The 2018 Acura RLX is a four-door sedan with many standard and optional features.
What Has Changed for 2018?
The exterior of the RLX has gone through a significant restyle, sporting a new diamond-shaped grille, new hood design, new wheels, LED taillights, exhaust finishers with dual exhausts, and a bright high gloss black rear diffuser. The interior has upgraded seat materials and trims, and new seat designs with contrast piping and stitching. Also, a new color interior option has been added, Espresso. The drivetrain is 10-speed automatic transmission, new for the 2018 model. The standard engine is the 3.5-liter V-6 engine. New exterior colors are Brilliant Red Metallic and Majestic Black Pearl.
2018 Acura RLX-Acura’s Flagship Sedan
The RLX is Acura’s flagship sedan, being the manufacturer’s most expensive retail sedan. This model is positioned above the ILX and TLX sedans. The RLX has the highest retail sticker price, even priced higher than the manufacturer’s three-row MDX crossover.
Performance, Gas Mileage, and Engine Options
The RLX standard 3.5-liter V-6 generates 310 horsepower, paired with the new 10-speed automatic transmission, driving power to an all-wheel system. For 2018, a Super Hybrid Model is available, with a combination of a hybrid system paired with the standard 3.5-liter V-6 and an electric motor, backed by a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. For power to the rear wheels, two electric motors drive the rear wheels. This model gives the Hybrid version of the RLX a total power output of 377 horsepower. EPA estimates for the Super Hybrid RLX are 29/30 mpg. The standard RLX with the 3.5 V-6 and ten-speed automatic EPA estimates are 20/30mpg.
Standard Equipment
Standard equipment on the 2018 base RLX includes LED headlights, 19-inch alloy wheels, 12-way power seats, 7.0-inch multi-use display, an 8.0-inch multi-information display including navigation, 14-speaker audio system, and Milano grade leather-trimmed interior. On the Sports Hybrid model, standard equipment includes a surround view camera system, parking sensors, Krell audio system, LED fog lights, keyless remote engine start, ventilated and heated front seats, heated rear seats, and heated steering wheel. *5
Safety Features
The 2018 RLX is abounding with safety features. The newly engineered AcuraWatch features Traffic Jam Assistant. This safety feature integrates the adaptive speed control and the Low-Speed Follow by keeping the sedan in its lane and maintain a set distance away from the vehicle in front. This standard elaborate safety system features automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and Road Departure Mitigation. The 2018 RLX should follow the 2017 RLX having received the highest five-star rating from the NHTSA. *6
RLX Competition
2018 RLX primary competition is the Lincoln Continental, the Cadillac XTS, the Infiniti Q70, the Volvo S90, and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. At this stage of the game, RLX’s closest competition is the Infiniti Q70, the Volvo S90, and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.