Yahoo Autos 2024 Acura TLX Type S First Drive: Give it some more credit
The latest generation of the Acura TLX wormed its way into our hearts from the moment we got behind the wheel. It’s a driver’s car, and Acura’s made that clear from the get-go. Then we tried out the TLX Type S and liked it enough to even give it the nod over a BMW M340i in a head-to-head comparison test. Now that it’s been a few years since the sport sedan came out, Acura has a mid-cycle refresh ready to sweeten the pot a little more.
Our first go-around with the updated model is this 2024 Acura TLX Type S, but most of the updates apply to the pared-down collection of other trim levels (more on that later). The interior sees the most substantive upgrades, including a new set of screens for both the infotainment system and the analog-turned-digital gauge cluster. The latter is the more controversial of the bunch because even though a digital cluster is largely seen as an upgrade these days, the white-trimmed gauges of the pre-refresh car were a beautifully distinctive touch in an age of mostly anonymous digital clusters.
Nevertheless, the cluster is now a 12.3-inch screen that comes standard on all TLX models. There are a few different views including a traditional two-dial approach, one that pushes the gauges all the way to the edges, and exclusive to the Type S, a third that features a horizontal tach reminiscent of the S2000’s rev counter. The ADAS graphics in the center are a nice touch, and the screen is rather crisp, though we’re not sure that everyone will find it to be an upgrade over the analog cluster. At the very least, couldn’t Acura have replicated the old white-trimmed gauges (below, white) to maintain some continuity and appease purists like us? The 2024 Mustang’s retro Fox Body gauge design shows such things are possible.
The infotainment display is bumped from 10.3 inches to 12.3, though the ever-controversial Acura Precision TouchPad remains. It responds quicker and more fluidly to inputs than before, and the newly-added wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto capability is a nice-to-have. And as the cherry on top, Acura added a new customizable head-up display and a 360-degree camera to the Type S.
The rest of the TLX’s interior is familiar. You sit low and are surrounded by easy-to-operate buttons, knobs and scroll wheels aplenty. The rear seat is still a scrunched affair for the TLX’s footprint, but Acura never meant for this sedan to be a limo. Step outside, though, and you’re met with some subtle but impactful design changes.
A new front fascia with a mesh pattern for the grille stands out initially. Look closer, though, and you’ll notice the unsightly radar sensor that previously backed the Acura logo is gone. Instead, Acura integrated the radar into the Acura logo itself, leaving you with a far cleaner look than the pre-refresh grille. For the Type S pictured here, new 20-inch wheels finished in Berlina Black are the standard setup with all-season tires. Thankfully, you can still spec the copper-painted 20-inch Y-spoke wheels that are wrapped in high-performance summer tires. Lesser trims get 19-inch wheels standard now (up from 18s previously), and A-Spec cars get new, dual, round exhaust exits and a glossy black rear spoiler. Urban Gray Pearl (pictured here) and Liquid Carbon Metallic are new paint options for 2024, with the former being exclusive to the Type S. And don’t worry, the beautiful Tiger Eye Pearl paint is still in the color palette for the Type S, too.
