Acura TL SH-AWD Part 1: Design Review

The 2009 Acura TL represents the boldest attempt yet by the premium manufacturer to establish its "Keen Edge Dynamic" design language. While the entire Acura lineup now features the corporate "Power Plenum" grille - as Acura refers to it - the TL is only the second model, after the TSX, to be designed from the start with the company's new design theme in mind. Where the TSX introduced Keen Edge Dynamic slightly cautiously, the TL pulls no punches. Think of it as Keen Edge Dynamic in concentrated form.

To say that reactions to the styling of the new TL have been relatively negative would be an understatement. Off the record, even senior personnel within the company have found it... challenging. On the sales floor, some dealers have taken matters into their own hands by painting the surround of the TL's prominent grille in body color in an attempt to soften its visual impact. Clearly, the aesthetics of Acura's new TL raise some questions.

In my opinion, the TL is just not a good looking car. Design is, of course, a highly subjective matter. What I don't like, you may love. At least we should commend Acura for trying something bold and different. After all, it didn't exactly hurt BMW's sales when they went and rewrote their design playbook.

So what's the controversy all about? Mostly, it's about that industrial strength grille, but there are other issues as well. As is the trend with most new cars, the TL has grown wider, taller and longer. That alone isn't a bad thing, but there are some new dimensional drawbacks. While the overall length is up some six inches, the wheelbase increase is more modest at just under an inch and a half. The resulting longer overhangs don't exactly help the car's proportions.

Another perplexing aspect of the TL's design are the front fender's forms, where we see a soft flare awkwardly intersecting with a full-length crease and a somewhat facetted surface below. You can be sure that a lot of time was spent on this area while the design was still in clay on the studio floor, but somehow a happy solution seems to have eluded the design team.

While some have suggested similarities to Cadillac's Art & Science design language, to my eye, the TL seems to borrow from other GM efforts. Specifically, from the rear the TL looks busy, recalling a 1990s Pontiac show car with way too much detailing. As if the numerous badges on the trunk weren't enough, there's also a brushed aluminum strip at the bottom of the trunk that mimics the grille at the front, and perhaps the weakest element of all, the over-styled quad exhaust outlets.

Completing our tour back at the front of the car we can probably agree that the face of the newest TL is definitely aggressive, with its scowling, bird-of-prey headlights book-ending that controversial corporate grille. The simple surfacing below the thin lamps accentuates the thick front end, while the low-set graphic housing secondary intakes and lighting help to plant the car visually.

Luckily for Acura, there's truth in the statement that looks aren't everything, because despite its contentious appearance, the TL is an impressively capable car that is sure to find many buyers in spite of, or perhaps due to its styling. After all, the proverbial "they" would surely remind us that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Watch the video
Read Part 2: Interior & User Experience
Read Part 3: Performance

Acura TL SH-AWD

Performance
- Acceleration: Slightly behind the competition due to its weight - Type-S should cure that pronto
- Handling: Aptly named Super Handling AWD system gives the TL serious sport sedan moves - among the very best in class
- Braking: Another benefit of AWD is stability under braking - good pedal feel as well

Design
- Exterior: If it was any uglier, Acura wouldn't claim it as its own - let's hope that Keen Edge Dynamic has taken its last breath... please!
- Interior: As good looking as the exterior isn't, and although a bit busy, very much class appropriate - materials and craftsmanship are first rate

Utility
- Comfort: A slightly harsh ride is the only negative mark on the TL's occupant comfort scorecard
- Space: Based on the BIG Honda Accord, there's more space inside the newest TL than ever

Safety
- Dynamics: Endowed with all the dynamics of an ultra-sophisticated all-wheel drive system - good steering as well
- Technology: Honda/Acura don't mess around on this front, with the TL packing all of Honda's considerable safety know-how

Value
- Price: It's a lot of money - right in line with the category leaders - but it's also a lot of car with TONS of technology
- Mileage: Mechanical drag and the weight of the all-wheel drive system conspire to hurt the TL's mileage numbers

Emotional Appeal
- Heart thumpin' factor: If you can manage to get in without looking at it, you'll be stoked! Otherwise...
- Fun to spank: If you're brave enough to defeat the stability control system, it can be a lot of fun

SPECIFICATIONS

Layout: Front engine / All-wheel drive
Engine: 3.7 liter, V6
Power (SAE): 305 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque: 273 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
Gearbox: 5-speed automatic
Curb Weight: 3950 lbs.
0-60 mph: 6.1 sec.
1/4 mile: 14.8 @ 97 mph
Top Speed: 130 mph (electronically limited)
Mileage: 17 city / 25 highway
Base Price: $38,505
Competitors: Infiniti G37x AWD, Audi A4 3.2 Quattro, BMW 335i xDrive