By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our
Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our
Visitor Agreement.
Comments
Regarding interior, I couldn’t disagree more. They are very different IMO. Brushed aluminum trim alone doesn’t make the entire interior identical. The three groups of control is the very basic way of doing things right. Would you prefer climate control button mixed with audio? For “looks” compare these two pictures:
TL
RL
Interior couldn’t be more different from cars belonging to the same brand.
As far as price is concerned, with all the features that RL promises to deliver, and in typical Acura fashion, likely loaded to the brim (there will be no “cloth seat” base trim like Lexus does for GS300 for sure), the price tag anything under $48K will be right. And under $45K will make it an exceptional value. And I don’t see reliability/resale value as the Acura’s only strengths, but it is quite possible that this car will offer the right balance between sport and comfort, with luxury appointments, and a chassis to match. We shall see soon.
I am seriously wondering if 200 years from now, when you and I or our grandchildren are flying around in saucers, they'll still fight over shared chasis... !
ksso
welcome aboard.
ksso
Allow me to prove my case. The front of the RL:
--has Camry headlight influence in terms of shape
--looks sort of like an I35 in the way the headlights curve downward
--has a grille of the previous gen. Millennia in terms of chrome location, and of course, that 5-point grill.
Now the rear is very good evolution of the current RL. But I see some slight BMW influence--or maybe Maybach is more like it--in the rear.
Now then, I challenge you to do the same with the M45--this time, not using any current Nissan or Infiniti vehicles.
I see where they are going with the RL, however it kinda gets on the soft side, although nothing will compare to seeing it in person to find out.
As for the interior, I will withdraw my statements on the RL interior looking cluttered. However, the buttons on the close-up picture you have are too small for my tastes; the Infiniti's buttons are bigger and clearer, although it does look like people who have short arms will be doing a lot of reaching!
looks sort of like an I35 in the way the headlights curve downward
I never heard anybody say that about Phaeton (which I believe the RL’s headlamps resemble with). And, I don’t agree with you. May be I can distinguish styling a tad better. ;-)
As for I35
Nope. The resemblance is to be found here...
has a grille of the previous gen. Millennia in terms of chrome location, and of course, that 5-point grill.
Acura RL had chrome grill until some styling tweaks for MY2000. Penta-grill had become an Acura signature before Mazda adopted it in Millenia (2000). Believe me, I have been a part of penta-grill debate several times, and have all the pictures, needed to prove my point, going back to 1960s. Want to do that?
Outgoing RL
2005 RL
I challenge you to do the same with the M45--this time, not using any current Nissan or Infiniti vehicles.
I can (especially using Audi/VW styling themes), but I would rather spend time discussing the car I’m interested in. If I have some later, I will.
However, the buttons on the close-up picture you have are too small for my tastes; the Infiniti's buttons are bigger and clearer
Let us see some close up pictures side by side. I’m willing to bet that the Acura’s controls are far easier to operate (not just in layout, but size as well). The only “small” buttons are the preset buttons lined across, but they have enough spacing between them.
PS. IF you claim something, especially along the lines of styling, it might be better supporting it using pictures or links. Then, I wouldn't have to put any more pictures or links than I need to.
Test drove a TL recently, thought the ride was a bit hard, seats to firm, IMO. I own a 2001 and was a bit dissapointed with the ride, it had better handling but to harsh. Hoped it would be more luxurious vs. sporty. Isn't that why they brought out the TSX?
Can't imagine how it'll get once they start selling these puppies...
I really don't think there will be a clear "winner" though. All the cars look pretty darn competitive.
I don’t think they are close. In fact they are more different than is usually seen from two cars within same brand. In case of RL, the dark grey backdrop to the brushed aluminum trim enhances the contrast more than it does in the TL. But, I like it, for being different than most other cars. But, I will like it better with lighter backdrop. Since these are pictures of the prototype shown at NYIAS, things can change.
Fog lights:
The prototype as well as the spy pictures (recent) show fog lights in the RL. I don’t think TL will look good with fog lights because of the styling of the bumper. TSX would, however.
Check out these spy pictures of the new RL. Fog lamps are visible in both RL in the picture. I love the appearance of the front end... wide and low! Especially in dark shade, which is usually my preference anyway.
If my posting style is not to your liking, I encourage you to NOT take my posts seriously, and to exercise your right to ignore them. Which, after your unsolicited, unwarranted and unappreciated critique, is exactly what I plan to do with your posts.
What do you think?
A little OT, but just out of curiosity, are you "Wizard" from one of the forums that I'm not supposed to ID here?
and closer still
There are 6-large buttons lined up in two rows flanked by temperature control switches for the two climate control zones. Those are large enough buttons, aren’t they?
This is followed by a row to select the audio source (like CD/DVD, AM/FM, XM). I wouldn’t call these buttons small or tiny. IMO, they are about right size. They appear to be ¾ inch long.
Next is seek/scan/volume control row. None of those buttons can be considered tiny or small.
Next is a row of preset buttons. Now, those are small, but do you really need large preset buttons (especially if they are spaced as much as they appear to be)?
Last is the NAV control group. And those are large buttons as well (except the setup buttons on either side which appear to be small, but would you perform “setup” while driving?
Acura goes on doing its usual thing, by color coding the buttons as well. And although it isn’t visible, I’m willing to bet that preset button 3 or 4 (or both) will have some kind of notch (like the F and J keys on your computer’s keyboard) to assist driver in identifying the location of buttons without having to take eyes off the road.
Now, let us visit the M-layout. Stylish it is, user friendly it is not. One thing I hate about it is that the buttons are facing the sky. Why? There are two rows of ten buttons (remember, it is easy to work through three buttons per row than it is to work through five), flanked by two more on each side (appear to be climate control buttons).
