Acura has been quietly polishing their lineup for the last couple of years and has also been developing their own kind of sub-brand, Type S, for the real die-hard enthusiasts. We tested such notables as the storming Integra Type S, and the super-capable MDX Type S. And when the maker brought out a 2022 TLX Type S two years ago, we were impressed, and for 2024 there’s some serious enhancements that make it worth another look.
Badder is Better
We were a little concerned when we heard Acura had refreshed the design for 2024 – after all, this is one of the most handsome sport sedans on the market.
But fear not, the upgrades are subtle, but tasteful. All TLX models get a new front fascia that’s a bit cleaner and more sophisticated, enhanced by the Type S exclusive new diamond pentagon grille mesh and unique front splitter. Combined with the signature Jewel-like LED headlights and the S presents an imposing face to the world.
The profile may be our favorite view, with a snug greenhouse, sweeping A and C-pillars, along with muscular fender flares and a deep cut-in on the lower door makes for a thrilling first impression.
While 2024 Type S models get a new 20-inch split-spoke wheel finished in Berlina Black, our tester upped the game with lightweight copper-finish 20-inch Y-spoke alloy wheels that are just stunning both in design and the color – it just looks special, capable and upscale. We love ‘em. Adding to the drama are red Brembo 4-piston front brake calipers clearly visible between the spokes.
The rear holds out plenty of promise for sportiness, with a tasteful decklid rear spoiler sitting above Acura signature teardrop LED taillights. Acura keeps the badging subtle, which we like, while there’s nothing subtle about the rear bumper, with 4 massive tailpipes poking out underneath! Finishing off the look, our tester wore a new-for-’24 Urban Gray Pearl that just looks the business, upscale, classy, and it really helps those copper-finish wheels pop. This is a stunning, stunning sedan!
Upgraded Interior
Inside, the changes are subtle, but we think they make a big difference.
Open the door and your eye is immediately drawn to the bright red found on the Milano Leather seats with black Ultrasuede inserts, along with red armrests on the doors and center console topped off with red contrasting stitching throughout the cabin. Unique to the Type S are 16-way front power seats with power lumbar, thigh extension and side bolsters – super comfortable, and you can really clamp them down for aggressive driving, if you like.
Settle into those comfortable chairs and you have a thick leather-wrapped D-shaped steering wheel. Look beyond that wheel and you’ll see one of the big changes for ’24, an all-new, configurable 12.3-inch digital Instrument Cluster. While we liked the previous analog gauges, we have to say that this cluster is much more handsome and looks more upscale in the process – now competing with the likes of BMW and Audi.
Info-tainment gets an upgrade as well, with a 20% larger screen, now measuring 12.3-inches, and powered by a faster processor.
That’s all good, but we’re still not happy with the “True Touchpad Interface” and like what used to be on Lexus and some Audis, it remains fussy and distracting. Unfortunately, the screen is far enough away that a touchscreen wouldn’t work here. At least Acura gives you a volume control knob.
Helping keep your eyes on the road is a standard 10.5-inch Head up display, that’s clear and crisp. Other entertaining treats include ambient LED cabin lighting with 27 different themes to suit your style, and an impressive 17-speaker audio system. Connectivity is first class, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. We love the wireless charging pad that slides under the center console cover, giving it a safe place. Tech savvy customers will also appreciate TLX’s first application of Amazon Alexa Built-in.
All this sounds like a ton of tech – and it is. But we do see Acura moving away from the multitude of switches that used to make things a challenge. While there are still plenty of controls, it no longer feels overwhelming. They’ve found a sweet spot.
Speaking of sweet spots, the rear seats are comfy for adults, and the rear seats fold down for added space. In the Type S, additional structural cross-bracing impedes on the pass-through from the trunk. For this kind of buyer, we think that added stiffness pays off in superior driving dynamics – and you can probably wiggle things around and sneak a set of golf clubs through there if you had to.
S is for Speedy
Honestly, most of this goodness also comes on the TLX A-Spec model. It’s in the performance department that the Type S really stands out.
