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2016 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid: sports luxury and latest gadgets

Published 12:07 pm Thursday, October 22, 2015

For the person who wants it all: luxury, all the latest technological gadgets, plenty of power and room and an ecologically friendly car, the 2016 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD Advance is your ride.

This luxury sedan hits all the notes. And, it’s the only luxury sedan with a three-motor, torque-vectoring hybrid powertrain.

Powered by a direct-injected 3.5-liter, SOHC 24-valve V6 engine with variable cylinder management, the engine generates 377 horsepower. And thanks to its advanced hybrid technology, the RLX still manages to produce 32-miles-per-gallon fuel economy down the highway.

Coupled with Acura’s signature Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), the RLX provides a unique combination of exhilarating all-weather, any-road dynamic performance with exceptional acceleration and smooth, no nonsense handling.

All RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD models now include AcuraWatch, which helps to improve the driver’s situational awareness and, in certain circumstances, intervene to help avoid a collision or mitigate its severity. The AcuraWatch suite of available features includes:

  • Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow (LSF)
  • Collision Migitation Braking System (CMBS)
  • Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
  • Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
  • Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
  • Road Departure Mitigation (RDM)
  • Blind-Spot Information (BSI)
  • Multi-View Rear Camera with Dynamic Guidelines
  • Cross Traffic Monitor

This is accomplished with the fusion of camera and radar technology that senses the roadway and objects within it, including other vehicles and pedestrians. This technology alerts the driver of potential issues and, if necessary, intervenes to help keep the RLX from departing a lane, departing the road, or help to avoid or lessen the severity of a crash.

Basically, you can’t screw up even if you try.

This car also includes Surround-View Camera which provides a 360-degree image of the area around the vehicle. The surround-view camera system is designed to assist drivers during critical and precise maneuvers in snug parking situations. Using four separate cameras, views from behind, directly in front of, and both left and right sides of the vehicle can be displayed on the navigation screen and provide a bird’s-eye view of your surroundings.

Of course, there are plenty of creature comforts designed for nothing more than to spoil and pamper. Let’s see, there’s a premium audio system with 14 speakers, perforated and heated front and rear seats, navigation system with voice recognition and real-time traffic, rear door shades, remote engine start, and much more.

For a large car, the exterior still manages to be stylish. Highlights include 19-inch alloy wheels, power moon roof, and jewel-eye LED headlights.

RLX seats five adults in a state of bliss. The trunk, because it accommodates hybrid batteries, is not as large as one would expect, but still large enough to get the job done.

2016 ACURA RLX SPORT HYBRID

BASE PRICE: $65,950

AS TESTED: $66,870

Base price includes destination charge. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. Prices may vary at local dealerships.