Balancing out this disappointment is some seriously cool technology. Our TLX tester was loaded to the hilt with both the Tech Package and the Advance Package, which means we were treated to adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow and lane keeping assist. While those two systems don't sound exciting, when you activate both at the same time, the car will essentially drive itself on straight roads or those with only long, sweeping curves. We tested it on a closed oval course, and while the car becomes very angry should you take your hands off the wheel (seriously, don't), it will keep the car centered in the lane around a sweeping turn and, of course, speed up and slow down with the traffic. Of the similar systems we've tested from other manufacturers, this one stands out as the best in terms of reading the road and keeping you in the center of the lane.

We were also impressed by just how quiet the new TLX is inside. A key complaint against the TSX (the TL less so) was the noisy cabin, and Acura's fixed that right up.

Combined with super comfortable seats you have a wonderful long-distance hauler. The V-6 all-wheel-drive car seemed to struggle a little more with small, sharp road impacts such as expansion joints compared to the four-cylinder, but that's not nearly enough to put us off the car. We must also say a kind word about the price, which at $45,595 fully loaded is a bargain compared to a fully loaded German competitor that can easily reach up to $60,000. If only it were as attractive to look at as much of the competition.

The new TLX, in total, is a solid midsize luxury sedan. It's a strong improvement on the TSX and gives up very little to the TL. What's more, it's more competitive in its class than ever before. On the other hand, the missed potential in this new car, both in terms of handling and design, gives us pause. While we don't see it putting the competition on notice, we can't deny that Acura customers will find a lot to like in this car.

2015 Acura TLX SH-AWD
BASE PRICE	$42,345
PRICE AS TESTED	$45,595
VEHICLE LAYOUT	Front-engine, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door sedan
ENGINE	3.5L/290-hp/267-lb-ft SOHC 24-valve V-6
TRANSMISSION	9-speed automatic
CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST)	3764 lb (61/39%)
WHEELBASE	109.3 in
LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT	190.3 x 73.0 x 57.0 in
0-60 MPH	5.9 sec
QUARTER MILE	14.4 sec @ 98.4 mph
BRAKING, 60-0 MPH	124 ft
LATERAL ACCELERATION	0.82 g (avg)
MT FIGURE EIGHT	26.7 sec @ 0.76 g (avg)
EPA CITY/HWY/COMB FUEL ECON	21/31/25 mpg
ENERGY CONS., CITY/HWY	160/109 kW-hrs/100 miles
CO2 EMISSIONS, COMB	0.79 lb/mile