Acura RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Part 2)

Engine-camshaft-profile changes net one extra pound-foot in the V-6 over the regular RLX for a total of 273. Together the four power sources yield a maximum 377 horsepower and 377 pound-feet of torque, making the RLX hybrid the most powerful Acura ever. It also allows the 4350-pound RLX hybrid to excel on the EPA’s city cycle, returning 28 mpg, an improvement of 40 percent over the front-drive RLX. The EPA estimates 32 mpg highway for the hybrid, a 1-mpg boost.

The cabin is limousine comfortable and quiet, thanks to sound-insulating glass and special noise-attenuating wheels

We don’t imagine too many customers will exploit the RLX hybrid’s full capabilities, “Sport” badging or not, as it floats over bumps as if it’s suspended in gelatin. The cabin is limousine comfortable and quiet, thanks to sound-insulating glass and special noise-attenuating wheels, though the howl of the 19-inch all-season tires overstepping their adhesion limit tires overstepping their adhesion limit can’t be muffled when the body is leaned over mid-corner. With accurate and nicely weighted steering, this RLX hustles down a winding road with competence if not inspiration. Touchy brakes deliver a head-tossing jerk to occupants at the slightest tap and require an acclimation period.

In normal driving, the engine starts in second gear because the TMU always gets the car moving. A “sport” button shortens the throttle and authorizes the transmission to shift into first with a tap of the downshift paddle. So programmed, the RLX hybrid should hit 60 in 5.3 seconds.

Touchy brakes deliver a head-tossing jerk to occupants at the slightest tap and require an acclimation period.

Acura says the hybrid transformation adds 357 pounds. The extra mass isn’t detectable from behind the wheel, due in part to the extra power and because 198 pounds – 132 of which are attributable to the TMU and 66 to the lithium-ion battery – are piled atop the rear axle, shifting the fore-aft weight balance from 61/39 per-cent to 57/43.

Expect the base hybrid, which includes the regular RLX’s optional Tech package plus LED fog lights, a head-up display, and a push-button shifter, to retail for about $60,000 – a $5000 premium for the hybrid technology. This is new territory for Acura. While the RLX Sport hybrid checks all the boxes in terms of features and technology, its formal but anonymous styling may not draw the attention Acura is seeking.

This is new territory for Acura

Our suggestion: Make sure potential buyers have seen the light. Tell ’em this car shares a potent piece of hardware with the upcoming NSX.