2018 Acura RLX Boasts Big Price Cut for Top Hybrid
CARS.COM — The refreshed 2018 Acura RLX luxury sedan has gone on sale with a simplified lineup, new fuel economy ratings and a big price cut for the all-in top Sport Hybrid model.
Related: 2018 Acura RLX Preview
The 2018 gasoline RLX now is offered in just one model, with no additional packages, starting at $55,865, including a $965 destination charge. That’s up $450 from the 2017 starting price of $55,415.
The 2018 Sport Hybrid model also is offered in just one configuration, which now includes the Advance Package and starts at $62,865 with destination. That’s a big cut of $4,050 from the similarly equipped 2017 top model. However, you could get a cheaper 2017 Sport Hybrid, without the Advance Package, at $60,915 with destination.
The news, mechanically, is a new, more efficient 10-speed transmission for the gasoline-only model with the 310-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6. The new transmission and engine upgrades achieve an EPA rating of 20/29/23 mpg city/highway/combined on premium fuel, 1 mpg lower for the highway rating versus the outgoing model.
The hybrid system, a 3.5-liter V-6 and three electric motors with a seven-speed automatic and sport-oriented all-wheel drive, still puts out 377 combined horsepower, but the upgraded single model now is EPA-rated at 28/29/28 mpg on premium fuel, down 1 mpg on each number. Compare 2017 and 2018 EPA ratings here.
The most striking visual change in the 2018 RLX is the replacement of the Acura “beak” grille with the “diamond pentagon” grille insert also seen on the latest Acura TLX mid-size sedan. There also are new front and rear bumpers, a more sculpted hood and lighting changes. Tech upgrades include the addition of Traffic Jam Assist stop-and-go traffic capability to the AcuraWatch suite of driver aids and safety technology.
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