2012 Acura RL – Sporty, Comfortable Luxury Sedan

Good

Smart technology interface; four-wheel drive system; superb audio system; plethora of standard features; excellent build quality; top notch interior.

Bad

Aging design; same size like inexpensive TL; lacks V8 engine; subpar braking distances.

Introduction

2012 Acura RL is one of the most sophisticated touring sedans in the market, which combines responsive handling and smooth power with luxurious appointments and cutting edge technologies. It is a capable luxury sedan, but newer rivals are more appealing overall. All RL models come standard with Xenon HID (High Intensity Discharge) headlamps for low beams. To help you see farther into a turn at night, the Xenon HID low-beam headlamp on the side of turn direction can swivel up to 20 degrees to the outside. This illuminates edges of the road and guides your turn as dark spots are lit. The combination RL key/remote was given a few extra additional features beyond usual trunk release, panic button and door lock functions.

The Acura RL is amongst the best of luxury sedans to commute through heavy traffic. It is considered to be one of the top luxury cars of the company, which is quite smooth, comfortable and firm enough for contributing to agile handling yet the ride is not so hard it sloshes your cappuccino. The throttle and brakes are super smooth for comfortable driving in stop and go traffic, while crisp acceleration performance from V6 engine means RL is ready when an on-ramp is empty. It comes standard with four-wheel drive system that provides the RL with excellent traction and stability in all situations. With electronic stability control and four-wheel drive, the RL offers sure-footed handling with little chance of spinout in slippery turn.

The Acura RL is a flagship vehicle developed and designed by North American luxury brand called Acura and sold in Japan as Honda Legend and manufactured in Saitama, Japan. The term “RL” means “Refined Luxury.” The 1st generation Acura RL was similarly rebadged version of 3rd generation Honda Legend, and was originally launched into North American market in the year 1996 for replacing 2nd generation Acura Legend. The 2nd generation current Acura RL is rebadged version of 4th generation Honda Legend and was launched into North American market in 2004 as 2005 model. This iteration of RL gained extensive mid-generational redesign for 2009 model year. Some of the interior features include integrated Bluetooth handsfree technology for wireless phone use, XM Satellite Radio, wireless phone, voice recognition technology with more than 560 voice commands for controlling navigation system and displays, heating and ventilation controls and audio system. Heating and air conditioning systems were tied into a solar sensor and GPS positioning so that cabin temperature remained constant in a mixed sun and shade situation.

The luxury sedan arena is fiercely competitive, so much so that having potent engine, latest luxury gizmos and handsome interior with plethora of high end features might not be enough. The all new 2012 Acura RL has 300 horsepower V6 engine, abundance of features, standard four-wheel drive system, top notch build quality and classy cabin. In addition, the engine output is certainly adequate; most competitors provide option of V8 power the RL is unpredictably sporty with its sophisticated Super Handling All Wheel Drive System that flawlessly and automatically apportions power to individual wheels for enhancing both handling as well as traction. The 2012 RL struggles to get noticed amongst more tempting rivals, including Hyundai Genesis, a fully competitive in terms of luxury, more conventional and newer choices like BMW 5 Series, Audi A6, Mercedes Benz E-Class and Infiniti M37 are either sportier, more luxurious or even both. The TL is much the same size as RL and provides similar drivetrain and is over $8,000 cheaper.

Variants, Body Types and Features

The 2012 Acura RL is a midsize luxury sedan, which is offered in three different trim levels.

Standard features include automatic xenon headlights, 18 inch alloy wheels, keyless ignition and entry, sunroof, power tilt and telescoping steering column, power front heated 10-way seats with driver memory functions, two-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, auto dimming mirror, rearseat climate controls, manual rear side sunshades and power rear sunshade. Also standard are voice commands for audio and climate systems, 10-speaker Bose surround sound stereo system with satellite radio, six-CD changer, USB/iPod audio interface and auxiliary audio jack and Bluetooth audio and phone connectivity.

The RL with Technology package gets backup camera, adaptive headlights, heated and ventilated front seats, rear parking sensors, upgraded Bluetooth phone connectivity, wood grain steering wheel and shift knob, navigation system with real time weather, real time traffic, voice activation and Zagat restaurant ratings and solar sensing GPS linked climate control. The RL with Advance package gains CMBS (Collision Mitigation Braking System), power folding side mirror, real wood cabin accents and adaptive cruise control.

Performance and Powerplants

Motivation for the 2012 Acura RL comes from a 3.7 liter V6 engine, which is good for pulsating 300 horsepower with 271 pound feet of torque. The engine is mated to six-speed automatic transmission with manual paddle shifters and offers the fuel economy of 17 mpg city, 24 mpg highway and 20 mpg in combined driving. All RL models come standard with SH-AWD (Super Handling All Wheel Drive) system, which automatically apportions power to optimum wheels for superior handling and traction reacting to road situations for delivering better all weather automobile.

Safety & Reliability

The 2012 Acura RL comes with standard safety features, which include stability and traction control, antilock disc brakes, full length side curtain airbags, active front head restraints and front seat side airbags. The collision warning system can help minimize or prevent frontal accident by offering warnings to driver or actually applying emergency braking if collision seems unavoidable. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) gave RL the highest rating of Good for side collision and frontal offset protection. In brake testing, the RL came to a stop in 131 feet from 60 miles per hour.

Special Features and Cockpit Design

The 2012 Acura RL boasts one of the well designed and attractive looking interiors, which is comparable to other luxury sedans. All RL models come equipped with sumptuous, soft seats with perforated leather, which provide ideal combination of support and indulgence. The two-driver automatic memory system will expediently record preferences for steering wheel, side mirror and driver’s seat positions as well as audio presets and climate control. The RL offers spacious rear accommodations with generous knee clearance, shoulder room and legroom. To keep items secure and out of sight, its lined and carpeted trunk offers 13.1 cubic feet of storage space.

The Bluetooth 11 HandsFreeLink system works with numerous Bluetooth enabled smartphones to let you initiate and receive phone calls through RL stereo system without ever taking your hands off the wheel. The Keyless Access System enables you to walk up to RL, unlock doors, have car set your preferences, and start engine without ever having to take the key out of your pocket. The AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic feature helps you steer clear of gridlock by offering continuously updated traffic information in most significant metropolitan regions across 48 contiguous United States.

Driving Characteristics

With its remarkable combination of efficiency, refinement and power, the 2012 Acura RL offers one of the most sophisticated V6 engines in its segment. Electronic lift Control (VTEC) and Variable Valve Timing increases high rpm horsepower by opening intake valves deeper and longer when engine speed reaches a designated rpm. The Drive-by-Wire throttle system varies throttle sensitivity for providing appropriate feel and throttle response to different driving situations. The RL Sequential SportShift six-speed automatic transmission with shift paddles gives you the best of both worlds with intuitive, precise automatic shifting and shift-for-yourself control. The company developed its legendary Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system for enhancing high performance dry road handling. By continuously directing engine power to match available traction, weight distribution and other conditions, its SH-AWD offers flawless power transitions and supreme agility. Overall, the Acura RL is a satisfying luxury sedan with ample power and supple ride.

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