2014 Acura RLX Preview: 2012 LA Auto Show

Simply put, the 2014 Acura RLX matters because Acura is in danger of slipping into irrelevance, and any relevant luxury brand – hell, any relevant premium brand – must possess a technologically and mechanically sophisticated flagship vehicle designed to set the tone for all other models wearing the marque. If the new Acura RLX proves unable to perform this task, at least until the new Acura NSX arrives for the 2015 model year, Acura will cement itself as Japan’s version of Buick, Chrysler, and Lincoln.

Though the new RLX is Acura’s flagship model, it won’t compete with A-list players from Audi, BMW, Jaguar, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche. Rather, the Acura RLX will battle the likes of the Cadillac XTS, the Chrysler 300 Luxury Series and SRT8, the Hyundai Equus and Genesis, the Infiniti M, and the Lincoln MKS.

2014 Acura RLX Preview: 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show

• Longer, wider, roomier
• Slight power increase
• Significant fuel economy increase
• Cloud-based, next-generation AcuraLink services
• Next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering construction
• Standard Jewel Eye headlights
• Standard Acura Precision All-Wheel Steer
• Standard Agile Handling Assist braking technology
• Optional Krell high-fidelity audio system
• Optional Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow
• Optional Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keeping Assist
• RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD model debuts at a later date

2014 Acura RLX Preview: 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show

Acura refers to its current design and engineering approach as “Man-Machine Synergy,” and calls the 2014 RLX’s styling “aero-fused” with “best-in-class aerodynamics.” I’ll call the 2014 RLX’s styling bland and derivative. Conservative, if you will. And that’s OK. Some people prefer understated luxury, usually the ones who come from wealthy families and feel little need to proclaim their success to the world.

Those cool Jewel Eye LED headlights are going to grab some attention, though.

Inside, the new RLX offers “full-size space in a mid-size package,” according to Acura, and the company cites what it claims are best-in-class rear legroom and front and rear shoulder room specifications. Acoustic glass is used for the RLX’s windshield and side windows with the aim of quieting the cabin, which is lined in leather, wood grain trim, and metal accents.

Under the skin, the new 2014 RLX employs next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) structural design, and Acura expects the RLX to excel in both NHTSA and IIHS crash tests.

2014 Acura RLX Preview: 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show

When Acura rolls the new RLX into showrooms in the spring of 2013, it will have a 3.5-liter V-6 engine, a 6-speed automatic transmission with shift paddles and a Sport mode, and front-wheel drive. This powertrain replaces the old Acura RL’s 3.7-liter V-6, 6-speed automatic transmission, and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). Horsepower jumps by 10 to 310. Torque is up a single pound-foot to 272, but Acura says 90% of it is available between 2,000 rpm and 6,000 rpm.

If that sounds unimpressive, know that fuel economy is substantially improved, to the tune of a claimed 4-mpg in combined driving. Thank a drop in curb weight and the loss of standard AWD for this bump in gas mileage.

Also, the new RLX does come standard with Acura Precision All-Wheel Steer (P-AWS). This technology, according to Acura, “provides independent and continuous control of left and right rear wheel steering toe angles for improved handling, maneuverability and control.” Additional hardware includes Amplitude Reactive Dampers for the suspension, and 4-wheel-disc anti-lock brakes with Hydraulic Brake Boost, Automatic Brake Hold, and Agile Handling Assist dynamic braking technology.

Fans of SH-AWD, and we are among them, will need to wait a bit for the RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD model, which will offer a combined 370 horsepower and a combined fuel economy rating of 30 mpg, according to Acura.

2014 Acura RLX Preview: 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show

The new RLX is offered in a standard level of specification that can be sequentially upgraded with packages named Navigation, Technology, Krell Audio, and Advance.

Equipment highlights include 18- or 19-inch aluminum wheels, triple-zone automatic climate control, a power tilt/telescopic steering wheel, a power rear sunshade, perforated premium leather, cloud-based next-generation AcuraLink telematics and connectivity services, and three available audio systems all equipped with HD Radio, satellite radio, a Pandora Internet radio interface, and a USB port.

No modern flagship would be complete with a long list of safety-related technologies, and the redesigned RLX is no exception. To that end, the car is offered with Forward Collision Warning with Collision Mitigation Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow capability, Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keeping Assist, a Blind Spot Information system, and a multi-angle reversing camera.

2014 Acura RLX Preview: 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show

Our bet is that the new RLX is better to drive than its plain-Jane exterior design would indicate. Our advice to Acura would be to rush this thing into a styling studio and fix it, like Honda did the Civic Sedan. Ditch the Acura TL nose, the drooping Infiniti/Nissan fender character line, and the Chrysler Sebring taillights in favor of something – anything – that gives the RLX class, presence, and distinction.