2021 Acura TLX gets new look, dedicated platform

Years ago, I sold Acuras in my somewhat brief stint as a car salesman. At that time, they were considered "Japanese BMWs" but with build quality, economy, and efficiency. My how things change. BMW builds vehicles as good as anyone and Honda's Acura seems to want to disappear. (BTW - Lexus was considered the "Japanese Cadillac.")  When Lexus took off, Honda rethought what Acuras should be and "softened" their cars. Sales were good for a while, but dropped off. As a result of this, Honda started making Acuras from Honda platforms and you could feel and see the difference. Platform-sharing is commonplace, but somehow Honda blew it. I have a friend who leased an ILX about seven years ago and found the car acceptable, but uninspiring. He now drives a GTI. That's why it's good to hear that the new 2021 TLX is built on a dedicated Acura platform.

The TLX has been Acura's best-looking vehicle (the CUVs are getting frumpy and heavy) and this new one has a similar look, but with improvements. The '21 TLX is about 4 inches longer and a tad lower than the outgoing model so the result is a longer, sleeker profile. The interior (A-Spec version above) is a much nicer place to be with more luxurious materials even in the sport versions. Engines include updated versions of Acura's 2.0-liter turbo I4 and their 3.0-liter turbo V-6 from the NSX. Both engines have received new engineering to improve power output. A ten-speed automatic handles the shifting duties. Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel drive is available on the TLX for the first time and will be standard when the Type S arrives next year. The TLX will come in three basic versions, TLX, A-Spec, and Type S with options and packages allowing you to customize your vehicle to what you desire and can afford. Acuras are premium vehicles after all. For more on the new tech, features, and safety equipment, check out the press release after the "read more" jump. I hope Acura does well with those folks that still want a sedan. But one question I have is where is the hybrid version (the NSX is a hybrid) and the EV? Maybe that's what the new platform is for. Interesting...

Source - Press release and pics courtesy of Acura