Acura TL SH-AWD: Quick Test

The 2009 TL represents Acura's boldest attempt yet to establish its "Keen Edge Dynamic" design language.

In my opinion, the TL is just not a good-looking car, but Acura should be commended for trying something bold and different - and for building such an impressively capable car despite its contentious appearance.

The fourth generation of Acura's much-loved premium sport sedan, the new TL is based on the current "XL-sized" Honda Accord. Fully loaded up in SH-AWD trim, the TL is the rolling embodiment of the Japanese company's single word tag line - "Advance" - jam-packed with bleeding-edge technology in both cockpit and drivetrain.

Inside, the cabin is busy with buttons, curves and textures. When equipped with the optional Technology Package, it's also a tech-geek's dream come true, with everything from serious hi-fi and Bluetooth compatibility to advanced technologies like satellite-linked navigation system, doppler radar maps, real-time three-day weather forecasts and much, much... seriously!... much more.

Previous generations of Acura's TL sport sedan were much loved for their combination of good power, good (if conservative) looks and good value. But "great" seemed to elude the TL, mainly due to its front-wheel-drive underpinnings.

Enter the 2009 edition with available "SH AWD."

Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive transforms the Acura TL from "very good sports sedan" into quite possibly the best sports sedan in its class in terms of handling.

Its torque-vectoring differential distributes power on the fly front-to-rear and side-to-side, and results in a TL that sometimes feels as if it's doing what it wants to do rather than what you've asked it to do. In reality, SH-AWD is simply giving you what you really wanted more efficiently and safely. And while you could argue this makes the handling less "pure" dynamically, it is nonetheless extremely effective, providing tons of grip with minimal understeer.

Under the hood, SH-AWD models get Acura's most powerful production engine ever - a 305 hp 3.7-liter V6. Even so, the SH-AWD-equipped version groans under a curb weight just shy of two tons, but it is only in stoplight-to-stoplight acceleration that this tonnage becomes evident, as the SH-AWD endows the TL with moves that belie its weight.

In both complexity and performance, the SH-AWD system transforms the 2009 Acura TL from good to great and, in the process, dominates the car's personality.

From the thump of the door as you pull it shut to the action of the push-starter button, to the howling of the VTEC-optimized intake and exhaust note when you bury the throttle, everything about the sub-$40k TL SH-AWD experience speaks to Acura's "precision and technology" corporate theme.

If only I spoke the Keen Edge Dynamic design language....

Watch the video
Read Part 1: Design
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