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The History and Evolution of the Acura TLX

The Acura TLX was first introduced at the New York International Auto Show in 2014. Prior to becoming a production model, it was referred to as the TLX Prototype. The TLX 2014 was approved for production and began rolling off the lines in August of that year. The TLX was intended to serve as Acura's entry-level compact executive luxury sedan that would replace both the TL and the TSX model sedans for the brand. The cars were produced at the Marysville, Ohio plant with production in China of the Acura TLX-L edition.

The First Generation (2014 to present)

The Acura TLX is the design of Jared Hall in collaboration with the Acura Marysville, Ohio Plant. The entry-level luxury car offers an affordable four-door that is every inch a comfortable ride. For an entry-level classification, it comes packed with benefits and cool features that one would expect from a more expensive car. The motor generated 206 horsepower and its fuel economy was estimated at 24 mpg city, 35 mpg highway and 29 mpg combined driving. The car didn't want for power with a 3.5-liter engine that surpassed the power of the 2.4-liter 4 cylinder i-Vtech engine that was stock in the TSX, its predecessor. The 3.5 was mated with a 9-speed automatic transmission with a dual clutch. The Motion-Adaptive Electronic Power Steering gave it a special ease of handling along with the Precision All-Wheel Steer and integrated dynamics system, the first edition was fully packed with driving enhancements.

2015 Acura TLX

For 2015 the engine came stock with a 3.5-liter that was a direct injected V-6 SOHC VTEC that was designed with cylinder deactivation (VCM). The 2015 model of the TLX was available with a choice of P-AWS or in an all-wheel drive. The four-cylinder TSX was no longer available but it was estimated that the six-cylinder achieved a faster acceleration speed from zero to sixty of about 1.5 seconds. The pricing of the TLX started at $36,115 which was a hair over $800 less than the TL model that it replaced.

2016 Acura TLX

There would be no major changes in the TLX until 2018, when it received its first face lift. All models from 2014 through 2017 came with LED headlamps, amber LED turn signal indicators which were integrated into the side mirrors as well as the back LED brake lights. The TLX was shorter in length than the TL, and weighed the same as the TSX. The major diference in the suspension is the loss of the front double wishbone in exchange for a MacPherson strut design. Triple door seals were applied along with extra sound insulation to enhance the comfort and luxury of the interior to cut down on the noise that was heard from the outside.

2018 Acura TLX

During the fifth year of production the 2018 finally received its first revision. The new model was unveiled in the Spring of 2017 as a teaser of what was to come. After five years with no changes, the obvious revisions of the front fascia, the grill and the fenders along with the restyled wheels gave it an updated and sophisticated aesthetic. The exterior was notably altered and it was a change that was due.

The interior received a new infotainment system along with a variety of new features which included Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Acura also offered a brand new "A-Spec" performance trim. This is the model that was made available for sale in une of 2017 and a new version for the Chinese marked was announced in April of 2017, then released for sale in August of the same year. It made its introductory appearance at the Chendu Motor Show and was called the Acura TLC-L. The Chinese edition is only availale with a 2.4-liter four cylinder engine.

The Legacy Continues

Still in its first generation, the 2019 Acura TLX has been released with no major updates or changes. The luxury vehicle lists for a starting price of $33,000 and comes in a choice of a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder or 3.5-lter V6 engine with HP between 206 to 290.

Garrett Parker

Written by Garrett Parker

Garrett by trade is a personal finance freelance writer and journalist. With over 10 years experience he's covered businesses, CEOs, and investments. However he does like to take on other topics involving some of his personal interests like automobiles, future technologies, and anything else that could change the world.

Read more posts by Garrett Parker

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