Neither is an engine option available with the 2019 Acura RLX nor is it required. The 3.5-liter V6 engine unit that sits under the hood, produces 310 hp and 272 lb-ft of torque, and it comes mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission sending power to the front wheels. This unit is good enough to take the RLX from zero-to-sixty in under 6 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 155 mph.
There’s no dual-clutch transmission option, but there are steering-mounted paddle shifters for manual shifts. The RLX P-AWS engine gets i-VTEC and VCM technology that helps with fuel efficiency and the availability of an all-wheel-steering system induces an element of stability to the drive.
Models
|
2019 Acura RLX
|
2019 Cadillac XTS
|
2019 Jaguar XF 25t
|
2019 Volvo S90 T5
|
MSRP
|
$54,900
|
$46,895
|
$49,965
|
$47,350
|
Engine
|
3.5-liter V6
|
3.6-liter V6
|
2.0-liter Turbo Inline-4
|
2.0-liter Turbo Inline-4
|
Drivetrain
|
FWD
|
FWD
|
RWD
|
FWD
|
Transmission
|
10-speed automatic w/Manual mode
|
6-speed automatic w/Manual mode
|
8-speed automatic w/Manual mode
|
8-speed automatic w/Manual mode
|
Power
|
310 hp @ 6500 rpm
|
304 hp @ 6800 rpm
|
247 hp@ 5500 rpm
|
250 hp @ 5500 rpm
|
Torque
|
272lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
|
264lb-ft @ 5300 rpm
|
269lb-ft@ 1200 rpm
|
258lb-ft @ 1500 rpm
|
0-60 MPH (seconds)
|
5.8
|
6.7
|
5.7
|
6.7
|
Quarter-Mile (seconds)
|
14.3
|
15.2
|
13.5
|
15.3
|
Top-Speed (MPH)
|
155
|
130
|
121
|
130
|
Both the Cadillac XTS and Acura RLX have power figures above 300 hp thanks to their V6 engines. But despite being configured with an inline-4 engine and producing the lowest power output of 304hp, the Jaguar XF ends up with quicker 0-60 mph timings at 5.7 seconds. This is due to the turbo boost it receives at the lower rev band. The Jaguar is also the only mid-size luxury sedan with an RWD configuration in the competition.
Despite housing a V6 engine, the Cadillac XTS is one of the slowest vehicles in the segment and can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds and can complete a quarter-mile run in just above 15 seconds, similar to what the 2019 Volvo S90 manages.
How well does the 2019 Acura RLX handle?
The 2019 Acura RLX P-AWS uses this technology called the Precision All-Wheel Steer System. This standard fitment on its Front-Wheel Drive model provides independent toe angle control of the RLX’s rear wheels. It is supposed to perpetuate better agility, and improved stability, during faster steering with better responsiveness.
However, despite the technology, the ride quality is nowhere as sophisticated as a BMW 5 Series or a Mercedes-Benz E-class, which are its direct rivals. Steering feedback is light and accurate, and the RLX feels at home when driven in the city. It’s out on the highway, where the inconsistency is visibly felt. The Acura doesn’t have the cornering ability and grip offered as much in some rivals. The comfort of the seats is the only saving factor, in an unsettling ride.
Braking Performance
With a curb weight of almost 4000 lbs, the 2019 RLX takes 126 ft to come to a standstill from a cruising speed of 60 mph. Its brakes at 12.3 and 12.2 inches at the front and rear are not the biggest in the competition, however, advanced braking features like ABS, Brake Assist, EBD, and automatic brake hold, are available for added assistance.
Models
|
2019 Acura RLX
|
2019 Cadillac XTS
|
2019 Jaguar XF 25t
|
2019 Volvo S90 T5
|
Brake Rotors: Front (inches)
|
12.3
|
13.6
|
12.8
|
13.6
|
Brake Rotors: Rear (inches)
|
12.2
|
12.4
|
12.8
|
12.6
|
Curb Weight (lbs)
|
3977
|
4021
|
3590
|
3870
|
60-0MPH (feet)
|
126
|
121
|
NA
|
112
|
Both the Cadillac XTS and Volvo S90 have bigger brakes and are the largest at the front measuring 13.6 inches. This is followed by the Jaguar XF which has proportionate brakes and is lighter than the RLX too. The 2019 Volvo S90 stops the quickest from 60-0MPH thanks to its larger brake rotors and lightweight nature and covers 112 ft when decelerating, while the Cadillac is marginally slower taking 121ft.