The TLX isn’t even out of the toddler stages yet, but it’s already asserting its dominance in a segment that contains models like the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C-Class, and even models like the Jaguar XE and Alfa Romeo Giulia. With a segment full of heavy hitters, you have to stay fresh and alert, and when the doors opened at the 2018 New York Auto Show, it’s clear that Acura is doing just that with the TLX. The new front fascia provides distinctive lines with a fresh look down below. The corner inserts get new LED fog lights and chrome surrounding trim. This is the icing on the cake, however, as the new precision grille stands out indefinitely in comparison to the current model. It’s wider, taller, and outlined in a healthy dose of chrome. Tying the whole front end together is a new hood with muscular lines and a pair of updated Jewel Eye headlights.
The side profile gets a new chrome insert along the side skirts while the rear end gets a restyled fascia with a diffuser-like element at the bottom, two rectangular exhaust outlets, and a pair of chrome inserts that match those on the front fascia. These updates definitely make the car more attractive, but also give the TLX a significant advantage over the competition. But, there’s more. All V-6 models can now be equipped with SH-AWD while the Technology Package now offers those chrome side sill garnishing, new seats with contrast piping and stitching, and a thigh extension on the driver’s seat. The Advance Package adds trapezoidal fog lights, surround view camera, wireless charging page, ambient lighting, heated steering wheel and rear outboard seats, rear spoiler, and folding side mirrors.
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Tech and Safety
The TLX doesn’t get much in terms of interior updates, but that’s okay because it’s already right on par with anything Audi, BMW, or Mercedes has in this segment. The 2018 TLX, however, will get an update dual-screen infotainment system called On Demand Multi-Use Display 2.0 (OPMD 2.0) This interface has improved software that offers better response time and easier-to-use menus. Acura claims that it’s 20 percent faster than the system found in the 2017 and older TLX. The seven-inch touchscreen unit is also said to be more responsive and has been repositioned to be within comfortable reach of both front occupants. The new system features Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Sirius XM 2.0 capabilities as standard equipment.
On the safety front, the TLX comes standard with the AcuraWatch safety suite. This includes collision mitigation braking, automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, and road departure mitigation. For those of you who aren’t aware, and are really concerned about safety, this suite makes the Acura TLX the only vehicle in its class with crash avoidance and active assist features as standard equipment. I don’t know about you, but that sounds like shots fired at the Germans to me. What do you think of the updated TLX? Let us know in the comments section below.