Totally redesigned for 2005 with added power, features and amenities, the RL is Acura's largest sedan and receives minor changes for 2007.
A dealer-installed A-Spec performance package is new for 2007. It includes a sport-tuned suspension that lowers the car by nearly three-quarters of an inch, along with 18-inch alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport tires, a rear spoiler and other aggressive-looking exterior trim.
The current-generation RL is sportier and more stylish than the model it replaces. But being that it only comes with all-wheel drive and a V6 engine, it struggles to match the performance and handling of competing rear-wheel-drive luxury sport sedans, such as the Audi A6, BMW 550i and Infiniti M45, all of which have potent V8 engines.
That said, the RL's 290-hp 3.5-liter V6 packs plenty of punch and is one of the most sophisticated, efficient and smooth six cylinders available. However, with only 256 pound-feet of torque, this V6 can feel slower than competing sedans with torquey V8 engines when accelerating from a standstill and when overtaking vehicles on the highway.
A five-speed SportShift automatic transmission offers manual gear selection via a console-mounted shifter or steering-wheel-mounted paddles.
Rather than the rear-drive configuration favored by most luxury brands (enthusiasts feel rear drive offers better handling), the RL comes only with all-wheel drive. To its credit, this AWD system is highly sophisticated and can split power not only between front and rear wheels, as is typical, but from side to side, as well. A four-wheel independent suspension with Acura’s superb double-wishbone configuration up front and a multilink array at the rear further helps the car deliver lively handling and a relatively smooth ride.
The RL is loaded with innovative gadgets in addition to the expected upscale features (such as myriad chassis-control and safety systems, keyless access/starting and adaptive headlamps). It’s the first vehicle to offer real-time traffic reporting through its standard, voice-activated navigation system for major U.S. cities. Using XM satellite radio’s NavTraffic service, which carries a monthly fee, the system can warn drivers of road delays and suggest alternate routes.
There are a number of standard safety features geared toward children, most notably an "anti-pinch" feature for all of the windows and the sunroof (they automatically reverse direction when obstructed while being closed) and retractable rear sunshades — the likes of which can be found on most midsize and larger luxury sedans.
A new Technology Package ($3,800) includes a Collision Mitigation Braking System that automatically alerts the driver, tightens up the seatbelts and applies the brakes if it detects an imminent crash. The package also comes with run-flat tires and a laser-guided, adaptive cruise-control system that maintains a set speed and distance from traffic ahead.
The leather- and wood-trimmed interior exudes the high levels of quality we've come to expect from Acura, but it’s more cramped than would be expected for a sedan of this size.
Consumer Reports says the RL is more reliable than average. The RL receives five out of five stars on all of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's crash tests.
The Environmental Protection Agency estimates fuel economy to be 18 mpg city/26 mpg highway.
The RL replaced the Acura Legend which, along with the former Integra (now the RSX), was one of the original Acura models that Honda used to launch its luxury brand in the U.S. in 1986.
Engine Type: 24-Valve SOHC VTEC V-6 Engine
Drive Train: Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD™)
Compression Ratio: 11.0:1
Horse Power: 290 @ 6200 rpm
Torque: 256 lbs-ft @ 5000 rpm
Redline: 6800 rpm
Fuel Injection: PGM-FI multi-point injection
Ignition: Electronic Direct
Emissions: ULEV-2
