RL Sedan Balances Sport, Luxury

2009 Acura RL CMBS

model as tested $54,460

Test Drove 11/19/08 – 11/24/08
reviewed by Lori Hindman

Generally speaking, cars fit into categories. Sure, there’s some overlap, but usually a car fits into a proverbial box. Here at MotherProof.com, we like to think that a family car doesn’t have to fit into any box. Acura seems to be thinking along similar lines with its RL sedan. The new RL is a car that straddles the line between performance and luxury. No boxes allowed.

The Acura RL isn’t exactly all-new for 2009, but it’s mostly new. Acura didn’t really redesign the car. Instead, it tweaked just about everything inside and out to bring about a subtle, yet pervasive change. The engine is bigger and faster. The suspension and handling got sportier, especially with new paddle shifters on the steering wheel. The navigation system got the addition of real-time traffic and weather information. Somehow the styling of the RL got both bolder and more streamlined. I don’t know how they did that.

Driving the RL, it’s easy to forget how powerful the engine is, or how much technology goes into making everything easy for the driver. The RL comes with AWD standard, and it was upgraded this year. This isn’t the offroad vehicle kind of four-wheel drive; this four-wheel drive gets each tire independently working to propel the car forward, while making sure all the tires maintain traction in turns and slippery conditions. The ride is just stiff enough to provide a great feel of the road without turning speed bumps into a daily trial. Whether you’re making a U-turn or navigating a parking lot, turning is a breeze. This mama really enjoyed all the power and control, something I don’t feel very often.

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