What We Know So Far About the 2021 Acura TLX Type S

• TLX Type S to arrive at dealers late May; prices starting around $50,000
• Powered by a turbocharged V6 putting out 355 horsepower
• All-wheel drive for the first time on a Type S vehicle

A few months ago, we got behind the wheel of the all-new 2021 Acura TLX. Redesigned for 2021, the new TLX gave us a renewed sense of hope for the future of Acura sedans. The previous-generation TLX didn't deliver very much in the fun-to-drive department. The second-gen model, however, has a longer and wider stance to improve stability and ride comfort. It also gets more horsepower.

We've driven both the new TLX with its base turbocharged four-cylinder engine. But what's the performance-focused TLX Type S going to be like? We were able to take a closer look at the upcoming 2021 TLX Type S at a recent Acura event.

Performance by the numbers

The new TLX Type S is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 putting out 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. That means it has more power than any Acura Type S vehicle that's come before it and will be on par with the upgraded six-cylinder engines found in the likes of the Audi S4 and BMW M340i. It's also the first Type S vehicle to use Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, which should enhance the car's wet-weather traction and handling agility. Where the rubber meets the road, the Type S will have available 255-series Pirelli P Zero summer tires. This should address the lack of cornering grip we noticed from the standard TLX.

For stopping power, the Type S will come with Brembo high-performance brakes with four-piston calipers up front. Lightweight wheels will be available as an option. A massive quad-tip exhaust and adaptive suspension dampers come standard on the Type S, as does an extra drive mode: Sport Plus, which comes in addition to the standard Comfort, Normal, Sport and Individual.

Pricing will start in the "low $50,000s," according to Acura, and you get a decent amount of equipment for that price including smartphone connectivity, a wireless charging pad, a 17-speaker stereo, and heated and ventilated front seats.

Edmunds says

Even with just a short list of details about the TLX Type S, we're eager to get some seat time. The upcoming TLX Type S should show up in dealerships sometime this summer. Check back before then for our full review of the 2021 Acura TLX Type S when we'll be able to tell you all about how it drives, how it stacks up against the competition, and if it satisfies as a performance luxury sedan.