Acura’s line of competent but anonymous luxury sedans is about to get some TLC.
Or rather, some TLX.
Acura will unveil a “prototype” (read: concept) version of its new TLX midsize sedan at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show.
The 2015 TLX will replace the current TL … and TSX. The TLX will bring the mid-size Acura into line with the naming system established by the RLX and ILX. “X” marks the spot, it seems.
Acura isn’t divulging much about the TLX, only saying that it will have “more emotional styling with tidier, sports sedan proportions.” That may be an admission that the current TL’s futuristic styling hasn’t been well-received by consumers. Most people just don’t want their luxury sedan to look like a Borg scout ship … or a chrome parrot.
The TLX will probably adopt the smaller shield grille and jewel-LED headlights of the RLX and MDX. It’s not a bad look, but it certainly doesn’t light any fires, either.
Acura says the TLX will be offered with either two-wheel drive (that means front-wheel drive) or all-wheel drive and a choice of two direct-injected engines.
While we understand axing both the TL and the TSX, we’ll specifically miss the TSX – especially its wagon form. Based on the European Honda Accord, the TSX was originally intended as a purist’s sports sedan, but it’s since become bloated and uninspiring.
The all-new TLX will be based upon the all-new Honda Accord, which is smaller, stiffer, and sportier than the Accord has been in years. This should bode well for the TLX. If Acura is capable of turning the sportiness up a tick, along with lux-ing it out, the TLX should prove a promising luxury competitor.
We’ll see how interesting the 2015 Acura TLX Prototype is in a few weeks, when the Detroit Auto Show opens.
