2024 Acura TLX Type S, a very nice sports sedan

 

There are six colors available for the 2024 Acura TLX Type S; Lunar Silver Metallic, Majestic Black Pearl, Urban Gray Pearl, Platinum White Pearl, Apex Blue Pearl, and Tiger Eye Pearl. Every color except Lunar Silver Metallic is a $600 option which I find a little baffling, and for my money (if I had any) the only color to choose is the Apex Blue Pearl. 

But let's ignore the color and get to the heart of the matter, a turbocharged, 24-valve, DOHC, 3.0-liter V6 that makes a very smooth 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. Did I mention that it is smooth? The 10-speed auto was excellent but I really wish Acura would use a gear shift lever instead of the multi-button gizmo they have.

But I'd accept a million wonky gearshifts just to get rid of one touch pad. Why oh why do auto makers persist on using touch pads? At best they demand your attention, attention that should be focused on the task at hand - DRIVING! At worst they are worthless. Ask me about trying to enter an address into the route guidance system using the touch pad. On the other hand don't ask. If it wasn't for a voice control system that worked I would have had to use an old fashioned paper map. So please, put these abominations where the belong - in a garbage can.

The only other complaint I have about the '24 Acura TLX Type S is I'm old! I raised the power driver's seat as high as it would go and these old bones still creaked and moaned getting in or out. 

Once in these gorgeous, comfortable seats all was right with the world. I even liked the bold red color. 

The rear seats were okay but like just about every vehicle made the center position is best suited to children or someone you don't like.

The 2024 Acura TLX Type S is not the fastest sedan out there but it won't embarrass you. Car and Driver says the 4,200 lb. car gets from 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds, and will top out at 156 mph. From my perspective the best part of the TLX is that it doesn't scream its bona fides, it just goes about its business. 

I can't attest to how great the handling of the Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive (SH-AWD). There just aren't enough empty roads around me to pretend race (and I like having my license). I do know from experience that Acura (and its parent) take handling seriously. I will say the Acura TLX Type S is a well-balanced sports sedan.

There is one area of any car I am happy to not notice; the brakes. If I don't notice the brakes that means they're doing their job. The Type S has Brembos on the front.

It seems to me that auto makers have learned that if they use ultra low profile tires they need to make the suspension a little more compliant. In the past I have complained about the harshness of some cars with low profile tires. The TLX Type S has 255/35R20 Pirelli tires and the ride was acceptable.

This is not the most fuel efficient car you can buy but it is pretty good for a performance car. It is rated at 25-mpg on the highway, and 19 around town. I equaled the highway figure but as normal fell below the city number by 2 or 3-mpg. 

Now we come to the price. Base price for a 2024 Acura TLX Type S SH-AWD is $57,600 (acura.com). Add on $600 for any color except Lunar Silver Metallic , destination and handling ($1,195), tax and license, and you're probably close to $65,000. Check it out at your local dealer.