2007 Acura RL

Downscaling the Flagship

A few features on the Acura RL sedan are now optional in order to achieve a lower starting price.

Totally redesigned for 2005 with added power, features and amenities, the RL is Acura's largest sedan. It only comes with all-wheel drive and a V6 engine, which means it struggles to match the performance and handling of competing (and more expensive) luxury sport sedans, such as the Audi A6, the BMW 5 Series and the Infiniti M, all of which have variants with potent V8 engines.

As a result, Acura RL sales have been sluggish, with buyers balking at having to pay what was nearly $50,000 for a six-cylinder sedan with a less-prestigious brand than, say, the Mercedes E-Class.

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Starting with the 2007 model year, Acura has deleted features from the base RL to cut the starting sticker price by about $3,500. The deleted features — navigation; Active Front Lighting system, which turns with the steering wheel; wood trim; plus a rearview camera, which wasn’t available before — are part of a Technology Package. The base version has a simulated wood treatment. All versions include an auxiliary audio jack for playing iPods and other portable devices through the Acura RL’s sound system.

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On top of the Technology Package, buyers can order the CMBS/PAX Package, an acronym that stands for Collision Mitigation Braking System and Michelin PAX run-flat tires. CMBS is integrated with adaptive cruise control, which maintains a set distance from traffic ahead. If the intervening distance diminishes beyond a certain limit, CMBS automatically alerts the driver, tightens up the seat belts and applies the brakes.

Run-flat tires allow the driver with a flat tire to keep driving at a reduced speed to reach a safe place to stop, and/or a dealership or service station where the tire can be replaced. The extra bells and whistles add $7,320 to the car’s price.

Acura RL Vehicle Summary

The Acura RL's V6 engine packs plenty of punch and is one of the most sophisticated, efficient and smooth six-cylinder engines available. However, this V6 can feel slower than more-expensive competing sedans with torquey V8 engines when accelerating from a standstill and overtaking vehicles on the highway.

A five-speed SportShift automatic transmission offers manual gear selection via a console-mounted shifter or steering-wheel-mounted paddles.

Purists feel rear-drive offers better handling, but the Acura RL comes only with AWD. To its credit, this so-called Super-Handling AWD system is highly sophisticated and can split power not only between front and rear wheels, as is typical, but from side to side, as well. A four-wheel independent suspension further helps the car deliver lively handling and a relatively smooth ride.

The Acura RL’s innovative gadgets include a premium Bose audio system with Active Noise Cancellation to help counteract road noise and vibrations. With the optional Technology Package, it also offers real-time traffic reporting for major U.S. cities. The system uses satellite radio, which carries a fee.

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Child-friendly safety measures include "anti-pinch" power windows and retractable rear sunshades.