2008 Acura RL (Natl) 4dr Sedan
Trim Info:
All Wheel Drive, 4 Door Sedan, Mid-Size
16 mpg city / 24 mpg hwy
Other Trims
16 mpg city / 24 mpg hwy
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Expert Reviews
October 27, 2009 By Alison Lakin, Associate Editor
2008 Acura RL
As luxury cars, Acuras haven't truly found their place in the consumer market. After being overshadowed for years by names more synonymous with the premium class, the 2008 Acura RL seems to hold its own. While the ride may not be as dynamic as its competitors, the RL offers a smooth and uncomplicated drive. Unfussy lines emphasize the exterior, and the entire drive experience is bolstered by a lush and roomy interior. The Acura RL excels in drive quality and overall comfort – key features in a luxury car – and achieves equality among premium luxury competitors.
What's to Like
Both the interior and exterior styling of the RL exude high quality luxury. Butter leather interior seats feel premium, and Acura has made little touches to the trimmings that feel special. Standard all-wheel drive adds functionality to the car as well.
Both the interior and exterior styling of the RL exude high quality luxury. Butter leather interior seats feel premium, and Acura has made little touches to the trimmings that feel special. Standard all-wheel drive adds functionality to the car as well.
What's Not to Like
The huge overhead buttons for the interior lights are clunky and detract from the streamlined styling of the interior cabin. Although it has a trunk pass-through for skis, cleverly hidden in the rear armrest, fold down seats would have been a welcome addition to this AWD car.
The Drive:
DriverSide Driving Impressions
When your foot first hits the throttle, you know immediately that this is an easy car to drive. Smooth acceleration coupled with soft double-wishbone suspension results in a gentle drive – a dangerous thing when the speedometer needle jumps to a much higher number than anticipated. The performance, while luxurious in its comfort can be a bit disappointing when you floor it. The higher revs hardly conjure up the 290 horses under the hood, and a V-8 would really position the RL more prominently in its class. However, the handling, if a little light, is exact and even.
The huge overhead buttons for the interior lights are clunky and detract from the streamlined styling of the interior cabin. Although it has a trunk pass-through for skis, cleverly hidden in the rear armrest, fold down seats would have been a welcome addition to this AWD car.
The Drive:
DriverSide Driving Impressions
When your foot first hits the throttle, you know immediately that this is an easy car to drive. Smooth acceleration coupled with soft double-wishbone suspension results in a gentle drive – a dangerous thing when the speedometer needle jumps to a much higher number than anticipated. The performance, while luxurious in its comfort can be a bit disappointing when you floor it. The higher revs hardly conjure up the 290 horses under the hood, and a V-8 would really position the RL more prominently in its class. However, the handling, if a little light, is exact and even.
Engine and Drivetrain
The RL has a 3.5-liter VTEC V-6 engine, standard among cars of this caliber, and turns out 290 horsepower and 256 lb-ft of torque. The five-speed automatic Sequential SportShift, utilized via paddle shifters, is simple to use and adds an element of excitement to this large sedan. Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive System directs power to the wheels that need it the most, adding security to your already stable drive.
The RL has a 3.5-liter VTEC V-6 engine, standard among cars of this caliber, and turns out 290 horsepower and 256 lb-ft of torque. The five-speed automatic Sequential SportShift, utilized via paddle shifters, is simple to use and adds an element of excitement to this large sedan. Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive System directs power to the wheels that need it the most, adding security to your already stable drive.
Interesting Vehicle Features and Options
When the first RL came out, it didn't have any options – it was simply outfitted with the works. Now you'll be paying for those options, but they'll please the safety conscious or technology-inclined. Fun, standard goodies include a tire pressure monitoring system, heated seats, speed-sensing windshield wipers and that previously mentioned trunk pass-through for skis. For $3,780, you'll get the technology package, which includes navigation with real-time traffic and a rearview camera, among other trimmings. The Acura Navigation System is worth taking a look at because it's easy to master and incredibly responsive.
