheel drive platform. Its mechanics, although very flexible, do not unleash passions and its cramped rear seats and trunk somewhat limit its practicality. On the other hand, this car gives the impression of a high-quality product offered at a much more affordable price than that of its competitors. Not very nostalgic in its posture, this TLX Type S, which is not a problem in itself, except perhaps for fans of an Acura more rooted in its past.