2006 Acura RL - All wheel drive luxury sedan
by Jim Prueter - 05/06

New for ’06: Technology package with collision mitigation braking system, adaptive cruise control and run-flat tires.  

Since Acura debuted the RL for the 1996 model year, it has played the role of a Rodney Dangerfield. Among other model flagships like the Lexus LS, Infiniti Q and even Mercedes-Benz E320, the RL just doesn’t get any respect. Maybe it’s because it has never been offered with a V-8 engine, or even just because it’s a boring-looking big sedan. For those reasons and more, the name Acura just didn’t come up in conversations about full-size luxury-performance sedans.

All that changed when the RL was redesigned for 2005. Well almost. Without question the 2005 RL was a vast improvement, which isn’t saying much. But, the newest RL still doesn’t offer the requisite V-8 engine, relying instead on a V-6. But at least it’s a beefy V-6, pumping out an impressive 290 horsepower (ten less than the 2005 model due to changes in SAE testing procedures). Still, it’s 10 more horses than the Lexus LS430’s V-8 and the most powerful engine ever in an Acura. It can accelerate from zero  to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds. That’s quicker than a Mercedes E320 and on par with a BMW 530i.

The engine is connected to a five-speed Sequential SportShift automatic transmission that allows the driver to change gears manually by using the console-mounted shift lever or paddles mounted on the steering wheel. I simply left the shifter in D for drive and let the excellent transmission do its thing.

The RL is available in just one fully loaded model with a total vehicle price of $53,715, including destination and handling.

A new technology package includes three new features: a collision mitigation braking system, adaptive cruise control and Michelin PAX run-flat tires. A special radar unit mounted inside the grille detects imminent front collisions. Working with the adaptive cruise control system, it alerts the driver, pretensions the seatbelts and slams on the brakes, slowing or stopping the vehicle to avoid collisions.

I tested the system in a controlled exercise and was extremely impressed with the system’s ability to warn the driver and help avoid an accident, or at least reduce the severity of the impact.

Other than a choice of nine exterior and two interior colors, no options are available. A user-friendly navigation system and XM satellite radio come standard, as does just about every possible luxury and convenience amenity. When you compare it to the $57,220 base sticker price of the 2006 Lexus LS430, the RL is a bargain. Especially when you consider the RL includes GPS navigation system and standard all-wheel-drive. Those are an extra $6200 on the Lexus.

Speaking of all-wheel-drive, the RL is the only vehicle in its class that has it as standard equipment. The so-called SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive) system on the RL is perhaps the most impressive technical feature on the vehicle. The SH-AWD system distributes the optimum amount of torque not only between the front and rear wheels, but also laterally between the left and right rear wheels.

The SH-AWD is completely transparent to the driver, as it should be. It’s controlled by sensors and computers that constantly provide input to allocate power where needed. The net effect, in short, is that the RL feels precise, with incredible handling and stability on both dry and wet road surfaces. On snow and ice, it means little or no wheel spin when accelerating. RL is the first AWD sedan from Acura.

Outside, Acura stylists have again played it safe. While overall pleasing to the eye, the look is unmistakably Acura. Acura says the RL has a “wide, muscular stance.” Aluminum is used for the hood, front fenders, deck lid, subframe and suspension. It has a curvaceous, dramatically sloping front end with a rear that reminds me somewhat of the controversial BMW 7-Series, although not as dramatic. Taillamps are oversized multi-element and particularly handsome.

Inside, the cabin is elegant, sophisticated and luxuriously upscale, loaded with unlimited creature comforts. The dash is beautifully finished in real wood that isn’t overly glossy and is sculpted into an attractive curve along the instrument panel and into the sides of the front doors.

Heated (unfortunately for us Arizonans, not cooled) seats are finished in perforated, gathered leather that is well cushioned and exceptionally comfortable. The rear seat, while not as roomy as others in its class comes with a rear center armrest that folds down to allow access to the trunk or to carry long items.

The new RL is mind-bogglingly and overwhelmingly high-tech. Short of taking accredited college classes, you’ll be wise to spend a significant amount of one on one tutoring time at the Acura dealership to figure it all out.

It begins with a car key that isn’t a key, rather a fancy fob that locks and unlocks the doors and trunk without inserting anything in a lock. RL comes with a twist knob on the steering column that looks like a key to start the car, again as long as you have the fob in your purse or pocket. There isn’t a key to put in the ignition. When Acura delivered our test RL they gave us special instructions so we wouldn’t leave the ignition on and run the battery down.

But the key fob is easy compared to the aluminum joystick-based control system which, similar to the much-maligned BMW iDrive system operates the stereo, climate control, navigation, vehicle information and other systems, displayed on a screen just above the center stack. While ridiculously confusing, Acura thankfully added redundant buttons on the steering wheel and instrument panel for the most commonly used functions.

Want to change the speed of the air conditioning fan? You’ll first need to press a button near the joystick to bring up the climate control system on the screen, then work the joystick downward. Finally, twist the knob to set the desired speed and push enter. It’s the same process to change air direction or audio functions.

Those who can afford to purchase a luxury vehicle are generally looking to simplify their lives, not add complicated and frustrating hi-tech gizmos to it. That’s my two cents worth.

That aside, Acura may finally have vehicle that will contend on all levels in the upscale luxury sedan market — at a bargain price. RL has a long and impressive list of standard features. Navigation system? Included. XM satellite radio? Included. Power rear sunshade? Yes. Xenon headlamps? Yes and they swivel 20 degrees to help see around corners. All the safety features? Yes, and more including front, side and side curtain airbags, vehicle stability assist, ABS, ACE body structure and a theft deterrent system.

The RL earned the highest 5-star rating in all government crash tests including front- and side-impacts and rollovers.

Though the styling is a little understated, value is not. This is a terrific car that rivals everything in its class. And, maybe after spending more time behind the wheel, the complicated functions would get easier. The Acura RL is a winner.