And was left feeling very disappointed! As I think most of you, I am an Acura fan. While not a blind enthusiast, I've owned two Acuras and have a certain affection for the brand. I tend to defend Acura here, especially when I see mindless bashing based on the brand name alone.

That being said, I had my CL in for an oil change today and took the chance to get up close and personal with a beautiful redondo red pearl RL they had in the showroom. I've been seeing more and more of these new RL's on the road now (MUCH more than new GS's or M35/45's) and have to admit that the body style, I think, is pretty sharp. It's got clean lines, aggressive while still classy, with fit-and-finish to rival any car at any price. I've also defended the RL's honor here before by pointing out the unparalleled list of features you get for the seeming bargain price.

Upon sitting in the driver's seat, my enthusiasm immediately began to wane. I saw RIGHT AWAY where they cut corners to keep costs down, like with the center console that feels like it came straight out of a Civic, or the radio control ***** that jiggled loosely in their places. It was ever more obivous in the back seat, where the seams between some leather and plastic pieces didn't quite line up, or where they resorted to plastic trim that really should have been a more upscale material (or at least less "plasticky"). Even the leather seats felt stiff and, well, cheap compared to what's in my GS (or even my CL, which was made back in the day that Acura didn't compromise quality to provide value).

Don't get me wrong--some things were really quite impressive. I liked the rear sunshades on both side windows and the rear glass, and the layout of all controls was very logical and clean. I'm sure it would be a hoot to drive. A particularly nice touch was that the plastic around all the air vents had a metallic shimmer to it (kind of like the flakes in a metallic paint)--very unique, and very classy.

But I've got to tell you, the subjective feel of those interior pieces was enough to turn me off. My wife has started talking about another midsize sedan for our next vehicle (we've already been through the SUV phase and the replacement convertible phase), and the RL and GS were clear favorites. If Lexus comes out with a GS430 AWD or, better yet, a hybrid version with AWD, I think the decision would be made. But in any case, as much as it pains me to admit it, the RL is no longer under consideration.

 

That's too bad you were disappointed by the RL...

...but Acura still is commendable for packing in lots of features into the RL, making it a great value all around. I was astonished by the wide array of buttons when I sat inside one at a showroom last week, liked the sunshades, the wood, and the screen...but it all seemed a bit too complex for me.

 

The RL I sat in impressed me. The interior did not seem to have any cheap materials or loose ***** and I tried them all. The leather seemed of high quality too. I am very picky about interiors too. The center console does have alot of plastic where your GS has mostly wood but it is high quality plastic. I have to say the 2nd Gen GSs that I have test driven do not seem to have as high quality buttons or dash material as my parents 99 and 03 TL and CL. The buttons and dash near the glove compartment had kind of a higher sheen plastic compared to the softer better feeling textured plastic and controls of the TL. The feedback on the buttons and ***** in the GS did not feel as high quality and tactful as the TL but maybe I am just used to the Acura buttons and *****. At least they use real wood in the GS though the simulated wood in the Acuras does look pretty good but they still need to use real wood in the TL. I liked the wood and dash layout better in the RL then the new GS but both have very nice interiors. The quality of plastic used in the buttons and dash in the new GS felt higher then the 2nd Generation. I still want and plan on getting a second generation though.

 

I have the same general opinion as Udel. A few monoths ago when the cars were still new and we were having those big discussion here on CL, I keept that in mind and paid specific attention to the interiors of the GS and RL at the local new cars show. I came away impressesd with both interiors, but felt both cut corners in some areas, but couldn't really pick a winner in terms of quality. This is my opinion. When sitting in the RL and GS, I ran my hand on all the materials. The plastic felt pretty much the same to me and niether felt cheap. Unless the plastic in the Civic got much better, there is no way the RL plastic too me feels anything close to that of a Civic. The leather in the RL is much more plush than the leather in the GS. How that compares to quality I can't say because when new both feel great. Just the leather in the GS feels al little harder and the seats are firmer, thus my opinion that the RL interior is more plush. The ***** on both cars felt firm and secure. I didn't feel that same looseness you felt in the RL *****.

The other main things I paid attention to was panel gap, fit and finish. I saw problems with panel gaps in the GS as well as in the RL in certain places. I also say quality control problems in the GS where part of the floor carpet was sticking out from the lower trim panels. Now, keeping in mind that more than likely these minor problems in the GS as well with some in the RL probably are just quality control issues rather than craftsmanship problems, I have to say the RL and GS interiors are near the same level. I still give Lexus the edge only because they have a history of having higher quality interiors over all, but in this case the RL has caught up big time. As far as subjective things like interior layout and looks, I actually prefer the RL interior over the GS although I don't mind the GS interior at all. It is for the same reason why I prefer the new IS interior over the GS. Both the IS and RL has a much more smooth interior lines than the GS which has a hard lined dash and more of an edge design. I just prefer the smoother lines of that edgy lines, but both are still great over all. I especially like the RLs navigation screen placement where it is higher up and more in line of sight to the driver.

