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. 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.
All of these cars have more favorable power-to-weight ratios. 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). 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). 2021 Acura TLX Type S | photo by Joe Bruzek 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. That’s in contrast to the 2022 Genesis G70, whose 3.3-liter twin-turbo V-6 has a rather nondescript soundtrack. 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). The execution is far more refined than in the 20 Civic Type R, where it’s easy to pick out the artificial booming frequencies from the door speakers. 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 V-6 has a natural, refined hum during acceleration - at least I think it’s coming from the V-6. 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.ĭriving the Type S is a sensory joy: angry pops on upshifts, gurgles on downshifts and whooshing acceleration noises from the turbochargers. The execution is very BMW-like, with minimal turbo lag despite Acura not choosing twin turbos - a setup prized for responsiveness. Six Cylinders, One Turbocharger 2021 Acura TLX Type S | photo by Joe BruzekĪt 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 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. Now, it seems to be finding its stride with its latest offerings in terms of styling, performance and value. Related: 2021 Acura TLX Review: Subtle Changes, Big ImprovementsĪcura 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. Including destination, the sedan starts at $53,845 - fully loaded. 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. Redesigned for 2021, the TLX compact luxury sedan has impressive dynamics and a strong turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, but it longs for more. 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. The verdict: Through an array of technological wizardry, the Acura TLX Type S makes you grin in the corners without frowning in the straights.
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