The verdict: Through an array of technological wizardry, the Acura TLX Type S makes you grin in the corners without frowning in the straights.
Versus the competition: Most luxury brands have ditched affordable performance versions of their mainstream sedans, but the TLX Type S is a compellingly frugal option — if not as fire-breathing as some.
Redesigned for 2021, the TLX compact luxury sedan has impressive dynamics and a strong turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, but it longs for more. The TLX Type S is just that, with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 and a stack of goodies in a refined performance package that doesn’t break the bank. Including destination, the sedan starts at $53,845 — fully loaded.
Related: 2021 Acura TLX Review: Subtle Changes, Big Improvements
Acura has been a quirky brand over the past decade, with beak-nosed sedans and SUVs, dual-screen multimedia systems and hybrids that don’t do much for fuel economy. Now, it seems to be finding its stride with its latest offerings in terms of styling, performance and value. The TLX isn’t without its quirks — most Acuras, for example, still lack a touchscreen for their multimedia systems — but the Type S is so good I can see past that miss.
Six Cylinders, One Turbocharger
At the heart of the Type S is a 3.0-liter V-6 that uses a single twin-scroll turbocharger to make 355 horsepower, up 83 hp over the TLX’s turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The execution is very BMW-like, with minimal turbo lag despite Acura not choosing twin turbos — a setup prized for responsiveness. There is some lag, but it’s negligible in performance modes that make use of all 10 gears in the Type-S-specific 10-speed automatic transmission.
Driving the Type S is a sensory joy: angry pops on upshifts, gurgles on downshifts and whooshing acceleration noises from the turbochargers. The V-6 has a natural, refined hum during acceleration — at least I think it’s coming from the V-6. My ears might be fooled by the augmented engine sounds Acura pipes through the TLX’s stereo system; the digitized sound is so seamless and pleasing, however, that being synthesized isn’t a downside. The execution is far more refined than in the 2020 and 2021 Civic Type R, where it’s easy to pick out the artificial booming frequencies from the door speakers.
Mechanically, the TLX Type S has flaps in its mufflers that open in different driving modes to increase volume, and the end result of this mechanical/electrical trickery is a genuinely pleasing auditory experience (to me, anyway). That’s in contrast to the 2022 Genesis G70, whose 3.3-liter twin-turbo V-6 has a rather nondescript soundtrack. In less sporty cars, this much investment into drivetrain sound might be wasted effort, but a performance car’s soundtrack is a large part of feeling connected to the car, and the Type S doesn’t disappoint.
What is a little disappointing is that all that power is tasked with motivating a portly 4,200 pounds of car (even with Acura’s optional lightweight wheels). That’s hundreds of pounds heavier than comparable luxury AWD sports sedans, including the Audi S4 (3,847 pounds), Genesis G70 3.3T (3,887), BMW M340i (3,849) and Mercedes-AMG C43 (3,836). All of these cars have more favorable power-to-weight ratios. In previous testing, we clocked an AWD BMW M340i hitting 60 mph in just 3.89 seconds, while Acura reports a 0-60 time of “around 5 seconds” for the Type S. Driving the Type S right after the G70 3.3T we recently evaluated, the Acura feels more modest than that car, which offers harder kick-you-in-the-seat-of-your-pants acceleration.
10 Gears, All Good
Though it looks on paper like a carryover transmission from parent company Honda, the TLX Type S’ 10-speed automatic offers a drastically different experience versus the unit offered in the Odyssey minivan, MDX SUV, Accord sedan and even the base TLX. Mechanical and programming changes strengthen the transmission and quicken shifting, contributing a sense of directness and responsiveness that’s more akin to a dual-clutch automatic than, say, the Odyssey’s unresponsive 10-speed. There’s a consistent shift firmness across the gears — unlike, say, the Ford Mustang GT’s 10-speed, which can get mushy on light throttle even in the most aggressive driving mode. Turned up to the driver-selectable Sport Plus mode, the TLX Type S shifts so hard you can feel the entire drivetrain shudder in response. The programming is aggressive, but it feels worthwhile considering the resulting positive engagement, quick paddle-shifter response and minimal gear hunting.
Acura says the 10-speed in the Type S has a new torque converter, stronger internal gears, improved clutches and a transmission-fluid cooler to handle the extra power. The mechanical changes pair with unique programming for 40% faster downshifts and 30% faster upshifts in Sport Plus mode.
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October 29, 2021 at 02:02AM
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2021 Acura TLX Type S Review: A Sensory Joy - Cars.com News
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