2024 Acura TLX Type S
Enthusiasts love a performance sedan. Especially one with a premium badge.
One such vehicle is the 2024 Acura TLX Type S sedan. It offers everything an enthusiast is looking for.
For 2024, the TLX made some minor updates throughout its lineup with some subtle hints outside. Is it enough to entice you to take the wheel of this high-performance version of Acura’s sports sedan?
The overall design is low, sleek, and stylish. The updated front end offers the illusion of a long hood that starts with Acura’s diamond grille. The roofline is also difference then the previous generation, with a three-pane glass, including a new pane for the C-pillar. The rear deck offers a cleaner design with the license plate mounted on the bumper and a huge space with the Acura logo in the middle.
Our Type S tester wore 20-inch black-finished alloy wheels with high performance tires. There are also a front splitter and rear trunk spoiler, also finished in black. The finishing touch are a pair of dual exhaust ports.
The interior of the TLX delivers on the fusion of the latest elements of Acura design and a return to the low cowl format seen on previous models dating back to the beginning of the brand. The 12.3-inch digital instrument binnacle combines dials for the speedometer and tachometer with a large and informative center information screen. This is also augmented by a 10.5-inch head-up display. This is framed by a thick-rimmed steering wheel that inspires confidence and control.
On top of the center stack is a larger 12.3-inch infotainment screen controlled by a True Touchpad Interface located on the center console. While it was good concept, we found the touchpad to be more of a challenge to use than it being a workable tool. All other controls were pretty good to the touch and had solid logic to use.
The two-tone leather/suede front seats had wide bolsters in both the seatbacks and the cushions. Rear seat room was better suited for more average-sized passengers. There is also 13.5 cubic feet of trunk space available.
Underneath the TLX Type S’s hood was a 355-horsepower 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine. With 354 pound-feet of torque on the low end, the TLX Type S can move with authority. Our tester had the Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive system, connected from. A 10-speed automatic transmission. This driveline did well in managing all kinds of conditions.
In terms of fuel economy, we observed an average of 23.4 MPG.
Driving dynamics are what we expect from an Acura sedan. The TLX Type S delivered on the brand’s promises with a solid ride that absorbed the bumps and cracks on the road. It also exhibited superb handling and managed evasive maneuvers very well.
We also like the steering system, as it was sharp to respond from the wheel. On-center feel was a solid in Normal mode. Switch the Dynamic Mode knob to Sport, and the wheel gets a heavier, exacting feel. Sport+ dials everything another notch, with more aggressive shifts that would require you to engage the paddle shifters to hone it all in.
The brakes were solid with good pedal feel and response. Stops in normal, panic, and winter situations were good.
Pricing for the 2024 Acura TLX lineup starts at $45,000. There are now three trim levels available. Our Type S tester arrived with a sticker price of $59,037.
The TLX is the only remaining true sedan in the Acura lineup. The Type S is its own special offering. This performance sedan is often compared to the BMW 340i M Sport, Mercedes-Benz AMG C43, Audi S4, Alfa Romeo Giulia, Volvo S60 Recharge, Maserati Ghibli, Lexus IS 350 F Sport, Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400, Genesis G70 3.5T, and Cadillac CT5 V-Series.
Acura’s emphasis on premium performance rests on the 2024 TLX Type S. It is a car that balances everything – for enthusiasts and enthusiasts at heart.
Credits: CarSoup Editors
