For years, Acura RL has been an also-ran among the field of top luxury sedans, dominated by other high-end offerings with more style and performance.
But Acura pulled a fast one for 2005 with its flagship, turning the cushy sedan into a highly competitive performance machine. Although still powered by a V-6, RL now commands 300 horsepower plus the ride and handling finesse of the top-selling luxury brands, though maybe not with the same sort of panache as BMW or Audi sedans.
The biggest bonus is a new all-wheel-drive system, with the coy name of Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, that transmits power to the pavement with seamless precision, improving traction and cornering.
Styling also gets a sporty upgrade, looking more purposeful and aggressive than ever before, though maybe still a tick behind the latest trends.
Despite its new sporting credentials, RL continues its mission as a luxury sedan. The handling may be sharper, but RL glides over rough roads with quiet competence.
RL comes completely equipped in a single package, including such embellishments as voice-actuated navigation; a unique real-time system with up-to-the-minute traffic information; outstanding Bose audio system; a manual-shifting feature with steering-wheel paddles; keyless ignition; and a full contingent of safety and convenience features.
I’m still befuddled by Acura dropping the superb car name Legend for the bland RL, but after nine years, I should probably get over it. The new RL goes a long way toward improving my outlook.