 

I was not impressed at all considering the price they want for the new RL.

 

Especially for Canada, it's C$70K, that's a C$15k increase over the previous In the U.S. it's only about a $5k increase over the previous. I can never understand how Acura Canada can justify that no wonder I' ve yet to see one on the road . . .

 

I've only seen 2 so far in Toronto since the few months it's been launched & I'm willing to bed those 2 gents driving it worked at Honda head office which is right down the street from my work! $70k Canadian......for that car? No thanks!

 

The new RL's interior is pretty classy but overall I like the more conservative interior of the older RL. The pseudo-wood trim in the new one, though, is pretty good-looking, though no better than the new Subaru Outback's at literally half the price.

I notice, though that some of you, like Iceman, are disappointed with the new interior. Keep one thing in mind, though, before say you that Acura did too much cost-cutting. Unlike the old RL, the new RL has a LOT of expensive new hardware underneath....a completely redone new suspension that is a good cross between ride and handling, and even MORE, all of the new AWD hardware that did not exist before....previous RL's were FWD only. And just as Subaru makes the best under-$30,000 AWD systems, this new SH (Special-Handling) AWD system is one of the best in the over-$30,000 class. It apportions torque not only front-to-rear but also side-to-side as traction and handling conditions dictate. This is a very sophisticated piece of hardware and electronics and no doubt cost Acura quite a bit to develop and produce....one of the reasons for its $49,000 base price. It also comes standard with the most powerful (300 HP) naturally aspirated V6 ever installed on a mass produced car. Torque is somewhat lower at 260 ft. lbs, but more than adequate for any kind of normal drivng you would ever want to do.

 

I notice a trend with these next gen Japanese highend vehicle interiors. The design lines on the RL and GS are more define and sharper which gives it more charactor. The corners of the curves are less smooth and plush like the Gen 3 GS and other japanese makes. The plastics are also harder to give it that solid built to last forever feeling that the Germans are famous for. Being harder also allows the more define lines and curves the designers have drawn to come through and last longer from years of abused. The leather seats are also rougher and more rugged causing it to be less soothing to the touch. RL and new GS are basically more eurolike than ever. Sit in a TL and then jump over to an RL and y'all will know what I mean. The TL is smooth and soft like the Lexus interior. The RL is cold and rough like a BMW. Not only are the plastics harder, they also have a rougher grain to them. Which is why some people who are used to the soft japanese style don't like this new RL. Those from the Euro camps will see it as a big improvement.

Although I don't particularly like this rough and cold feeling, I do get the feeling that it's built more rugged and may last longer and somehow made the vehicle feel better built and seem worthy of it's asking price. Most of the current Lexus/Acura and infiniti interiors are soft and if not well taken cared of when they get old, they tend to lose that new car look/feel fast. I've been to alot of auto auction and sat in all kinds of vehicles, the interior that impresses me the most are the BMWs and some Audis. The last gen Merc S-class and E-class are just downright cheap, but they are rugged. The domestics/Koreans are just junky and plasticky, not to mention they're tyhin and hollow sounding and some even warped due to aging. Just about all japanese interior with the exceptions of their sportscars like mr2/Supra/3000GT/RX-7TT and 300zxTT don't age too well at all. Their plastics are too smoothly grained and when the dealers prep them with armor all to clean them up, they cause major glaring and make interior look even cheaper and more plasticky. The new and current grains Lexus/Toyota/TL/TSX uses are alot better when armored all is used, but I was still very disappointed that my favorite LS430 and SC430 interior didn't age too well either. Those soft and plush plastics don't handle abused very well. The grains easily loose their beautiful textures cuz the owners have brushed up on it too much causing a smooth bald spot to be seen. The softer charactor lines of the dash and panels tend to disappear when the interior is dirty and the thinner/lighter sounding doors(typical japanese vehicles) don't help with maintaining that high quality feel. The Bimmers continues to maintain that tank like sound/feel when you shut the doors, it's plastics panels don't lose their grains because it's so hard, I think it's the owners that end up with smoother skins from owning a BMW. Of course mechanically wise we all know the smart money is on the Lexus.

I think the Japanese have also notice the same thing I did and decided that their next gen should be more Eurolike in order to justify charging people over 50K, the interiors has to have that rough, rugged teutonic look and feel since that is what most people in those price range associate with rich, luxurious and well built. Even the new GSs seats have also gotten firmer to enhance this feeling of solidity. Comparing the new GS interior to the last gen, it's a night and day difference in quality', feel and style. Last gen just looks plain and plasticky like a last gen Toyota model. Only thing I complain on the new GS interior is the grains on the lower plastic panels. That shyt is old school, Toyota used that grain on just about every Toyota and Lexus model since 1990. The grains on the upper half is awesome eventho Mercedes has used it since the 70s, that grain style looks and feel expensive. Plus it's also very good at reducing glare and when armor all is applied it doesn't look cheap and shiny like the whaleskin look of the last gen.

