The Acura TL doesn’t change much, if at all, for 2011 but that’s because it didn’t need to. As part of its 2009 rebirth, Acura fitted an optional all-wheel-drive system to the TL, helping Germanize this performance-oriented eye-catching sedan.
Distinctive cut and chiseled styling
It doesn’t blend. The TL’s brash, angular design theme is unique, giving it “standout factor” well beyond convention. Some have decried its bold, aggressive looks, claiming that it’s over-the-top. I don’t see it that way.
Yes, the TL is in your face like an angry New Yorker, but that’s the point. It begs to be noticed, and I like what I notice: sharp, proportionate, stimulating lines. Acura has bravely applied a bucketful of rousing design elements without creating a spectacle of sorts—and they’ve pulled from the bucket to design the interior as well.
The TL’s cabin is a busy yet refined environment that will keep button-pushing techno-geeks amused for days. Those more “business inclined” will appreciate the upscale surroundings and extensive complement of standard equipment.
The front seats in my tester provided outstanding support and bolstering; and I found generous legroom at all seating positions and plenty of headroom front and rear. After spending some seat time in the TL, I became comfortable with its array of switches and controls, including the rotating interface controlling the navigation system and various other settings.
Given its broad sheets of glass, visibility from within the TL is noteworthy—and this isn’t always the case with flamboyantly styled vehicles. And what’s style without substance?
Superb V6 delivers plenty of substance
The base Acura TL is a front-wheel-drive affair powered by a 3.5-litre SOHC V6 that discharges 280 horsepower—and “yes,” it’s a very nice engine. The powerplant accompanying an upgrade to Super Handling – All-Wheel-Drive (SH-AWD) builds upon the 3.5’s many attributes.
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| The Acura TL doesn’t change much, if at all, for 2011 but that’s because it didn’t need to. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |
Distinctive cut and chiseled styling
It doesn’t blend. The TL’s brash, angular design theme is unique, giving it “standout factor” well beyond convention. Some have decried its bold, aggressive looks, claiming that it’s over-the-top. I don’t see it that way.
Yes, the TL is in your face like an angry New Yorker, but that’s the point. It begs to be noticed, and I like what I notice: sharp, proportionate, stimulating lines. Acura has bravely applied a bucketful of rousing design elements without creating a spectacle of sorts—and they’ve pulled from the bucket to design the interior as well.
The TL’s cabin is a busy yet refined environment that will keep button-pushing techno-geeks amused for days. Those more “business inclined” will appreciate the upscale surroundings and extensive complement of standard equipment.
The front seats in my tester provided outstanding support and bolstering; and I found generous legroom at all seating positions and plenty of headroom front and rear. After spending some seat time in the TL, I became comfortable with its array of switches and controls, including the rotating interface controlling the navigation system and various other settings.
Given its broad sheets of glass, visibility from within the TL is noteworthy—and this isn’t always the case with flamboyantly styled vehicles. And what’s style without substance?
Superb V6 delivers plenty of substance
The base Acura TL is a front-wheel-drive affair powered by a 3.5-litre SOHC V6 that discharges 280 horsepower—and “yes,” it’s a very nice engine. The powerplant accompanying an upgrade to Super Handling – All-Wheel-Drive (SH-AWD) builds upon the 3.5’s many attributes.
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| The front seats in my tester provided outstanding support and bolstering. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |