Acura RLX facelift 2017 3.5 V6 (377 Hp) Hybrid SH-AWD DCT


Overall Rating

8.3 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 4.5 / 5
Value 3.5 / 5
Performance 4.0 / 5
Comfort 4.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Acura RLX:

The Acura RLX is a mid-size luxury car manufactured by Honda and produced under their Acura division since March 2013 for the 2014 model year, replacing the RL. The RLX was discontinued in 2020 after the 2020 model year.
An October 2009, Car and Driver blog cited a dinner with Acura executives who acknowledged that the introduction of the new, larger, and in some guises, more powerful, fourth generation Acura TL made it difficult to market the then-current RL. In November 2009, an Autoweek article reported that new Honda CEO Takanobu Ito told Automotive News that Acura is going to change course. Speaking of the worldwide economy before the collapse of investment bank Lehman Brothers, Ito said through an interpreter, "Pre-Lehman, we did have the idea to produce more multicylinder engines. I see the future of Acura as a merger of BMW and Audi -- something between high performance and high technology. " As a result of this midstream change, Acura will be in a "low-growth period of developing new products," Ito said. "We were thinking that we could come up with glamorous, gorgeous products that would sell. Now, our premium products will be expressed in advanced environmental technologies, rather than glamorous things attached to the product," he said....(Read more on Wikipedia)

facelift 2017 Overview:

Acura RLX (facelift 2017). With 370 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~11.9 l/100km). With a weight of 1987 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

3.5 V6 (377 Hp) Hybrid SH-AWD DCT Verdict:

Rating 5 stars

Performance Verdict

Combines robust V6 power with electric assist and the sophisticated SH-AWD system for impressive acceleration and dynamic handling, making it surprisingly agile and engaging for its size.

Fuel Economy

Offers competitive fuel economy for a large, powerful luxury sedan with all-wheel drive, benefiting from its advanced hybrid powertrain, though it's not class-leading.

Best Use Case: Spirited driving, long-distance highway cruising, and varied weather conditions where SH-AWD provides superior grip and stability.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Advanced Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system on hybrid models
  • • Refined, quiet, and comfortable interior with high-quality materials
  • • Strong reputation for reliability and durability
  • • Generous standard features and safety technology
  • • Smooth and capable V6 engines

Cons:

  • • Styling can be perceived as conservative compared to rivals
  • • Lacks the brand prestige of some European luxury competitors
  • • Dual-screen infotainment system can be complex or distracting for some users
  • • Limited engine options compared to segment leaders
  • • Resale value may not match that of German luxury sedans

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(RLX: 2013 - 2017).

General:
Brand:Acura
Model:RLX
Generation:facelift 2017
Modification (Engine):3.5 V6 (377 Hp) Hybrid SH-AWD DCT
Start of production:2017
End of production:2020
Powertrain Architecture:FHEV (Full Hybrid Electric Vehicle)
Body type:Sedan
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:310 Hp @ 6500 rpm.
Power per litre:88.6 Hp/l
Torque:370 Nm @ 4500 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:J35Y4 [Same engine] More details about the engine J35Y4
Engine displacement:3500
Number of cylinders:6
Engine configuration:V-engine
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Valvetrain:SOHC, i-VTEC
Engine oil capacity:4.3 l
Coolant:7.9 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Compression ratio:11.5:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:11.9 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:12.3 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:11.9 l/100 km
Weight-to-power ratio:5.3 kg/Hp, 189.7 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:4.3 kg/Nm, 232.5 Nm/tonne
Space:
Kerb Weight:1987
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:405 l
Fuel tank capacity:57 l
Size:
Length:5023 mm mm [41mm more]
Width:1890 mm mm [Same width.]
Height:1465 mm mm [Same height.]
Wheelbase:2850 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1632 mm
Rear (Back) track:1630 mm
Ride height (ground clearance):115 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):12.34 m [above average]
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric motor drive the front wheels of the car with the ability to work in full electric or mixed mode. Two electric motors drive the rear wheels.
Drive wheelAll wheel drive (4x4)
Number of gears7
Transmission typeAutomatic
Gearbox typeDCT
Front brakesVentilated discs, 330.2 mm [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDisc, 309.88 mm [above average]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringElectric Steering
Tires size245/40 R19
Wheel rims size8.0J x 19
Front suspensionDouble wishbone
Rear suspensionIndependent multi-link suspension
Electric:
Battery technology:Lithium-ion (Li-Ion)
System power:377 Hp
System torque:462 Nm
Electric motor power:47 Hp @ 3000 rpm.
Electric motor Torque:147 Nm @ 500-2000 rpm.
Electric motor location:Integrated into the transmission

Driven it? Loved it? Hated it? Share your honest review!