The Acura TLX PMC Edition is a special-edition version of the premium company's compact sedan. Unveiled at the 2019 New York Auto Show, not long before the first-generation TLX is set to go out of production, the PMC Edition is more than just a limited-edition car with a few extra features. Unlike previous special-editions from Acura, the TLX PMC Edition is handcrafted in the Performance Manufacturing Center, where the NSX supercar is produced.

Combining the premium interior features of the Advance Package and the sporty exterior elements of the A-Spec line, the TLX PMC Edition stands out among its siblings and climbs at the top of the TLX lineup. The first vehicle to be part of the PMC Edition line, the TLX will soon be followed by an MDX crossover with similar features. Let's find out what makes the PMC Edition stand out.

What Makes the 2020 Acura TLX PMC Edition Special?

The first thing that catches the eye when looking at the PMC Edition's exterior is the A-Spec package, which adds a few sportier features front and rear. Up front, it features larger side vents in the bumper, as well as an extra vent in the center compared o the regular model. It also features sportier side skirts, a larger trunk lid spoiler, and a revised rear bumper. The latter ditches the chrome inserts of the standard model and includes a more aggressive diffuser and round exhaust pipes.

Then there's the exclusive Valencia Red Pearl paint. Created with same nano-pigment technology used for the NSX supercar, it includes mica, metal flake, and super-high transparency nano pigments. All are applied with an advanced robotic paint system in multiple base coats to enhance color intensity. This process is followed by two clear coats for extra sheen. A meticulous hand inspection process enables top-notch quality and finish. In all, the painting process, including curing, takes five days.

Another cool thing that sets the PMC Edition apart is the front grille. Although it's inspired by the A-Spec model and lacks the chrome of the regular model, the PMC Edition doesn't have a dark chrome surround either. Instead, Acura went with a body-colored frame. The mesh is also black, while the "Acura" badge is darker than usual. The same goes for the bumper vents, which also have gloss-black detailing now.

More black detailing is visible onto the sides. The door handles and the 19-inch wheels are gloss-black, as is the roof. The upper mirror caps, on the other hand, are body-colored. In the rear, the PMC Edition boasts a gloss-black trunk lid spoiler and matching insert in the bumper. The aggressive spoiler features chrome four-inch exhaust tips. The PMC Edition also comes standard with Jewel-Eye LED headlamps and LED foglights.

The PMC Edition's cabin is obviously familiar, but it stands out through extra features and enhanced luxury. The seats, for instance, are wrapped in black Milano leather and feature Alcantara inserts, just like in the expensive luxury cars. They also feature black piping and red stitching for a striking contrast. The same black and red combination adorns the door panels and the center armrest.

The A-Spec steering wheel is also wrapped in perforated leather and features red stitching on top of the red badge on the lower spoke. The metal shifters add a bit of sheen in addition to the aluminum A/C surrounds on each side of the center stack. The individually numbered serial plate on the lower console will remind you that this sedan was assembled in the same factory as the NSX supercar.

The PMC Edition also includes extra standard features compared to the regular TLX sedan. Both front and rear seats are ventilated and heated, the steering wheel is heated too, and you'll also find GPS-linked navigation with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, wireless charging, and a 10-speaker, ELS Studio premium audio system. Acura also added power-folding door mirrors, the surround view camera system, front and rear parking sensors, a blind spot information system, rear cross traffic monitor, and the AcuraWatch suite of safety and driver assist technologies.

The standard TLX is available with either a four-cylinder or a V-6 engine. If you like the extra power, you'll be happy to learn that the PMC Edition comes with the bigger 3.5-liter V-6 under the hood. This mill cranks out 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet, an extra 84 horses and 85 pound-feet compared to the standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder unit. The engine mates to a nine-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super-Handling all-wheel-drive system for extra grip and stability.

Pricing for the PMC Edition is not yet available, but Acura said that it will become the new range-topping model. This means that it will cost more than the TLX A-Spec in V-6 SH-AWD trim. The most expensive model right now is the one fitted with the Advance Package, priced from $45,950, so it's safe to assume that the PMC Edition could cost close to $50,000.

Further reading

Read our full review on the 2018 Acura TLX.