An In-Depth Look at the 2014 Acura RLX
The Acura brand has long been a pillar of luxury, and in 2014, it made a significant leap forward with the introduction of the all-new RLX. Designed to be the most powerful, spacious, and technologically advanced sedan in Acura's lineup, the 2014 RLX was powered by an entirely new 310-horsepower V-6 engine. But there's more to the RLX than just impressive power.
A Glimpse into the Future
At first glance, the RLX certainly carries the appearance of a modern, high-end sedan. Its distinctive Jewel-Eye™ LED headlights illuminate the road ahead while adding to the vehicle's sleek aesthetic. Acura introduced Precision All-Wheel Steer™ in the RLX, a technology that independently adjusts the toe angle of the rear wheels for enhanced stability and ease of driving.
The Power Within
Apart from its technological advancements, the RLX packs a powerful punch under the hood. The 3.5-liter direct-injected V-6 engine is Acura's first implementation of its Earth Dreams Technology in a production vehicle. This technology offers an enticing blend of performance and fuel efficiency. The engine produces 310 horsepower and 272 lb.-ft. of torque, a small but meaningful increase over the previous RL model. Despite this, the RLX boasts impressive EPA fuel economy ratings of 20 city/31 highway mpg, making it a formidable contender in the luxury sedan segment.
The Art of Space
The RLX isn't just about raw power and high-tech gadgetry. Acura utilized smart packaging and lightweight body design to create a sedan that offers an abundance of space. Despite being categorized as a mid-luxury sedan, the RLX offers full-size interior space, including the most spacious five-passenger seating in its class. A longer wheelbase and wider greenhouse compared to competitors lend the RLX its roomy interior, and this design choice further benefits the vehicle's ride quality.
Safety First
Safety has always been a top priority for Acura, and the RLX is no exception. With Acura's next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ II (ACE™ II) body structure and a total of seven airbags, including a new driver's knee airbag, the RLX is designed to excel in safety tests. Numerous advanced safety features are available, including a Collision Mitigation Brake System (CMBS), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), and Lane Departure Warning (LDW). These systems aim to keep the driver and passengers safe and secure at all times.
INFOTAINMENT AND CONNECTIVITY
Never fall out of touch in the 2014 RLX, equipped with state-of-the-art infotainment and connectivity features. The RLX showcases Acura's innovative AcuraLink® system, a cloud-based connected car system offering a vast array of media, convenience, and security services. AcuraLink® enables a two-way communication system and web-enabled devices, maintaining constant connectivity on your journeys.
The system features the Pandora® interface for audio streaming and the Aha™ by Harman interface, providing users with countless customizable cloud-based news, information, and media feeds. The system debuts in the 2014 Acura RLX and offers three service tiers: the Standard Package, complimentary for three years, and the subscriber-based Connect and Premium Packages, enhancing connectivity for the discerning luxury customer.
The RLX's infotainment centerpiece is an 8-inch color audio/information screen, coupled with a secondary 7-inch On Demand Multi-Use Display™ (ODMD) touchscreen, both providing a multitude of customizable features and useful information. When equipped with a navigation system, the primary screen combines audio/information and navigation functions, enhancing convenience and user-friendliness.
AUDIO SYSTEMS
The 2014 RLX takes the Acura tradition of exceptional audio performance to a new level. Three distinct audio systems are available, starting with the 10-speaker Acura/ELS® sound system. The RLX Technology grade offers the Acura/ELS Studio® Premium Audio System as standard, boasting an advanced 14-speaker array. Finally, the Krell Audio and Advance grades introduce the 14-speaker Krell system — meticulously engineered over four years by one of the world's most respected audio companies — establishing a new standard in automotive audio performance.
SAFETY
The 2014 Acura RLX boasts a host of standard and optional safety technologies, anticipating a 5-star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a “TOP SAFETY PICK+" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), inclusive of a GOOD rating in the Institute's new small overlap frontal collision test.
Active safety features such as Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with Traction Control, Forward Collision Warning (FCW), and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) provide peace of mind. On the passive safety side, the car includes the next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ II (ACE™ II) body structure, front airbags, side airbags, side-curtain airbags with rollover sensors, a driver's knee airbag, and front seatbelt e-pretensioners.
The ACE™ II body structure uses interconnected front frame members designed to absorb and redirect crash energy around the passenger cabin during a frontal collision, further ensuring passenger safety.
SECURITY
The 2014 Acura RLX includes the Coded Valet Mode, an added security feature that protects your vehicle in the event it needs to be temporarily handed over to someone else, like a valet. With the Coded Valet Mode, you can restrict the functionality of your vehicle, ensuring that your personal settings and stored data remain private.
A New Benchmark in Luxury Performance: Final Thoughts
The 2014 Acura RLX indeed stands out as a cutting-edge luxury performance sedan, combining exceptional comfort, sophisticated design, advanced safety features, and top-of-the-line technology. With its well-appointed interior, state-of-the-art infotainment and connectivity options, and superior audio systems, it offers a truly immersive and luxurious driving experience. The RLX's anticipations of high safety ratings and its host of active and passive safety features provide peace of mind, allowing the focus to be on enjoying the journey. This sedan is a testament to Acura's commitment to luxury, performance, and innovation, ensuring that each ride is as enjoyable and comfortable as possible.
-Ed
2014 Acura RLX
