Acura TLX Type S

A long time ago, Acura previewed the return of the Type S marque with the Type S Concept at the 2019 Monterey Car Week, which spawned the second-generation TLX. Although the new TLX matches the look and feel of the Type S Concept, it wasn't really a Type S at all, until now.

2022 Acura TLX Type S

With the arrival of the first-ever TLX Type S, which is priced less than 55 grand, the dream of the Type S Concept sprawling to life has become a living thing, delighting speedo boys with its sports-tuned dynamics, SH-AWD, and a turbocharged 3.0L V6 engine that sounds like music to their ears.

To differentiate itself from the normal TLX, the Type S features sporty styling, proper quad exhausts pumping at the back rather than rear bumpers donning faux exhausts, a carbon fiber dashboard, and Ultrasuede-trimmed seats, among many others. With such treatments, you can be sure that this is the TLX you're looking for.

The turbocharged 3.0L V6 engine that powers the TLX Type S is as roaring as a modified Honda Civic blitzing through the Osaka Kanjo at midnight. It produces 355HP of power, which is more than the Audi S4. Mated to a 10-speed automatic gearbox, it does 0-60mph in around five seconds, which is slower than the S4, while the top speed is electronically limited to 155mph. Apart from that, the engine comes with a VCM that shuts off half of the cylinders to save fuel.

Apart from its sport-tuned dynamics, Adaptive Damper System, and large Brembo front brake calipers that made the TLX Type S a breathable sports saloon on the road and track, it even comes with a rear-biased SH-AWD system that lets you have fun no matter the road conditions you're on. Of course, you may experience slight understeer on the bends but when you get it right, the TLX Type S really is a fun-to-drive sports saloon that is near S4 levels of excitement.

With performance and dynamics that made the TLX Type S the antithesis to the Audi S4, this sports sedan will put the whole world on notice, and judging by the way drivers feel, they're getting jealous, wishing they want to drive Acura's ideal alternative to the Audi S4.

The return of the Type S marque on the first-ever TLX Type S is worth celebrating and this is Acura at its best.

Photo: American Honda Motor Co., Inc.