[tino]

So now that we've started seeing TLX's running around unclothed, I figured now would be as good a time as any to begin comparing the TLX to some of the other peripheral luxury vehicles. I decided to look at the TLX vs the Lincoln MKZ today.

Acura TLX

While specs are relatively sparse at this point there are a few pieces we can pick out of the TLX's Detroit debut. For one we know that the TLX will be offered with Acura 2.4 L i-VTEC I4 and their 3.5L Direct Injected V6. In the Accord the 2.4 four makes 185 hp so I expect the Acura to carry at least modest power bump, say 190 hp? The 3.5L Cracks out 273 hp in the RDX and 280 in the outgoing TL, so again figuring in a modest power bump for the TLX I think 290 ponies is a fair place to start.

We also know there is the choice of DCT or 9 speed gear boxes, although keep in mind that the DCT is only available with the 2.4L, FWD and PAWS equipped. The Nine Speed is standard with the 3.5L and the SH-AWD system will be optional with the V6.

Lincoln MKZ

The MKZ has polarized since day one with its styling, I for one am a big fan but thats neither here nor there. MKZ is available as three distinct machines, the Ecoboost 2.0L makes 240 hp and is available in FWD or AWD guise. The MKZ V6 comes with fords 3.7L Ti-VCT engine making an even 300 ponies also available in FWD or AWD. Lastly the MKZ Hybrid is available with a 2.0L Atkinson cycle engine, coupled with the hybrid system the MKZ H makes a total output of 181 hp, although only available in FWD.

The MKZ Ecoboost and V6 both come with 6 speed gearboxes with paddles, the Hybrid comes with a CVT. The MKZ and MKZ Hybrid both start at $36,190.

Without knowing the TLX's standard equipment or how exactly the interior is shaping up it is difficult to offer a definitive opinion. What I do find particularly interesting about the MKZ is that there is an interesting mix of Lincoln Loyalists and young buyers. Roughly every 3 MKZ's I see has a younger driver behind the wheel, I'm talking 20's-30's young. This has typically been Acuras domain, so it will be very interesting to watch how these two end up stackign against one another.

 

[5Gs]

not a huge fan of the MKZ design. not a huge fan of lincoln

 

[mr.smith]

not a huge fan of the MKZ design. not a huge fan of lincoln

What exactly don't you like about the deign of the MKZ?

I am a fan of the light bar at the rear of the vehicle. What I am not a fan of is the grille on the front, though I am also not crazy about Acura's so it ends up being a wash.

I take it that you like the TLX better?

 

[typeess]

The rear light bar is the only thing i can say I really like, aside from that theres not much

 

[hawkins]

I big on that rear three quarter look of mkz, unfortunately for the tlx weve already seen that look on ilxs for some time now

 

[typeess]

I big on that rear three quarter look of mkz, unfortunately for the tlx weve already seen that look on ilxs for some time now

Yeah lincoln improved on it's design, it's not bad for a new vehicle. I just hate the front end, meanwhile thats a part acura shines in

 

[5Gs]

i really do hope acura offers it in the red

i feel like a big part of the wow factor to the TLX is in part to the color

 

[typeess]

i really do hope acura offers it in the red

i feel like a big part of the wow factor to the TLX is in part to the color

I think a small part of it is in the colors they offer it in. It's more so in it's design. A lot of people were disappointed with the rest of their offerings and were hoping this would save the brand, so there was a bit of hype with that on it.

 

[5Gs]

well the TL was once their best selling car

so you can imagine why people have high hopes for a revision .

 

[typeess]

well the TL was once their best selling car

so you can imagine why people have high hopes for a revision .

Yeah that is true, it's only natural that people will really care about it having that sort of history

 

[5Gs]

plus Acura doesnt seem to be doing very well right now

they really need to make sure this TLX does well for them

 

[Esrever]

Yeah lincoln improved on it's design, it's not bad for a new vehicle. I just hate the front end, meanwhile thats a part acura shines in

YOu are a fan of the Acura beak? I've always thought that the Acura grille was the thing holding Acura design back. That and its ample use of chrome.

I am not in love with the Lincoln grille either though.

 

[5Gs]

I was never a fan of the previous Acura grill

the new TLX grill is OK.. But I still prefer not having an obnoxious grill in general.

 

[typeess]

Im not a fan of the acura beak, but i can live with it

 

[mr.smith]

It's not like the idea of the Acura grille is that bad, its just the way they do it on most of their vehicles. The Acura NSX still has the Acura grille, but it is done in a much more tasteful way. Maybe putting the emblem on the hood instead in the grille and making the grille more sleek would be good.

 

[typeess]

Good point. I wonder if any TL and RL owners have done this already and achieved a better look.

 

[hawkins]

It's not like the idea of the Acura grille is that bad, its just the way they do it on most of their vehicles. The Acura NSX still has the Acura grille, but it is done in a much more tasteful way. Maybe putting the emblem on the hood instead in the grille and making the grille more sleek would be good.

but NSX is still a concept, you watch how mangled that front end gets once regulations and crash testing have their way

 

[typeess]

Regulations is a good point. I just hope the designed this concept with regulations and giving a preview of the production model in mind!

 

[5Gs]

i still not entirely sure i like the rear diffuser thingy yet

 

[aravind]

It looks like a very conspicuously 'hidden' exhaust treatment! I do hope it looks better in person, and thankfully it doesn't seem to exist in the 'production version' (http://www.tlxforums.com/forum/new-2015-acura-tlx-pictures/593-production-acura-tlx-spied.html).