Well folks, I did end up test driving the following:Woohoo! Take your time at the dealer!
TLX 2.4L - Tech
TLX 3.5 - AWD Tech
Some initial thoughts - I found the 3.5 AWD Tech was very powerful and engaging. You really felt engaged on the road. I did notice that when rpms went from 2-3, you definitely felt the gears shifting...now I am not sure if this by design - it did not feel rough but it was definitely noticeable. I am not sure what to think of this - it did make me feel more engaged on the road. I thought the drive felt really good too - like I was actually doing something on the road...not sure if that makes any sense (kind of hard to explain) In the 15-20 minutes I did not find any glaring issues. As silly as this sounds I liked the push button shifting
The 2.4L was very smooth - I did not find any shifting issues. Grant it I only test drove the car for approximately 20 mins.
The 2.4L seemed very practical. of course not as powerful - but still engaging and peppy. I did not find the handling as inspiring as the AWD - but that was to be expected. However, I found the 2.4L would do everything I needed as a DD. For me personally I feel the 3.5L AWD would just be extra gravy (again this is for me personally - no offense to anyone who has the 3.5L AWD) I am not sure if I need the extra power and extra performance handling. I actually don't speed often (I'm a cruise control type of guy) and usually follow the flow of traffic. I also drive into heavy traffic (That's life in the Greater Toronto Area) so I am not sure I'll get a chance to really use the power and handling of the 3.5L AWD.
The practical in me says all I need is the 2.4....but the 3.5 AWD is pulling me..and I can't understand why.....sigh....
So I have some decisions to make and I still have to convince the better half. I probably will go on a much longer test drive.
Thanks to everyone for their input and assistance.