Featuring bold looks, a powerful V-6 engine and Acura’s acclaimed Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD™) system, the 2012 RL demonstrates that refined luxury is complemented perfectly by advanced technology and performance adrenaline. In addition to delivering luxury, style and performance, Acura’s top-of-the-line sedan keeps drivers more connected to their world, and the world around them, by featuring the latest in intuitive, easy-to-use, state-of-the-art technology.
“If a customer is looking for the perfect blend of luxury, performance and safety, then look no further than the 2012 Acura RL”, said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales. “It would be hard to find a production car at any price that offers more advanced technology or drive system sophistication.”
The 2012 RL is available in three variations: RL, RL with Technology Package and RL with Technology Package Plus CMBS™. All RL’s feature as standard a potent 3.7-liter VTEC® V-6 engine, Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™, leather trimmed interior, power front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control system, power moonroof, power windows, leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, Multi-Information Display (MID) that allows access to multiple electronic functions, Acura/Bose® Surround Sound audio system and Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® connectivity.
The 2012 Acura RL's interior is beautifully crafted and attractively designed. A swath of convincing or real (depending on trim level) wood trim flows into a neat waterfall center stack that integrates the car's sizable number of electronic functions. The standard 10-speaker Bose surround-sound system is so superb that you'd swear Gladys Knight was riding shotgun, with the Pips crammed in back. Unfortunately, they'd find just as much space in the less expensive Acura TL – which has a pretty good stereo, too.
Even without the optional Technology package, major functions like audio and climate systems can be controlled by voice commands, buttons on the steering wheel and dash or a multipurpose control knob and LCD screen. These redundant controls may seem confusing in description, but they let the driver choose how to access commonly used functions. The trunk measures 13.1 cubic feet in capacity, a somewhat smallish figure for this class.
Since the 2009 model year, Acura’s product line has been distinguished by a chrome, pointed grille. Most of the auto press dislikes the look, comparing it to a beak, guillotine or a can opener. While some reviewers don’t mind the drastic look of the 2012 RL, most agree that overall the car looks a bit dated compared to top rivals in the class of luxury large cars.
The 2010 Acura RL's 3.7-liter V-6 engine, 300-horsepower output, and 271 pound-feet of torque put it right on par with the competition on paper. Peaky power delivery, with max power coming above 5,000 rpm, gives the car a high-strung feel, though off-the-line performance is still brisk. The five-speed paddle-shifted automatic is responsive, but lacks a sixth gear found in many competing cars. Overall performance is less than impressive, however, due to the car's 4,000-pound weight, computer-controlled all-wheel drive, and electronic throttle tuning. Imprecise in response to inputs and ponderous in quick driving, the RL doesn't have the zest for speed you'd expect from a luxury sport sedan. Ride quality, however, is smooth and refined, and fuel economy is on par for the class at 16 mpg city and 22 mpg highway.
SAFETY
Standard safety features include antilock disc brakes with brake assist, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, active front head restraints and a stability control system. The optional CMBS can help prevent or minimize a frontal accident by providing warnings to the driver or actually applying emergency braking if a collision seems unavoidable.
source:zulva.com,rankingsandreviews.com,thecarconnection.com,edmunds.com