Personally I prefer the interior of a TL or LS430 over any Rolls any day as the Rolls interior feels cold, hard and unwelcome.Rolls remind me of an old library or some old british dudes office. But since ultimate luxury is dictated by the western views, and the Japanese are basically competing with the white man at his own game, they have to build what he feels is luxury, not what asians think is luxury. Of course if Lexus has it's ways, everything would be soft, plush, warm and welcoming.

 

Good write-up, Celicamaro. I generally evaluate a car interior in pretty good detail myself but I don't really examine the plastics as closely as you do.
I do disagree, though, (strongly) about the newer BMW's having that solid feel. Up to the last few years, BMW's were like tanks as you describe...especially the "thud" on shutting the door and the heavy, solid feel those doors had. Unfortunately , all of that went right out the window with the new Chris Bangle designs....especially on the new 5-series. Look at (and feel) an old and a new 5-series (as I did at the Washington DC Auto show where BMW had them displayed side-by-side) and you will be amazed at the difference.

 

I agree with you, the new 5 series looks & feel cheap compared to the previous 5

 

I think the new 5s interior is "plusher" and more Lexus like. It's actually warmer and more comfortable IMO than the old one. It doesn't quite have the smooth, inviting feel of the LS430 nor it's refinement and fit/finish. The plastic grains are more Benz like and are softer to the touch and alot easier on the legs and other body parts when you hit it by accident. That cold hard teutonic feeling is gone.

The shape of the dash and door handles is horrible for a car in this price range. I think they went too far with this styling thing. Too much designer lines that look more at home on a show car than a production one. It's almost as bad as those Cadillac CTS interior where the center panels looked like Europes leaning tower. I do agree, the doors no longer have that solid bank vault sound to it, but I still like the exterior design very much. I think I'm one of the very few who actually likes it. I do have a problem with that weird trunk line, but the overall shape of the car is very sporty, balance and aggressive, especially when you are following behind it. It's got great presense and almost looks modified. It totally makes the old one look flat, feminine and boring. Interior styling however is inferior to the old one. Not sure if BMWs startin to lose their ways in that department or they're just so full of themselves that think they can get away with whatever they want.

 

The problem at BMW is very simple.....though it has had huge complications. BMW management convinced THEMSELVES that their previous designs HAD to change...they (mistakenly) thought that it was one of those change-or-die sitations. It was (and is) a fix-it-when-it-ain't-broke mentality. I-Drive came about as a result of an attempt to put fewer buttons and switches on the dash.....without stopping to think that it would be a major distraction to a driver trying to keep his / her eyes on the road, and that it was actually quicker and easier to use the old manual switches. Problem was that the old dash was not a problem to start with....and didn't NEED changing.
Same with the swollen-eyebrow trunk lids. They were done from an attempt to add trunk space....but without realizing that trunk space in the OLD design was not a problem and was not the source of significant customer complaints.
Now...the thinner bodies and doors.....it was obvious what caused that, besides the issue of keeping weight down. Less metal in the body and frame means lower production costs.....meanwhile jacking the prices up for the s - - kers who actually bought them.

The whole situation at BMW disgusts me. I don't really enjoy discussing it.......I do so primarily for you guys who have questions and concerns about the firm and its products.

I guess it's back to topic now....the new Acura RL. The RL is actually selling petty well in my area now, with its high income levels and secure jobs. I haven't seen any numbers from the states north and west of us where they have much more severe winters but the standard AWD would certainly appeal to those who have the income to handle its 50K price. Unfortunately that would probably rule out most of West Virginia and the more rural parts of Pennsylvania. You'll probably see more of them in the high-income areas of New England with its severe winters....especially high-income Connecticut and Massachusetts.

 

Trying to reconcile your points above.

I think the new 5 interior sucks. I don't like the shapes, wood, surfaces, guages, any of it. The seat controls are absurd although the seats themselves are great. And we all know about iDrive.


Hmm... from behind I think it looks like a Kia! The front of the car is aggressive looking with the 'Dracula' lights.

I grant you the old one looks a bit bland and dated now, but that doesn't make the new one better.

But it sure drives great!

Maybe both?

 

The RL is a fantastic car but sitting in it I just didn't get the feeling of "damn this is well worth $50,000". For low 40k, it seems a better deal. Also knowing the dealer service is just not up to par in this expensive segment, it really hurts the overall image of it all. I do love the large gauges, the Leuxs like gauges (opitron),the car is loaded with features (i probably won't use) and it drives smooth and the power is more than adequate but again, 50k

Good write-up Iceman. I keep feeling (And even many Acura owners, I dare say most) that the car below the RL, the TL is the superior car. And that is not good for a brand.