2025 Acura TLX Type S: The Ultimate AWD Performance Sedan?

Exterior Design and Features

• 💙 The 2025 Acura TLX Type S is showcased in the striking Apex Blue color, featuring a refreshed exterior design.
• 💡 Notable exterior elements include chicane LED daytime running lamps, multi-d LED beam headlights, and functional gloss black grills with a lower splitter for downforce.
• 💨 The front fascia boasts a revised Precision Crafted Performance Grill for improved airflow and a prominent lower grill revealing a supersized intercooler.
• 🚀 The long hood features sculpted peaks for visual reference points while driving.
• 🛑 Braking is handled by Brembo calipers with large rotors (over 14 inches front, 13 inches rear).
• ⚠️ A point of contention is the updated wheel design, which some might find a bit bland, and the standard-size sunroof, with a desire for a panoramic option.
• 🏁 The rear features a gloss black trunk lid spoiler, optional carbon fiber bits, and a distinctive diffuser with quad-tip staggered exhaust.

Powertrain and Performance Specs

• 🐎 Under the hood lies a 3.0L turbocharged V6 engine producing 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque.
• ⚙️ Power is managed by a 10-speed automatic transmission, enabling a 0-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds and a quarter-mile in 13.1 seconds.
• ⛽ Fuel economy is rated at 19 MPG city and 25 MPG highway, with a curb weight of 4,212 lbs.
• 🚗 The Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system is front-wheel drive based, sending power to the rear wheels, contrasting with the Audi S5's rear-wheel-drive bias.

Interior Comfort and Technology

• 🛋️ The interior features a luxurious Orchid two-tone leather option and an ELS Studio 3D sound system.
• 💡 Ambient lighting is customizable with a wide spectrum of colors and adjustable brightness.
• 🖥️ A 12.3-inch infotainment system is controlled via a touchpad, with familiar apps and icons.
• 🕹️ The aluminum Dynamic Mode Selector knob allows for adjustments to steering, suspension, and gauges, with Sport Plus mode offering maximum performance.
• ❄️ Dual-zone climate control, heated and ventilated seats (three stages each), and an aluminum start/stop button are included.
• 📱 Below the climate controls are a real volume knob, a Precision Touchpad, wireless charging, two cup holders, and a storage compartment with USB ports.
• 🧵 The seats offer decent bolstering, full electric assist, and are upholstered in a mix of leather and microfiber Alcantara.

Driving Dynamics and Handling

• 🛣️ In Sport Plus mode, the TLX Type S offers a engaging driving experience with smooth and well-timed shifts from the 10-speed automatic transmission.
• ⚠️ The electric brakes are noted to lack some initial feel, feeling a bit numb on the first application.
• 🔊 Cabin sound is enhanced through the speaker system, though a desire for more authentic exhaust and engine notes is expressed.
• 📊 The digital gauge cluster is praised for its shape and clarity, especially in Sport Plus mode with the tachometer across the top.
• 🕹️ Manual shifting via the metal paddles is responsive, offering a better experience than those found in the Audi S5.
• 💨 The Super Handling All-Wheel Drive provides great grip, even with all-season tires, and the car feels confident and composed in corners.
• 🔄 The adaptive suspension adjusts based on the selected mode, offering a balance between connectedness and comfort without being overly bouncy.

Practicality and Storage

• 💺 The back seat offers ample room, potentially more than an Audi S5, with comfortable materials and rear AC vents with USB-C ports.
• 📦 The trunk provides 14.3 cubic feet of space, with a 60/40 split-folding rear seat.
• 🛠️ A notable feature is a cross brace in the rear to stiffen the chassis, though it compromises the pass-through space.
• 🔧 Underneath the trunk floor, a flat-fix kit and electric air compressor are provided instead of a spare tire.