2011 Acura RL

This year, Acura’s RL sedan offers a new and advanced six speed automatic transmission partnered with a manual shift paddles as a replacement to its previous five-speed unit. It is propelled by a 3.7 liter V6 engine under the hood with 300 horsepower and 271 pound feet of torque to give it enough power out of the box. The consumers can also upgrade the V6 engine to a V8. With the figures:17 mpg city/24 mpg highway and 20 mpg combined, the 2011 Acura RL promises to provide better mileage, fuel efficiency and improved acceleration. Like the other Acura units, the Acura RL is also equipped with Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive system (SH-AWD) that helps control handling balance and wheel spin on poor traction surfaces.

Exterior

This luxury Acura sedan comes in three trim levels. On the outside, it displays its 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic xenon headlights, keyless ignition/entry and a sunroof, which is unusual in its counterparts. Sitting inside the well appointed interior of Acura RL will surely make anyone’s daily travel more pleasant as it offers comfort and enough room for four average-sized adults. It also provides plush leather seats with firm cushions and moderate bolstering and tasteful design that are evident all throughout the interior.

Interior

Complementing the Acura RL’s sophisticated demeanor are hi-tech entertainment features such as the upgraded Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, 10-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system that includes a six-CD changer, a USB / iPod audio interface, voice commands for audio, an auxiliary audio jack and a satellite radio.

Adding to its elegant appeal are the GPS-linked solar-sensing and dual zone automatic climate control, a navigation system with real-time traffic and real time weather, a back up camera, rear parking sensors, power folding side mirrors, a power rear sunshade and manual rear side sunshades, auto-dimming mirror, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, and heated & ventilated front seats with good adjustability. The inside is also classier with a wood trim-which can be simulated or authentic and a dashboard filled with easy to operate buttons used for activating basic commands such as the navigation system.

Safety

For maximum protection, safety features are integrated in 2011 Acura RL. These include antilock brakes with brake assist, airbags which are classified into two-the front-seat side airbags and the full-length side curtain airbags, functional front head restraints and stability-control system. Additional feature is Collision Mitigation Braking System or CMBS which can help prevent or minimize frontal accident by alarming the driver with warnings like using emergency braking for the possible unavoidable collision.

The Acura RL was able to pass the government’s 2011 crash-testing and even gained a high rating for frontal-impact and side-impact safety. Moreover, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the Acura RL with the highest rating in its frontal-offset and side-collision tests.

Reliability

Known for its stellar reliability, the 2011 RL was given an exemplary rating. This also comes with a Maintenance Minder system which is designed to monitor the vehicle performance and then alert the owner for the necessary vehicle service. Included in the package are four-year/50,000 – mile limited warranty and six-year/70,000-mile power train warranty.

The Competition

However, compared to 2011 RL, the Hyundai Genesis (MSRP $33,000; 18 city / 27 hwy) is cheaper but boasts more luxurious features. Other vehicle enthusiasts who prefer a sportier or more prestigious look choose the Audi A6 (MSRP $41,700; 25 city / 33 hwy), BMW 5 Series (MSRP $45,050; 22 city / 32 hwy), Infiniti M37 (MSRP $47,050; 18 city / 26 hwy) and Mercedes E-Class (MSRP $50,490; 18 city / 25 hwy).

Pros & Cons

The disadvantages of 2011 Acura RL are its unflattering front grille design, limited cargo capacity and its second-worst rating in roof strength tests. On the other hand, the pros include better handling abilities, improved Traction system, powerful engine capacity, and the remarkable interior materials that offer a fun and comfortable journey experience.

Overall Rating
74 out of 100

What others say:

“The 2011 Acura RL lives up to its flagship status in the Acura lineup with top-notch tech features and long-haul comfort, but charm comes up missing.”Car Connection

“RL is nimble and exhibits little cornering lean.”Consumer Guide

“All-wheel drive; wealth of standard features; high-class interior; excellent build quality; superb stereo; smart technology interface.”Edmunds

“The AWD RL is powered by a powerful V6. The powertrain is polished, but ride and handling don’t stand out and the interior is snug.”MSN-Consumer Reports

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Sedan Base Price: $47,200.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 19.3 gallons (73 liters) Miles Per Gallon: 17 city / 24 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 195.7 in. (497 cm) Width: 72.7 in. (184.7 cm)
Height: 57.2 in. (145 cm) Wheel Base: 110.2 in. (280 cm)
Curb Weight: 4083 lbs (1852 kg) Ground Clearance: 5.7 in. (14.5 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 13.1 cu ft Maximum Seating: 5 people
Performance
Engine: 24-valve SOHC, VTEC® Displacement: 3.7 LITERS
Horsepower: 300 HP Max RPM: 6300 RPM
Torque: 271 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic
0-60 mph: 6.0 seconds 1/4 Mile: 14.5 seconds

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