Drivetrain refinement isn't limited to the RL's engine. The polish of its five-speed automatic transmission sweetens the V6 honey. When the desire arises, Acura's Sequential Sportshift paddle shifters, modeled after Formula 1 technology, enable greater driver input.

The RL's interior is amongst the most stylish and well executed in the segment.

RL wrap
Overall RL styling is attractive but not inspiring. More inspiring is the RL's drivetrain and its nicely-weighted, responsive steering. Acura's flagship presents the optimal blend of ride comfort and handling ability, matching my "real world" driving preference. Cabin comfort is outstanding, however the vast array of complex electronic controls are not particularly intuitive to operate and I found more tire noise seeping into the muted cabin than expected. Overall, the RL can easily hold its own against more-expensive Europeans and similarly-priced domestics in the premium sedan market, and therefore should not be overlooked.


Photo Credit : Rob Rothwell