When the first RL came out, it didn't have any options – it was simply outfitted with the works. Now you'll be paying for those options, but they'll please the safety conscious or technology-inclined. Fun, standard goodies include a tire pressure monitoring system, heated seats, speed-sensing windshield wipers and that previously mentioned trunk pass-through for skis. For $3,780, you'll get the technology package, which includes navigation with real-time traffic and a rearview camera, among other trimmings. The Acura Navigation System is worth taking a look at because it's easy to master and incredibly responsive.
Key Technology Evaluation
The RL will satify even the most sensitive eardrums. Not only is there active noise cancellation technology, but the Bose 10-speaker system comes standard. The acronym heavy CMBS/PAX package, which includes the technology package, is $7,420 and outfits your wheels with run-flat technology and adds a radar supported Collision Mitigation Braking System to help reduce impact velocity in a potential accident.
The RL will satify even the most sensitive eardrums. Not only is there active noise cancellation technology, but the Bose 10-speaker system comes standard. The acronym heavy CMBS/PAX package, which includes the technology package, is $7,420 and outfits your wheels with run-flat technology and adds a radar supported Collision Mitigation Braking System to help reduce impact velocity in a potential accident.
Green Evaluation/Gas Mileage
While about even in terms of fuel consumption with others in the luxury class, the LEV-II RL's 16 mpg city and 24 mpg highway is not incredible. Naturally, the all-wheel drive contributes to these numbers, but in the days of environmental awareness, you would hope that carmakers could find a balance between performance and economy to produce something better than 16 mpg in the city – where the driver undoubtedly spends most of his time.
While about even in terms of fuel consumption with others in the luxury class, the LEV-II RL's 16 mpg city and 24 mpg highway is not incredible. Naturally, the all-wheel drive contributes to these numbers, but in the days of environmental awareness, you would hope that carmakers could find a balance between performance and economy to produce something better than 16 mpg in the city – where the driver undoubtedly spends most of his time.
A Closer Look: Vehicle Details
Interior
The RL's interior is where the car really shines. Little touches – like the power telescoping steering wheel and the keyless ignition -- enhance the sophisticated ambiance. Plush leather seats envelop the passengers and driver alike, and wood trim has been added judiciously.
Interior
The RL's interior is where the car really shines. Little touches – like the power telescoping steering wheel and the keyless ignition -- enhance the sophisticated ambiance. Plush leather seats envelop the passengers and driver alike, and wood trim has been added judiciously.
Exterior
Simple, classic, if a bit outdated, lines are what the RL is all about. Winking front headlights and wide-eyed rear ones demonstrate the minimalism of this Acura's styling. Some might say it leans to the side of bland, but for those who naysay, there is an optional body kit that dresses the car up a bit.
Simple, classic, if a bit outdated, lines are what the RL is all about. Winking front headlights and wide-eyed rear ones demonstrate the minimalism of this Acura's styling. Some might say it leans to the side of bland, but for those who naysay, there is an optional body kit that dresses the car up a bit.
Market Segment and Pricing
The RL is priced in the middle of the luxury class at $46,280. Higher priced competitors, such as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class might offer a few extra trimmings but none offer all-wheel drive on the base model. What you really get with its European rivals is a brand recognition that Acura just hasn't mastered yet.
The RL is priced in the middle of the luxury class at $46,280. Higher priced competitors, such as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class might offer a few extra trimmings but none offer all-wheel drive on the base model. What you really get with its European rivals is a brand recognition that Acura just hasn't mastered yet.
What We Think
Falling slightly short of premium car levels in terms of exterior styling and branding, the RL balances the differences out with a luxurious interior and lower price. Its standard all-wheel drive and smooth ride make this Acura a reasonably priced contender in its class.
Falling slightly short of premium car levels in terms of exterior styling and branding, the RL balances the differences out with a luxurious interior and lower price. Its standard all-wheel drive and smooth ride make this Acura a reasonably priced contender in its class.
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Other Resources
Acura Forums – Acura Forums Source: acuraforums.com
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