Now, on the other side, the set of buttons on either side of the clock are facing the back and slightly sideways (or so it appears in the picture). Another illustration of “styling” taking precedence over “usability”.
And if the opening next to the shifter is for CD player/changer, and not the best place to have it IMO.
I agree that the placement of the CD slot behind the shifter is not very good. I think they are going to have to shorten the shifter a bit for a CD to go in there...but then it'll look too stubby.
Make no mistake, I think the RL interior is very nice, but don't you think the center console, in comparison to the M, looks a little unclean?
I've always appreciated sensibility in designs. Like everything else, it about a compromise.
The pricing of the RL is important, since it's coming out a few months before the M and the GS, it'll affect how Infiniti and Lexus price those cars.
Has it been confirmed that the RL will only come in one trim--loaded to the gills?
"Based on the Honda CR-V and Acura RSX Coupe architecture", it's good looking and very upscale in appearance. The side looks a lot like the Lexus RX330 and while the back end is not plainly visibile in the profile photo, what you can see appears to look a bit like the BMW X5 or the Lexus RX330.
According to C & D, it will have a 200 HP four cylinder engine "enhanced by Honda's integrated Motor Assist system, which sandwiches an electric motor between the engine and the transmission." Supposed to make this car very quick indeed.
This could fit the bill nicely for my pint size girlfriend who needs a good quality, small SUV for around town driving and shopping and not much else.
Local Acura dealer says it will sell in the $25,000 to $30,000 range.
Anybody know anything else about the RDX that they can share?
Ps. Meanwhile, regarding the 2005 RL, the Acura dealer says October before we see one.
Yes I do.
--has Camry headlight influence in terms of shape
--looks sort of like an I35 in the way the headlights curve downward
--has a grille of the previous gen. Millennia in terms of chrome location, and of course, that 5-point grill.
Now the rear is very good evolution of the current RL. But I see some slight BMW influence--or maybe Maybach is more like it--in the rear.
Now then, I challenge you to do the same with the M45--this time, not using any current Nissan or Infiniti vehicles.
importfan14:
Look is very subjective. But, since you issued the challenge, to me the new M is the combination of
- front: MB's new CLS
- back: Maserati Quattroporte
- dash: BMW new 5
I am sure you can find pictures for all of them to compare. If not, I surely can post them here.
I have to concur. It's gaudy, ugly and it's overkill. It's out of proportion and clashes with the cheap looking metal console that they have jammed into the center of the cockpit.
I am still apalled at the fact the the RSX and now the new '06 RDX (Acura's answer to the RX330 and other smaller SUVs) have nice looking front ends, unique in style and character, while the new '05 RL's nose is clearly a morph of several existing Japanese cars. Boring and uninspiring.
look forward to oil changes only instead of the 4 x a year visits to the BMW mechanic.
I own BMW 540iA. I feel your pain. I had my order in back in April. Look forward to exchange posts with you when we get our RLs.
"The FIA said the device connects the front wheels via the drive shafts and allows the team to control torque transfer from a faster wheel to a slower wheel under braking and that does not comply with the rules."
Sounds like a modified version of the ATTS (part of the SH-AWD).
using a 4 cyl in the acura rdx might be a harbinger of a hybrid set-up similar to the escape.
importfan14:
I see a lot of Audi/VW influence in Nissan/Infiniti (new) styling trend. When the current Q45 debuted, the tail lamp reminded me of Acura CL’s with strong resemblance to Audi’s as well. 350Z arrived with a unique (but not so unique) rear glass. Have you seen the very same shape before? If you haven’t, check out the Audi TT. No wonder many thought 350Z resembled the TT in a few ways. The next M45 tail lamps are very similar to Toyota Avalons (which many think was straight off BMW 3-series).
This is just the way things are. Resemblance can sometimes be deliberate (copying more successful styling), or unavoidable (usually stems from history in the family).
Regarding the "unclean" dash, IMO, M45 is just scattered over a wide area.
What is the cost of the timing belt/water pump change? How about the 100K comprehensive maintanance routine? I echo a comment made earlier in this stream - the RL discussion is very good. Kudos to all. (By the way, I am convinced that a used RL is a great deal.)
Now Robertsmx, aka Mr. Wizard, that should get things stirring a little...
why aren't we hearing more about the new 2005 RL in the press?
When will the magazines be test driving it? Reporting more on it?
What is the likelihood that Acura has made some subtle changes or refinements to the exterior or the interior of the new car?
In order to be in showrooms in October, when do these cars need to ship from Japan?
timing belt/water pump will cost around $750-$850. I'm guessing this from the coupon I received recently to change this for my RL. I did the change myself.
100k comprehensive maintenance routine? What's that? I'm already at 136k miles and its still running like new.
Usually the press events and PR hit hard in the weeks prior to the unveiling. If the rl is hitting the showrooms in Oct, sept is the blitzkrieg. we might be rl'd to death within 30 days of launch. Also, of all carmakers, honda & acura seem the most reticent about big splashes. since there are few honda/acuras that don't fly off the lots, the current rl being one of them, they seem to throttle back on the hoopla and let word-of-mouth do the job. would be curious to see stats on which carmakers have the lowest average car lot lifespan.
I recently purchased an off lease 2000 RL and call the 800 Acura number for the service maintenance records and they informed me that they did not keep those records even if they were done at a dealership.
On another note... has anyone had their SRS light come on for the passenger side? If so is there a fix to it or does it matter how the person is sitting on the other side.
Other than that...my 2000 runs like new and looks like a jewel.
I echo the person who said RL lease returns are the best buy!!!