By: Krish Persaud
April 30, 2023
Acura offers a variety of performance-oriented models to suit different driving preferences and styles. The athletic, high performance Acura MDX Type S with a 355 horsepower turbocharged V6 follows the sporty compact crossover, RDX A-Spec with a bold design and engaging driving experience. The recently reintroduced Integra A-Spec is a stylish compact sedan with improved handling and the upcoming Integra Type S promises a high-performance and luxury option similar to the Honda Civic Type R. The Acura TLX Type S is a powerful sports sedan with responsive handling and a turbocharged V6 engine.
The 2023 Acura TLX Type S is a performance-oriented variant of the TLX sedan, featuring a sleek design, quad exhaust tips, and Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. Our review focuses on this Platinum White Pearl high-performance sedan, which was provided to us for a weeklong evaluation by Honda Canada. With its turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine and 10-speed automatic transmission, the TLX Type S delivers an exciting driving experience. The interior boasts high-quality materials, supportive front seats, and advanced technology features such as a 10.2-inch infotainment screen and a 17-speaker ELS Studio 3D sound system.
The Acura TLX Type S features a formidable 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine that delivers an impressive 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the most powerful sports sedans on the market. The engine is paired with a responsive 10-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth and efficient shifting, and quick acceleration from virtually any point in the rev range. The TLX Type S’s powertrain rivals that of the BMW M340i and Audi S4, offering comparable performance and handling. With its advanced engine and transmission, the TLX Type S is a top contender in the competitive sports sedan segment.
From a suspension standpoint, the Type S boasts a double-wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension, both of which have been optimized for sporty handling and precise steering. Additionally, Acura’s Adaptive Damper System is featured in the Type S, allowing drivers to choose from different suspension modes to customize their driving experience. This system utilizes sensors to adjust the dampers in real-time, optimizing suspension performance based on driving conditions and style.
In the braking department, the TLX Type S is equipped with a high-performance braking system featuring Brembo front brake calipers and rotors. The front calipers are four-piston units with high-friction brake pads that provide excellent stopping power and consistent performance, even under hard driving conditions. The two-piece front rotors are cross-drilled and ventilated to improve cooling and reduce fade, while the rear rotors are solid. The braking system is also designed to provide a great pedal feel, with a firm and responsive brake pedal that inspires confidence and control.
Inside, the Acura TLX is equipped with a 10.2-inch infotainment display featuring the Acura True Touchpad Interface. The interface is intuitive, allowing for easy navigation and control of various vehicle features. Connecting your device to the USB port enables easy access to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The ELS Studio 3D audio system in the TLX Type S is particularly impressive in its ability to accurately reproduce all frequencies, providing a well-rounded and immersive listening experience for all passengers.
The interior is the epitome of luxury, with premium materials and a sleek, modern design. The comfortable and supportive seats feature top-tier leather upholstery. The front seats offer ample legroom and headroom, and the rear seats comfortably accommodate two adults. With 382 litres of cargo space, the TLX Type S boasts a spacious trunk, making it the perfect vehicle for road trips that exude class and sophistication at every turn.
The TLX is available with the A-Spec and Platinum Elite or Type S packages, which provide advanced features for an elevated driving experience. The 2023 Acura TLX Type S is a top-of-the-line sports sedan that delivers exceptional performance and luxurious features. Starting at $61,500, the TLX Type S offers excellent value for those seeking a stylish and reliable vehicle. With an as-tested price of $62,000, including the Platinum White Pearl finish, the TLX Type S is an excellent choice for anyone in search of a high-performance sports sedan.
Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) rates the 2023 Acura TLX Type S at 12.3 L/100 km in the city, 9.4 on the highway, and 11.0 in combined driving. During our week-long evaluation, we achieved a combined fuel rating of 10.8 L/100km, which is not very impressive. Our driving was a healthy mix of spirited and tamed driving.
The TLX Type S competes with other high-performance sports sedans such as the BMW M340i, Audi S4, and Genesis G70. While each of these vehicles offers its own unique strengths and features, the TLX Type S stands out with its impressive engine and transmission, sporty handling, luxurious interior, and advanced technology features. Overall, if you’re in the market for a high-performance sports sedan, the TLX Type S is definitely worth considering over its competition.