The regular TLX is no slouch, featuring a turbo 2.0-liter, four-cylinder pumping out an impressive 272 horses, available with front or all-wheel-drive. You might drive one – especially the A-Spec – and think it’s all you’d ever need. No doubt, a great car.
But ahem, can we interest you in something a bit more? How about 335-horsepower, 3.0-liter, turbo V6? As soon as you start it up, that burble is rich, deep, pure 6-cylinder, and it reminds us of the legendary 6-cylinders of BMW. Ah yes, those quad exhaust pipes, they sing.
And this is an engine that loves to rev, pulling with gusto to its 6,250 rpm redline. While that isn’t exactly a high-revver compared to some powerplants, a few things are in play here. First, you’ve got a wallop of torque, with 354 lb.-ft. at just 1,400 rpm. Second, that power is siphoned through a 10-speed automatic that can shift incredibly quickly when asked, and finally, Acura’s SH-AWD that really lets you lay down the power. 0-60 in the mid 4’s is plenty fast for a relatively large sedan, and man, does it sound good doing it!
The S is no one-trick pony, though, thanks to that very same SH-AWD (the SH is for Super Handling), variable dampers and those large 20-inch Pirelli PZero PZ4 tires, the big sedan has tons of grip, yet feels light and agile through the steering. If you’ve been dreaming of a Japanese sedan that can take on BMW and Audi, here it is. This has that same feeling, that whether, it’s the Autobahn, the Alps or the Nürburgring racetrack you’re ready. And those big red Brembo brakes? Great feel, great stopping. You instantly see why Brembo is the legendary name that it is.
And while we’d keep that Dynamic Mode knob twisted to the thrills department, this is a very adaptable chassis. Place it in comfort mode, and the transmission shifts discretely, the ride is supple, and your daily commute is a thing of joy as well.
Our only carp is a small one (more of a minnow). We’re not crazy about the pushbutton automatic transmission on the center console. It’s a bit moot, since you’ll probably be doing your shifting via the nicely sized wheel-mounted paddles, but we’d rather see a stubby little lever like the VW Golf R we recently tested.
OK, you may be more focused on the daily drive than track days, so Acura throws you a solid here as well, upgrading the AcuraWatch safety suite on every TLX with a wider 90-degree field of view (up from 50-degrees) and a new grille mounted millimeter-wave radar with a wider 120-degree field of view (up from 50-degrees). More? In the rear, the standard blind spot information (BSI) system’s radar warning range increased to 82 feet, enabling Lane Change Alert, which can help alert the driver to vehicles approaching from behind in adjacent lanes.
Powerful Price Tag?
This is where the Acura really gives a poke in the eye to the Europeans. The line up starts with the TLX Technology at $45,000. For a stylish, spirited 4-door sedan that’s placed size-wise between the BMW 3 and 5-series sedans, that’s a lot of value, especially for a premium label.
Back to the Bavarian-bruising type S, starting at $57,000. Our tester had the Urban Gray Pearl paint ($600), and those gorgeous 20-inch, Copper Alloy Wheels with Summer tires ($3,360), and premium floor mats ($242). Add in $1,195 for Destination, and we rang the bell at $62,397. Worth noting, the Acura also comes standard with a complimentary maintenance plan for the first two years or 24,000 miles.
Natural competitors would include the BMW M340i, also a great sport sedan, but at $68,220 it’s a significant step up. We also like the Audi S4, but like the BMW, it’s $68,445 price is also an issue. And our gut tells us that long term, the Acura will be less expensive to maintain and repair – something to think about if you keep your vehicles a long time.
Subtle changes keep the 2024 Acura TLX Type S as one of our favorite sport sedans, and a real threat to BMW and Audi!
Ben Lewis grew up in Chicago, and after spending his formative years driving sideways in the winter – often intentionally – moved to sunny Southern California. He now enjoys sunny weather year-round — whether it is autocross driving, aerobatics, and learning to surf.