The 377 horsepower Sport Hybrid shares supercar technology with the NSX for an immediate, powerful driving experience unmatched in the segment. Its Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system consists of a powerful V6 engine and three electric motors: a high-output electric front motor paired with a rapid-shifting 7-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission, and an electric rear Twin Motor Unit for individual, instant torque vectoring.
Precision All-Wheel Steer (P-AWS) takes advantage of untapped steering potential from the rear wheels. The system intuitively supports the driver and responds to steering input with immediate adjustments. This world’s-first, intelligent system adjusts the steering angle of each rear wheel independently, for increased agility and stability in corners during lane changes and braking.
Through the use of an array of sensors and ABS, Vehicle Stability Assist can reduce the dangers of over/under steering and loss of traction by applying brakes at each wheel as needed and when necessary, reducing engine power. The response is so quick that the instability may be corrected before the driver even knows it’s occurring.
Agile Handling Assist uses the components of the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system to help improve handling. While VSA steps in to brake individual wheels to avoid oversteer or understeer, the Agile Handling Assist uses active braking, usually on an inside wheel to help the driver smoothly and easily trace the desired line through a curve with smaller steering inputs.
All RLX models now come with a sleek, convenient Electronic Gear Selector in the center console. The “by wire” transmission uses pushbuttons for Drive, Neutral, and Park, and pull-levers for Reverse and the Parking Brake.
Standard with both the 10-speed and 7-speed transmissions, Sequential SportShift paddle shifters give you the best of two worlds – providing the convenience of precise and intuitive automatic shifting as well as shift-for-yourself control.
The Jewel Eye LED headlights carve out their own space in the RLX profile. Brighter, whiter, and longer-lasting than traditional headlights, they cast a precisely focused beam far into the future.
A centerpiece of the RLX is the signature Diamond Pentagon grille. The bold shape with intricate details results in a clean appearance that signals an uptick in attitude.
All RLX models sport 19-inch wheels. An exclusive design for P-AWS and Sport Hybrid SH-AWD models, each feature a combination black paints and machined finish for a high-contrast appearance.
Standard on all models are seating surfaces and interior trim with remarkably soft, perforated Milano Leather. Both front seats have 12-way adjustment, which includes a lumbar support that adjusts up and down, as well as in and out. Four distinct levels of softness and firmness are designed into the seats to provide an ideal combination of comfort and support.
A soft, double-hinged armrest enables easy storage access for both driver and front passenger. The illuminated center console also has a convenient sliding smartphone tray with easy access to USB and charging ports.
Using the same packaging techniques it employs on its smaller vehicles, at 38.8 inches, Acura gave the RLX rear legroom that’s equivalent to most competing brands’ full-size luxury sedans. Rear occupants will also enjoy their own climate control zone, which they can set with controls behind the front center console.
The Head-Up Display projects a transparent, easy-to-see image onto the lower portion of the windshield allowing you to view key vehicle information while keeping your eyes on the road. The primary display information is a digital speedometer reading which can be accompanied by a display for anything from navigation directions to Adaptive Cruise Control.
Acura has long been at the forefront of audio and information technology. But as the number of features have grown, so have the number of buttons on the center panel. The RLX designers, however, devised an intuitively easy way to use a touch screen with all the controls you need at any given time. What could have resulted in over 30 buttons is now a mere nine.
With a compatible phone, a simple one-time pairing process using the navigation screen is all it takes to connect your phone to the car. Apple and Android smartphones can even download the AcuraLink app to make pairing, among other functions, even easier. As long as your phone’s Bluetooth is enabled, the car will automatically reconnect your phone without it ever leaving your pocket or purse.
The RLX is equipped with the Acura Blind spot information (BSI) System that can assist you when making lane changes. If the BSI detects a vehicle in the next lane’s alert zone while going over 20 MPH, an indicator appears on the side mirror. If you signal in the direction of that vehicle, the mirror indicator flashes and a warning beep sounds.
Powered by a radar transmitter mounted in the grille trim, the Collision Mitigation Braking System determines the distance and closing speed of detected objects that lie directly ahead. If you do not take action to reduce speed, models with the Advance Package automatically tug at your seat belt as a warning. All models will begin light braking.
Lane Keeping Assist System works proactively to keep the vehicle not only inside the lane, but in the center of the lane. If you guide the car out of a detected lane without signaling your intention to exit it, the system will slightly tug the wheel and guide the car to the center of the lane. Though the steering creates a slight tug, you can easily hold your course if you desire, as the system will not take control from you.
To help make sure that you only take the RLX off the pavement when you want to, all RLX models are equipped with Road Departure Mitigation, which can identify objects such as trees or parked cars beyond the side of the road and help you avoid them. When the system detects the RLX is about to leave the road, it warns the driver with an MID warning message, an amber head-up warning and a tightening of the seat belt.
As with a conventional system, the available Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with low-speed follow system allows you to set a desired speed, but it will also keep a set interval behind a car detected ahead of you so you can enjoy cruise control even in light traffic conditions. While cruising, engage the ACC, and the system will prompt you to select a short, medium or long interval from a vehicle detected ahead.
At low speeds, the all-new Traffic Jam Assist is designed to help keep the RLX centered in a detected lane by applying progressive, precise steering inputs. Coupled with Adaptive Cruise Control, Traffic Jam Assist reduces driver workload and can activate from a complete stop.