PLUSES: Advance package and tech package included in the long list of goodies that are standard. Security of all season AWD. Styling, room and comfort. A 6-speed manual trans available for those who want one.
MINUSES: Tickling $50,000 after taxes. 6-speed manual trans mileage lower than for automatic.
Acura TL SH-AWD Advance. A mouthful of words and initials to rattle off.
TL means its Acura's midsize luxury sedan a step below the RL. SH stands for super handling, a tribute to the road gripping security all wheel drive delivers in harmony with the specially tuned handling suspension and steering system, plus stability and traction control systems.
Advance means Acura threw in a package of goodies that includes 19 inch all season radials on special alloy wheels, a blind spot alert that sets off warning lights if a vehicle on either side enters your no-see zone, and leather seats that either heat or cool you off, whichever you prefer based on whether sun is shining or snow is falling.
Once all the initials and words are translated, the TL simply represents a finely tuned machine that's been given added refinement for the 2012 model year, which for TL started in March after an intro at the Chicago Auto Show.
The refined TL sports new front and rear end styling plus body colored door handles. Sharp creases in door panels as well as front and rear bumpers give the Japanese sedan a little more luxury flair somewhat similar to South Korean rivals in the midsize sedan segment. The roof has a coupe-like slope to it, not severe, but low enough that you better bend the melon low when getting in or out of the rear cabin to avoid making contact.
The TL is powered by a 3.5 liter, 280 h.p. V-6 for the front drive version or a
3.7 liter, 305 h.p. V-6, in the SH-AWD version we tested. Both come with a new 6-speed sportshift automatic with paddle shifting that replaces the former 5-speed automatic in the car. The 6-speed automatic in the 3.5 helps raise mileage by 3 m.p.g. highway to 20/27 while with the 3.7 liter V-6 it helps boost fuel economy to 18 m.p.g. city/26 m.p.g. highway, a 1 m.p.g. improvement for both city and highway modes.
The SH-AWD TL also offers a 6-speed manual for performance enthusiasts who prefer shifting on their own. But the mileage rating slips to 17/25 with the manual.
The TL SH-AWD tested comes with 18 inch radials, but when the Advance package is added, the radials get an upgrade to 19 inch performance-tuned all seasons for optimum handling over snow or ice as well as dry roads.
The TL was whisper quiet, thanks both to added cabin insulation as well as the smoothness of the 3.7 liter V-6 that tends to purr, even when flexing its muscle to pass or merge or climb the interstate inclines ahead of the 18 wheelers. No need to either raise voice levels or radio sound levels to be heard over road noise or engine commotion in the quiet cabin.
Ample power to move ahead and very limber and agile in and out of corners, turns, or parking lot stalls. All wheel drive security made even better with stability and traction control to keep it moving in the direction pointed.
The TL holds 5 adults in comfort. There's plenty of trunk space as well for luggage, golf clubs, gear or groceries. The rear seat doesn't fold to extend cargo space into the cabin, but there is a ski pass through from trunk to cabin to carry the skis securely inside.
Technology improvements include upgrades to the Bluetooth hands-free phone with a new "active pairing" function for Bluetooth enabled cell phones, plus dial-by-number and dial-by-voice tags, faster connection speed for the USB port, and the audio system now sporting artist's name and song title on the dash screen.
Both the TL and TL SH-AWD offer a Technology Package which includes voice activated navigation system with real-time traffic and traffic rerouting, real-time weather, and 440-watt premium audio system. For 2012, the map coverage is larger and the monitor screen in the dash is noticeably brighter and easier to see.
New for 2012 is the Advance Package that incorporates all-new ventilated front seats that can be cooled or heated, a new blind spot warning system that alerts when another vehicle is detected alongside, plus the larger 19 inch wheels and tires.
A gripe, however, is that trunk lid and fuel tank lid opener buttons are located a bit out of reach along the driver's door, and would better serve if located on or along the bottom of the dash. And the power outlet and auxiliary plug in the compartment under the center arm rest are a bit awkward to reach and would be easier to use if in the center console.
The TL SH-AWD starts at $39,155. Equipped with the Technology Package it starts at $42,885 with automatic or manual transmission, and with the Technology and Advance packages, as on the test car, the starting price is $45,085.
2012 Acura TL SH-AWD Advance
Wheelbase: 109.3 inches
Length: 194 inches
Engine: 3.7 liter, 305 h.p., V-6.
Transmission: 6-speed automatic with paddle shifting.
Mileage: 18 m.p.g. city/26 m.p.g. highway.
Base price: $45,085.
Price as equipped: Add $860 freight.