It may have been some preliminary luck of the Irish, but our content team had the pleasure to participate in a sporty, yet luxurious, set of test drives at Leith Acura in Cary a week ago. A clear blue sky and warm sunshine certainly paralleled the feeling of driving these high-end models would come to evoke. If you have not taken the time to experience driving an Acura, we strongly urge that you prioritize it in any search for a new car. It easily rivals any in its class.
When we first arrived at the dealership, we noted the ample inventory of models that range the gamut from small sedan to full-size SUV. The inside of the dealership is unostentatious, for it is adorned with only a few banners touting vehicle specifications and displays two of its current best-selling models. The fact of the matter is that these cars sell themselves, so there is no need for design extravagance. People come here for the cars, which comes as no surprise to us.
It was quite fortuitous for us that Tom King, a brand ambassador for Leith Acura, would act as our docent – a guide to demonstrate and explain all of the benefits of this particular make. His breadth of knowledge impressed us, and his delivery of content was so rich and well spoken that we knew we had the right man to facilitate our test drive. In his eleventh year at Leith Acura in Cary, one could tell that Tom didn’t just sell the brand. He believed in it.
With no time to waste, we were ushered into a chic 2014 Acura RLX for the first part of the test drive. He would allow us the ability to take notes while he explained the various features, options, and perks offered by the Japanese automaker. Don’t worry: we’ll describe the stunning exterior in just a bit. We’re just trying to write this in the same manner we experienced it.
Options and Features
This particular 2014 Acura RLX was equipped with the Advanced Package, which includes the highest level of options and features. If you want a superior sedan, this is the model and package you seek. One of the most impressive features of this RLX is the sound system. Acura has an exclusive partnership with Krell Audio Systems to manufacture the brand’s excellent audio networking.
We asked Tom to describe what distinguishes the Acura brand from other luxury automaker. He said that one of the keystones for the company “is extensive safety content.”
Here is a litany that breaks down some of the safety content offered by the brand:
- Adaptive Cruise Control – the car recognizes the speed, or even if a vehicle is stopped, and adjusts automatically adjusts the cruising speed to help avoid collision;
- Collision Mitigation Braking – a sibling of the cruise control, this applies brake pressure to help mitigate the damage of a collision as you are still ultimately responsible to stop the car;
- Forward Collision Warning System – a camera located at the front of the car identifies when you are approaching a vehicle at too quick of a speed, making a collision almost imminent;
- Lane Departure Warning System – the vehicle alerts you as you drift out of a lane without signaling, which you can also enhance to include Lane Keeping Assist that will autonomously move you back into the lane;
- Blind Spot Indicator – a warning light located on the bezel will illuminate when cars are in the blind spot, and should you place on your turn signal, it will flash and the car will give an audible warning;
- Precision All-Wheel Steer – the vehicle will turn the rear wheels opposite of the front wheels for maneuvering, and it will turn the rear wheels in the same direction as the front wheels avoid collision.
Drivers also enjoy all of the creature comforts of traditional luxury, such as seats that heat and cool, a back-up camera, audio options, and connectivity. Interestingly, Acura also boasts in-car technology that has a less steep learning curve, allowing people to acclimate to it and feel more comfortable in less time. We must note, all of the tech and controls are well-marked and intuitive.
The Interior
Upon first entering the car, its elegant interior was visually striking. We ogled over the two-toned black and cream interior with wood accents that gave it a truly regal appearance. In the midst of all this were two screens: one installed over top of the other. The top screen was devoted to navigation, which was uncannily visually crisp. The other hosted all of the audio and tech features displayed through a colorful LCD screen.
Below the screens rests a well-designed instrument cluster with large buttons and a dial knob for very primary functions. Referring back to the second LCD display, it also served to provide secondary and tertiary functions; in other words, the buttons allowed you to make general selections while the screen delved deeper into the car’s tech package.
Actual stitching throughout the leather interior illustrates the depth of care the engineers and designers employed to make a luxurious and valuable investment. Plush leather seats perfectly nestle you in for either an extended drive or just a sporty, adventurous trip, such as to the beach or park. We felt completely comfortable while seated in the 2014 Acura RLX, and it seemed unlikely that any of us would engage in the customary ritual of squirming and adjusting to once again find comfort – this car is opulence manifested.
A slim steering wheel adorned with the Acura calipers, well-lit odometer clusters, and a convenient gear shift were designed well and had an element of class to them.
The RLX is also ergonomically superior compared to its competitors. Everything, from the steering wheel to the arm rests, was placed almost as if they were designed for us. With a multi-way adjustable seat, there’s no way a driver couldn’t find the sweet spot.
Its cabin space is more than ample, and it is designed for best-in-class comfort for those seated in the rear of the car.
The Exterior
Nobody can deny the gorgeous curves and lines of the 2014 Acura RLX. Despite its slender and aerodynamic appearance, this car still has aggressive characteristics, such as the muscular fascia, wing-angled grille prominently displaying the calipers, and the angled jewel-eyed headlights. Subtle low-body lines crest upward along the car and hit their peak just behind the rear wheel well, optimizing aerodynamics. The tail end rivals the aggression of the front with sharply angled brake lights and a trunk lid that arches upward, almost resembling a spoiler.
An almost imperceptible line begins at the base of the hood, curves around the jewel-eyes, and beautifully swoops over the front rear wheel well and along the side of the car just beneath the handles.
From every angle, this car has the shapeliness and curvature that make it visually irresistible.
The Test Drive
Getting behind the wheel of the 2014 Acura RLX is a treat. From the moment you grip the steering wheel, there’s a certain aura that captivates you. It might be the gorgeous interior or the exceptional space and comfort or its responsiveness, but the RLX elicits excitement.
Driving this car, you get to enjoy a very reactive experience, especially when it is set in Sport Mode. While this mode is engaged, the accelerator becomes a bit more sensitive and the wheel tightens to increase is feedback, so you know exactly what the wheels are doing. In either mode, this car exerts smooth, powerful, and manageable acceleration that inspires confidence in its ability to perform. When you add reactive turning that creates an enjoyable and easy ride, it becomes evident that this model can satisfy both luxury and sporty, adventurous drivers.
The aforementioned ample cabin space is rather quiet due to Acura’s design that mitigates wheel, engine, and wind noise. You, however, may also adjust this by engaging Sport Mode to allow greater feedback that alters the experience of the drive. Do not mistake that for a disruptive drive, as everyone in the cabin can participate in conversation and relish a still relatively quiet ride.
Not only does this car have great acceleration, which we somewhat exploited while entering the highway, it also has seamless shifting and silky deceleration. There is not one facet to this car that doesn’t illustrate the meticulous care placed into precise engineering.
One of the most striking features is the 2014 Acura RLX’s back-up camera. It maintains three views through which you can toggle: a standard view, a wide view for blind spots, and a straight-down angle. The purpose for the straight-down angle is to show clearance behind the vehicle, such as needed when parking in a garage to ensure that the car has cleared the garage door. This, other technology, and the open design makes us feel as though our safety is assured.
When we returned to the dealership, it was disappointing to place it in park and step out of the RLX. This vehicle made an indelible mark on us with regard to luxury vehicles, and it certainly should become a priority for all car consumers seeking reliability, luxury, and performance. We vehemently encourage you to visit Leith Acura in Cary to speak with one of the great brand ambassadors, like Tom King, to determine which model best suits your needs.