In a surprise move that caught a lot of people by surprise, Acura has launched the 2019 ILX with a fresh new look and a suite of safety and tech features. The refreshed sedan looks completely different from its predecessor, a result of a new design inspired by the Acura Precision Concept. In addition to its sportier and more aggressive looks, the ILX also benefits from a handful of new safety features that come standard across the entire range. Tech updates are also on the menu, including a revised dual-screen infotainment system that Acura claims is more responsive than the previous version.

As far as surprise reveals go, this one is right up there. The current Acura ILX is a good-looking car in its own right. But the new refreshed 2019 ILX is on another level. There’s a lot to unpack with the new ILX's design. The front section, for example, benefits from a couple of big design changes, one of which is Acura’s new Diamond Pentagon front grille, or as I’d like to call it, the Superman crest. It’s a huge improvement from the previous front grille design that ended up becoming completely overused. But the new ILX comes with a more sculpted design, highlighted by the curves on the LED lights. It’s incredible that such a small detail can have a big effect on a car’s design if it’s styled properly. Throw in the sharper intakes and the contoured front bumper, and you get a front section that will do nothing but turn a lot of heads.

The side and rear sections of the new ILX are less mesmerizing, but they’ll still catch your attention, especially the diffuser at the back. When was the last time you saw an Acura that isn’t the NSX with a diffuser displayed so prominently like that? While we’re at it, raise your glasses for Acura’s new wheel designs, one of which — a 17-inch, split-5 spoke wheel design — you can see in the new ILX.

The dramatic improvement to the sedan’s design isn't the only item to rave about, either. At the heart of all of it is AcuraWatch, a system that includes safety and driver-assistive technologies like Collision Mitigation Braking System, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Road Departure Mitigation, and Lane Departure Warning. Seriously, all of that comes standard on the ILX. If AcuraWatch isn’t enough, the ILX is also equipped with more safety features like Vehicle Stability Assist with traction control, a Tire Pressure Monitoring System, and a blind spot information system. Again, they’re all standard on the 2019 ILX. Oh, the sedan also comes with a refreshed dual-screen On Demand Multi-Use Display interface with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

As a luxury sedan, the new Acura ILX should have its share of standard safety and tech features. But even this is killing it. Acura wanted to go big with the refreshed 2019 ILX, and for the most part, it did just that. Don’t be surprised, then, if the new ILX ends up on a lot of people’s Christmas wishlists when it goes on sale in October.

Further reading

Read our full review on the 2017 Acura ILX.

Read our full review on the 2017 Acura Precision Concept.

Read more Acura news.