Few deserving cars in the industry have ever flown so far below the radar as the Acura RL has. The Legend, the predecessor to the RL, had a fairly good run between 1986 and 1995.
Throughout its career, the RL has stood alone in the shadow since 1996 when it first appeared on the scene. In substance, the 3.5RL had all the necessary goodies: a 210 hp V6, opulence, luxury and a comfortable ride. By 1999, the RL received many physical enhancements in the form of new bumpers, headlights and trim.
The revised car enjoyed some success thanks to its more self-assured look. Up until 2004, numerous other improvements were introduced but nothing could slow decreasing sale figures.
In 2005, a sleek new RL surfaced with some much needed styling. A new 3.5L V6 promised more performance and spirited driving; all of which were directly related to Honda’s SH-AWD system. Even though the RL garnered a number of accolades, it still has failed to rival counterparts Infiniti, Lexus and the Germans.
Invisible to the naked eye
The RL is a lovely automobile. Actually, it is gorgeous. Sitting on its own while being photographed, the RL is sleek, racy and flows beautifully. Problem is that when you leave it in a parking lot, is simply disappears into the mass of cars. I blame this mostly on the absence of chrome and more particularly, 18? or even 19? wheels. The potential exists to make the RL hot; the car, like I said, is gorgeous! An RL Type-S (or something like it) must become available and must include chrome trim, 19? wheels and an extra 15 to 25 hp.
Cabin almost makes it all go away
Plush, concise, luxurious and comfortable aptly describe the RL’s passenger quarters. From the supportive leather seats to the unique well thought-out center-console, at the helm of the RL is where every long-distance driver wants to be. Fit and finish along with excellent materials combine to make the RL’s dashboard one of the nicest in the business.
Like every luxury car priced near the 3rd quarter of the magical 100k, the RL discards regular rotary knobs for the HVAC system. However, unlike most others, Acura manages to keep the controls very simple and extremely easy to consult.
Where is the kick?
Acura’s 3.5L V6 is sweet; it is smooth, quiet and very even-tempered. And this is my problem. When I get to drive an Acura, I expect a kick in the pants when the tach needle climbs towards the redline. Even so, this V6 is excessively competent as proven by its quick 7 second sprint to 100 km/h and impressively low thirst for fuel: I averaged 11.5L per 100 km. The 5-speed autobox with paddles mirrors the engine in function. As for steering and braking, both provided sufficient sensations to make the driving experience somewhat involving. I would have preferred more stopping power especially when considering the RL’s hefty 1,829 kg weight and the ease at which it can reach high rates of speed.
Read Article