The familiar 2.4 engine has enough poke to get the TLX off the line briskly, and we were pleased with its smoothness and sound. But our instrumented testing shows it's not any quicker than the TSX it replaces. In fact, at the track we managed a 7.2-second 0-60-mph run, which is actually 0.2 second slower than the last TSX we tested, a 2012 manual-equipped 2.4-liter model. That gap held out at the quarter-mile, with the TLX returning a 15.6-second time at a slightly higher 91.1-mph trap speed. This was especially surprising to us given the similar curb weights of the two cars (the TLX weighs just 100 pounds more than the TSX, despite its additional equipment and larger overall size) and the TLX's advantageous, quick-shifting dual-clutch gearbox. Those looking for more straight-line punch will want to investigate the optional 3.5-liter V-6 TLX or a BMW 320i -- our last 2014 version managed a 6.6-second 0 to 60 mph run and a 15.1-second quarter mile. Other competitive times from the MT test archive include a 2012 Audi A4 2.0T Quattro (5.8 seconds to 60 mph) and a 2013 Cadillac ATS (6.0 seconds to 60 mph). Admittedly, all these competitors have turbocharged 2.0-liter engines, something Acura doesn't offer, and the Audi and Cadillac both have a strong horsepower advantage.

On the figure-eight course the TLX managed slightly better, with a best lap of 27.0 seconds at a 0.74g average. The TSX required an additional 0.2 second and registered a significantly lower 0.62g average. Braking from 60 mph to a standstill was identical between the two cars, at 122 feet. On the skidpad, the TLX pipped its ancestor by just a hundredth of a g, hitting 0.84g. Dynamically, the TLX is more entertaining to drive with its fairly neutral tendencies as opposed to the steady push the TSX was keen to deliver. The 320i we tested ran a 26.1-second time around our figure eight, nearly a full second quicker, and stopped from 60 mph in just 109 feet. The A4 and ATS ran 25.9-second and 26.3-second figure eights, respectively.

As a complete package, the TLX feels like a good compromise between the TL and TSX and is vastly improved over both of those cars in terms of driving dynamics, interior aesthetics and quality, and available technology. That said, the TLX 2.4 can't quite keep up with its turbocharged competition. Keep a watch for our full test of the more powerful Acura TLX V-6, coming soon.

2015 Acura TLX 2.4
BASE PRICE	$31,890
PRICE AS TESTED	$35,920
VEHICLE LAYOUT	Front-engine, FWD, 5-pass, 4-door sedan
ENGINE	2.4L/206-hp/182-lb-ft DOHC 16-valve I-4
TRANSMISSION	8-speed twin-clutch auto.
CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST)	3478 lb (60/40%)
WHEELBASE	109.3 in
LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT	190.3 x 73.0 x 57.0 in
0-60 MPH	7.2 sec
QUARTER MILE	15.6 sec @ 91.1 mph
BRAKING, 60-0 MPH	122 ft
LATERAL ACCELERATION	0.84 g (avg)
MT FIGURE EIGHT	27.0 sec @ 0.74 g (avg)
EPA CITY/HWY/COMB FUEL ECON	24/35/28 mpg
ENERGY CONS., CITY/HWY	140/96 kW-hrs/100 miles
CO2 EMISSIONS, COMB	0.69 lb/mile

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