Driven to Be Different:<br>2021 Acura TLX

Jump To: Performance | Technology | Design

Just in time to meet the challenges of winter driving, the all-new 2021 Acura TLX sport sedan delivers performance you can use under most conditions. Experience new levels of performance with turbo power and the latest version of the available Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD^®) and elevated luxury with the totally redesigned interior. Unlike the competition, the new TLX doesn't need a big red bow to turn winter into a season for driving.

PERFORMANCE

With 272 horsepower and a whopping 280 lb-ft of torque thanks to the legendary VTEC^® valvetrain technology,¹ the Acura TLX has power to spare. The standard turbocharged, direct-injection, 2.0-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine delivers more power than the standard engines offered by comparable German rivals. A new 10-speed automatic transmission uses its wide-ratio gear range, lower first gear, and four-gear direct downshifts to make sure power is always available when you need it, or you can take control with the Sequential SportShift paddle shifters.

Performance will be ramped up even further by the new TLX Type S, coming to Acura dealerships in spring 2021. An all-new turbocharged, direct-injection, 3.0-liter DOHC V6 engine takes the TLX's performance to the next level with 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. Compact and lightweight, this powerplant uses a dual-scroll turbocharger and an electronic wastegate to deliver an immediate high-torque response.

Optional with the four-cylinder engine and standard with the Type S is Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. Acura developed this cutting-edge technology on the racetrack for high-performance handling on dry roads and to help maximize control under extreme conditions. SH-AWD continuously directs engine power where it's needed to match weight distribution, available traction, driver input, and other requirements, providing seamless power transitions. This performance simply cannot be matched by conventional all-wheel-drive systems, no matter what the weather looks like.

Built on the all-new Acura sedan platform, the redesigned TLX includes a variety of upgrades in materials and engineering for more precise handling and improved ride quality. The advanced chassis and body design combine to provide a light and lively feel worthy of a sports car. Additional performance-enhancing features include a sophisticated double-wishbone front suspension design, variable-ratio steering, and superior electro-servo brake-by-wire technology originally developed for the NSX supercar.

The 2021 TLX comes with Acura's Integrated Dynamics System (IDS), which has distinct modes you can use to tailor the driving experience to suit your preferences and meet road conditions. You'll find IDS invaluable under all conditions, whether on dry highways or snow-covered winter roads. Normal mode balances the ride and handling for a direct and sporty feel, while Comfort reduces sensitivity for a relaxed and easy drive. Activating Sport mode increases steering feel and switches to higher-revving transmission shift points to give you a spirited driving experience, and there's also a Sport+ mode in the TLX Type S that sharpens the car's responses even further.

But you aren't limited to the vehicle's preset modes. The unique Individual mode allows you to create up to five preprogrammed settings with your own choices for throttle response, steering, shifting, and even engine sound. Once Individual mode is selected, the TLX will recall your settings, making a custom-tailored driving experience as easy as pushing a button.

The TLX's available Adaptive Damper System works with IDS to adjust the suspension to smooth the ride or sharpen handling according to driving conditions and your own preferences. Each damper is equipped with a continuously adjusting valve that lowers or raises its fluid pressure based on input from advanced sensors that monitor driver input and road conditions. This technology makes the TLX's ride comfortable for cruising on the open road yet firm and quick to react when you're looking for confident, high-performance handling.

TECHNOLOGY

Acura Precision Cockpit technology catapults the 2021 TLX decades ahead of the competition. From its ergonomically designed interface to its advanced driver safety systems, the Precision Cockpit unlocks the utmost potential of connectivity and innovation.

The Acura True Touchpad Interface significantly changes the way drivers interact with their vehicles. It's an intuitive, easy-to-learn interface designed specifically to enhance the user experience. Unlike conventional cursor-based systems, the touchpad is precisely mapped to actions on the 10.2-inch HD Dual-Content Center Display. A simple touch at any location on the touchpad corresponds directly with that same location on the display, helping to minimize the potential for driver distraction.

An available in-vehicle 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot (data plan required) provides over-the-air software updates and a wide range of available cloud-based services for TLX drivers. Need emergency roadside assistance? It's just a button press away. Other useful features include remote start, remote locking and unlocking, stolen vehicle tracking, remote diagnostics, geofencing, and Acura's exclusive concierge service.²

The TLX's available ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System will thrill even the most discriminating audiophile, but it's designed to work with music the way you choose to listen. Immerse yourself in rich, clear audio at any volume and from any source. Experience a wide sound stage with up to 17 speakers, including slim in-roof speakers and unparalleled clarity and bass delivery at any volume thanks to the new Twin Telford™ subwoofer.

Last but not least, the standard AcuraWatch™ suite of advanced safety and driver-assist technologies provides confidence and convenience for you and your passengers. This system includes new features such as Traffic Sign Recognition, Driver Attention Monitor, and Traffic Jam Assist, as well as Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow. You won't just be avoiding collisions, you'll be avoiding stress by letting the TLX help you through your daily commute.

