Front-wheel drive
Even though the RL boasts one of the best all-wheel drive systems on the market, the fact remains that most of the time, it's in front-wheel-drive mode. Which is not actually a bad thing, but purists of the class are used to rear-wheel drive and tend to steer clear of the RL for exactly this reason.
Yet the RL's performance compares to that of the competition. It has trouble holding its own against its V8-equipped competitors, but does very well against those powered by a V6 engine. With a 3.5-litre, VTEC V6 producing 290 hp, it offers performance worthy of the name, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.9 seconds. This engine is well adapted to the car and responds progressively. However, a little more torque couldn't do any harm. Fuel consumption hovers around 12.5 litres per 100 km.
With the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, the car sticks to the road thanks to a good distribution of power to the wheels. In the same vein, the suspension is sufficiently firm to give the car a sporty personality and allow it to handle curves with ease. Handling is consistent and predictable when pushing the car in corners. The all-wheel drive system is ever watchful, improving the car's controllability when necessary.
With all that help, little wonder that the RL features exemplary manoeuvrability and responds like a perfectly trained companion. Only the brakes proved a little soft: braking performance isn't as exciting as it could be. However, I have to admit that the brakes do a good job in everyday life.
Conclusion
The Acura RL is a very competent machine; the interior is well designed and nigh irreproachable. The power plant and SH all-wheel drive system do wonders for the driving experience. But the manufacturer forgot two of the category's three sacred rules.
Even though the RL boasts one of the best all-wheel drive systems on the market, the fact remains that most of the time, it's in front-wheel-drive mode. Which is not actually a bad thing, but purists of the class are used to rear-wheel drive and tend to steer clear of the RL for exactly this reason.
 |
| With a 3.5-litre, VTEC V6 producing 290 hp, it offers performance worthy of Acura. |
Yet the RL's performance compares to that of the competition. It has trouble holding its own against its V8-equipped competitors, but does very well against those powered by a V6 engine. With a 3.5-litre, VTEC V6 producing 290 hp, it offers performance worthy of the name, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.9 seconds. This engine is well adapted to the car and responds progressively. However, a little more torque couldn't do any harm. Fuel consumption hovers around 12.5 litres per 100 km.
With the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, the car sticks to the road thanks to a good distribution of power to the wheels. In the same vein, the suspension is sufficiently firm to give the car a sporty personality and allow it to handle curves with ease. Handling is consistent and predictable when pushing the car in corners. The all-wheel drive system is ever watchful, improving the car's controllability when necessary.
With all that help, little wonder that the RL features exemplary manoeuvrability and responds like a perfectly trained companion. Only the brakes proved a little soft: braking performance isn't as exciting as it could be. However, I have to admit that the brakes do a good job in everyday life.
Conclusion
The Acura RL is a very competent machine; the interior is well designed and nigh irreproachable. The power plant and SH all-wheel drive system do wonders for the driving experience. But the manufacturer forgot two of the category's three sacred rules.
 |
| With the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, the car sticks to the road. |