Review: 2014 Acura RLX
06-29-14, 03:50 PM
#33
Lexus Fanatic
Car & Driver, a couple months ago, did a full write-up on the Hybrid model. It is very complex in its powertrain layout....FAR more so than in the old Honda IMA setup. Like some Lexus hybrids, it uses one large gas engine and three smaller electric motors......but with rear independent torque-vectoring, a twin-clutch transmission, and the front electric motor on the opposite end of the transaxle from the gas engine. They devote almost one full page of typing on just how the system operates in its complexity. Makes for some interesting reading, but I'm not sure I'd want to have something that complex past its warranty period.
06-29-14, 05:56 PM
#34
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This car should have been launched with the hybrid model ready to go. Acura completely dropped the ball on that. No one is going to buy the hybrid anyway if and when it does become available for purchase because the newness of this car has already worn off and its going to be way overpriced compared to other luxury hybrids. This car was already DOA as soon as it launched. This wont help change that. The RLX line is in serious trouble and Acura has got to be concerned.
06-29-14, 06:07 PM
#35
Lexus Fanatic
06-29-14, 07:08 PM
#37
That's really sad news about the RLX Hybrid. While I have no hope for the exterior or interior design, I thought it's one saving grace may be this 370hp SH-AWD Hybrid powertrain to be debuted on the RLX and perfected in future Acura products
06-30-14, 05:51 AM
#38
Lexus Champion
they're discounting the RLX's a little bit....(w/tech pkg too)
dealer link
Last edited by bagwell; 06-30-14 at 06:21 AM.
06-30-14, 10:59 AM
#41
Pretty much. Launching an underpowered FWD model is not the best way to promote your flagship. Once people see the mediocre spec and the crazy MSRP, they're no longer interested in the car. By the time the hybrid is for sale, the RLX would have already been crossed off the buyer's list.
06-30-14, 12:30 PM
#42
Lexus Fanatic
Pretty much. Launching an underpowered FWD model is not the best way to promote your flagship. Once people see the mediocre spec and the crazy MSRP, they're no longer interested in the car. By the time the hybrid is for sale, the RLX would have already been crossed off the buyer's list.
06-30-14, 12:33 PM
#43
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The crazy thing is even at 40k, I don't think many would buy it.
The hybrid has no pricing announced and will be closer to 70k. A loaded RLX today is over 60k.
Acura lost their "value" argument/proposition. . The RL for 48k was fully loaded with SH-AWD. The RLX for 48k comes with fake leather, no options and is FWD. lol wut
I stated a longtime ago that hanging hopes on the hybrid is silly since volume would be low. Sounds like less than 300 cars coming will be hybrids. Not even sure why they bothered at this point with the car.
The hybrid starts at 60K, mainly because of its advanced complex power train and battery-pack (a V6, dual-clutch transaxle, and 3 electric motors). But the standard FWD model is considerably less expensive, starting at about the same price as the last-generation RL........ 48K.
Acura lost their "value" argument/proposition. . The RL for 48k was fully loaded with SH-AWD. The RLX for 48k comes with fake leather, no options and is FWD. lol wut
I stated a longtime ago that hanging hopes on the hybrid is silly since volume would be low. Sounds like less than 300 cars coming will be hybrids. Not even sure why they bothered at this point with the car.
06-30-14, 01:14 PM
#44
Lexus Fanatic
Well, I agree you do have some precedence to say that. The last RL, even with its tank-like construction, precise assembly, superb SH-AWD system, and excellent reliability, mostly sat on lots and collected dust and bird-droppings.....sometimes even with strong dealer/manufacturer rebates. The ones that DID sell usually did for a heavy discount.
We've all, of course, discussed most of the reasons why it didn't sell. Most of us agree on those reasons, but that still didn't mean it wasn't a well-made car.
As of now, you are correct that the official hybrid price has not been announced. I used the (estimated) 60K that some of the RLX Hybrid reviews are posting....but that is not final. But I would be surprised if it was listed at any less than the GS Hybrid ($60,800), considering that the RLX is considered a flagship (even if in some ways it is not) and the GS is one step below the Lexus LS flagship.
No arguments there. I was a fan of the RL. So far, based on what I have seen and read, I'm not a fan of the RLX, though I have a CL-member review-request, will do a full-review on one (probably a non-hybrid) and I'll receive any further comment on what I actually come up with in the review.
We've all, of course, discussed most of the reasons why it didn't sell. Most of us agree on those reasons, but that still didn't mean it wasn't a well-made car.
The hybrid has no pricing announced and will be closer to 70k. A loaded RLX today is over 60k.
Acura lost their "value" argument/proposition. . The RL for 48k was fully loaded with SH-AWD. The RLX for 48k comes with fake leather, no options and is FWD.
Last edited by mmarshall; 06-30-14 at 01:23 PM.
06-30-14, 01:53 PM
#45
Driver
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I still can't believe how they (Acura/Honda)still come out with new cars with old technologies (10+years) and expect to sell cars in an ever more competing car market. Flagship car with still the same V6? Six-speed automatic transmission? No wonder this car doesn't sell. Even if it ''does'' the job, nowadays people need to have something to brag about, and they simply don't get it with any of Acura's offerings.