DESIGN

The 2021 TLX's bold styling sets a new benchmark for performance sedans. Aimed at independent drivers who want to make a statement, the low, wide stance, influenced by the revolutionary Type S Concept and the Acura Precision Concept, gives the TLX a formidable, muscular appearance and hints at the driving excitement you'll experience behind the wheel.

Proudly different from run-of-the-mill competitors, the new TLX sport sedan starts with a more upright Diamond Pentagon grille flanked by next-generation Jewel Eye LED headlights and bright-white LED daytime running lights. The TLX's sleek side profile uses an array of angled surfaces to create stunning highlights and accentuate its muscular rear wheel arches. These lead into a rear section that features a shorter overhang, an upswept rear decklid, LED taillights, and exposed dual exhaust outlets.

Inside, the TLX has a high and wide center tunnel, along with a wraparound instrument panel, to create a unique cockpit sensation for each front occupant. There are plenty of high-quality luxury materials and features, too. On the base TLX, for example, you'll find a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats, a 10-speaker audio system, and genuine aluminum trim. On the TLX with the Advance package, Acura adds, among other features, leather upholstery and customizable ambient lighting that gives you 27 different themes to pick from to enhance the mood. Many of the themes are named after iconic performance driving destinations or tracks.

The TLX's design grows dramatically more distinctive with the A-Spec package. Exterior A-Spec features include Shark Gray 19-inch wheels, gloss-black accents front to rear, darkened headlight and taillight treatment, and an eye-catching rear decklid spoiler. Inside, you'll find geometric-patterned brushed aluminum trim, a sporty flat-bottom steering wheel, the 17-speaker ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System, a wireless charging pad, and perforated Milano premium leather seats with Ultrasuede inserts and contrasting stitching and piping. Finally, the TLX with the Advance package takes it to another level with its exclusive 16-way power-adjustable front seats, 10-inch head-up display, and authentic open-pore wood trim.

The TLX Type S takes the sport factor to new levels with a unique Diamond Pentagon grille, an aggressive front splitter, larger side air intakes, a rear decklid spoiler, and large quad exhaust outlets. Buyers also get the choice of two exclusive 20-inch wheel designs, both wrapped in 255-series performance tires. Inside, the Type S gets a special treatment that's similar to the A-Spec package, plus exclusive Type S badging throughout.

A Performance Family

Joining the new TLX in the Acura four-door lineup is the ILX sport sedan, which provides the same driver-focused virtues but in a more compact package. The ILX features an advanced i-VTEC engine that produces an impressive amount of power yet provides for exceptional fuel efficiency. Front-wheel drive and a smooth-shifting eight-speed transmission also contribute to the ILX's light and lively performance.

Want to mix performance with the strengths of an SUV, such as additional cargo space or room for more passengers? Acura has you covered with the RDX luxury crossover SUV and the MDX three-row luxury SUV. Both feature robust engines, advanced automatic transmissions, and available SH-AWD that will deliver performance you can use under almost any weather or road condition. And with the latest technology, comfort, and convenience features, these Acura SUVs will make sure your winter driving is fun and enjoyable.

Acura's Integrated Dynamics System comes standard on the RDX and MDX, and the Adaptive Damper System comes with these models' Advance packages. These systems further increase the ability of these luxury SUVs to perform at maximum levels of comfort, efficiency, and steering feedback under a variety of conditions and also allow you to dial in your own preferences for ride and handling.

And, of course, SH-AWD is available on the RDX and MDX SUVs. You expect the ultimate utility from these vehicles, and SH-AWD helps them deliver exceptional performance, not only on snow and ice but also on rain-soaked or dry roads. Across a variety of conditions, the RDX and MDX with available SH-AWD give you performance you can use.

CONCLUSION

Powered to thrill and designed with conviction, from its unique styling to its aggressive performance, the 2021 Acura TLX has more of everything the discriminating driver requires in a luxury sport sedan. It's loaded with style and comfort and offers the latest technology, great handling, and a choice of powerful engines. Add available Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, and you'll experience maximum control all year round. The all-new TLX will reward you with better driving this winter and every season after.

Footnotes

1. 272hp @ 6500 rpm (SAE Net), 280 lb-ft @ 1600-4500 rpm (SAE Net)

2. Certain AcuraLink services are available only where compatible cellular and GPS coverage is available. Subscription agreement required to enroll and terms and conditions of subscription agreement apply to services. Standard text rates and/or data usage may apply to communications received by email or SMS/text message. Visit your dealer or acura.com/acuralink for more information on standard and available features. Drive responsibly. Wi-Fi hotspot intended for passenger use only. Some state laws prohibit the operation of handheld electronic devices while operating a vehicle. For safety reasons, only pair devices and launch applications when the vehicle is safely parked. Coverage not available in all locations. 4G LTE Wi-Fi only available on certain models. Requires AT&T data plan.