2008 Acura RL

Downscaling the Flagship

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

The RL is Acura's largest sedan, but only by a small margin —  the midsize TL is almost the same size. It hasn't sold well, but remains a satisfying and reliable vehicle. A mild redesign will come for 2009.

The Acura RL 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, BMW 5 Series, and Infiniti M, all of which have variants with potent V8 engines.

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Starting with the 2007 model year, Acura deleted features from the base RL to cut the starting price by about $3,500. The deleted features — navigation; Active Front Lighting system, which turns the headlights with the steering wheel; and wood trim — are part of a Technology Package which also includes a rear-view camera to help with parking. 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.

• See Acura RL specs

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.

They're not foolproof, though. Be aware that some blowouts can completely compromise the tires, just like any other. All of these 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 may feel that rear-wheel drive offers better handling, but the Acura RL comes only with all-wheel drive. 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.

One major complaint about the Acura RL is that despite being classified as a full-size vehicle, its interior feels cramped. The rear seat and trunk space in particular seem too confining for a flagship luxury car.

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.