After its reveal at the LA Auto Show last fall, the 2014 Acura RLX luxury sedan is ready for its debut on showroom floors. But, we’ve already logged a little drive time to make sure Acura’s new flagship was worth the wait.

Body styling, while conservative, is still much improved and now should attract the attention of those in the market for a BMW 5 Series or Lexus GS. The RLX’s beady-eyed LED headlights are flashy, though, and unlike anything we’ve seen before.

Complimenting this all new flagship is an all new power plant: a 310 horsepower, 3.5 liter i-VTEC V6, with direct injection and cylinder deactivation. Fuel economy is pegged at 24 Combined MPG with the standard 6 speed automatic.

Other big chassis changes include front rather than all-wheel drive as now standard, as is Acura’s new Precision All-Wheel Steer system.

Designed to aid both slow speed maneuverability and high speed handling, P-AWS continuously and independently controls left and right rear tow angles. Our initial impressions are that P-AWS makes the RLX drive much lighter, and with crisper cornering response than its size would indicate. Pretty sporty indeed.

Starting at an almost bargain $49,000, the 2014 Acura RLX will range to just over $60,000.  For deeper pockets, a 370 horsepower RLX with Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive and 30 Combined MPG follows later this year.

Specifications

  • Engine: 3.5 liter i-VTEC V6
  • Horsepower: 310
  • Price: Starting at $49,000