The 2025 Acura TLX Type S continues Acura’s legacy of blending precision performance with luxury and practicality. As the high-performance variant in the TLX lineup, the Type S is designed for drivers who want a little more engine heft (actually, a lot more) and sportier vibes. Let’s take a closer look
What Type of Car is the 2025 Acura TLX Type S?
The 2025 Acura TLX Type S is a luxury sports sedan, which means you get the refined driving experience the brand is famous for. But the S kicks up the performance aspect of the TLX model with significantly enhanced power and handling.
Where Does the TLX Type S Fit in the Lineup?
The Type S is at the top of the TLX trim options. Here’s a quick rundown of the TLX lineup:
- TLX Base – The entry-level trim with essential luxury features
- TLX Technology – Adds more advanced tech and comfort features
- TLX A-Spec – Sportier look and feel with enhancements
- TLX Type S – High-performance engine and more advanced performance features (we’re getting to those).
Engine Specifications
So, just how powerful is the 2025 Acura TLX Type S? Well, it’s powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine that produces a whopping 355 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura’s SH-AWD system to ensure excellent traction and handling (more on that in a minute).
Acceleration is swift, with a 0-60 mph time of approximately 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 156 mph. 355 hp, endless torque, 0-60 in under 5 seconds, all wrapped up in a luxury sedan that’s quiet as a mouse? This one’s for you, sneaky thrill-seekers.
What, Exactly, Is SH-AWD?
The Acura SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive) system is a sophisticated all-wheel-drive technology developed by Acura to enhance vehicle performance, handling, and stability, particularly in challenging road conditions. Here’s an overview of how it works:
- Dynamic Torque Distribution:
- The SH-AWD system actively distributes torque between the front and rear axles to improve handling and traction. Under normal conditions, the system primarily powers the front wheels, but when additional traction is needed, it sends torque to the rear wheels.
- The system can also redistribute power between the left and right rear wheels. This feature is particularly beneficial in improving cornering performance by applying more torque to the outside rear wheel, which helps pull the vehicle through turns.
- Improved Handling:
- By sending more torque to the rear wheels and even to the outer rear wheel during cornering, SH-AWD enhances the vehicle’s cornering stability and agility. This helps reduce understeer (when the car pushes wide in a turn) and gives the vehicle a more balanced, controlled feel.
- It’s especially beneficial during aggressive driving, ensuring that the vehicle handles more like a rear-wheel-drive car while still maintaining the stability and traction benefits of all-wheel drive.
- Enhanced Traction:
- The system enhances traction in low-grip conditions, such as wet, snowy, or icy roads. It automatically adjusts torque distribution to maintain optimal traction, making the vehicle more stable and predictable in such conditions.
- Sporty Driving Experience:
- SH-AWD helps maintain a sportier, more responsive driving experience by optimizing torque delivery. This is a key feature for performance-oriented models like the 2025 Acura TLX Type S..
Other Key Features of the 2025 Acura TLX Type S
That turbocharged engine aside and superior handling aside, the TLX Type S is packed with other features to enhance your driving experience:
Seating and Upholstery
The cabin features exclusive Milano leather-trimmed seats with Ultrasuede inserts, providing both support and luxury. These seats are 16-way power-adjustable with adjustable side bolsters. The Type S branding on the headrests adds a distinctive touch.
Dashboard and Controls
Designed with the driver in mind, the dashboard houses a prominent drive-mode selector to let you make quick adjustments to performance settings. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster presents customizable driving information, keeping essential data within the driver’s line of sight.
Technology and Connectivity
The 2025 Acura TLX Type S is equipped with a 10.2-inch HD touchscreen infotainment system, controlled via a touchpad interface. It supports wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. There is also an available 10.5-inch head-up display to project needed information onto the windshield so you never have to divert your attention from the road.
Performance Features
Highlighting its performance pedigree, the interior includes a flat-bottom steering wheel inspired by the NSX, to give it a sporty feel. Paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel provide manual control over gear changes for a more engaging drive.
Ambient Lighting
The Iconic Drive™ Ambient Cabin Lighting system offers 24 selectable themes, inspired by renowned racetracks and scenic drives. This feature allows drivers to personalize the cabin’s atmosphere to their preference.
AcuraWatch Safety Suite
Of course, your 2025 TLX Type S also comes with the standard AcuraWatch safety suite. This includes forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.
Is the 2025 TLX Type S a Reliable Car?
At close to $60,000 MSRP, we understand your concern about whether or not the 2025 Acura TLX type S is reliable. And there are no silly questions…but this is a Honda vehicle, remember? Honda is basically synonymous with “reliable.” If you’re a numbers person, how’s this: JD power gives rates its reliability at 79 percent, which is just shy of the “great” category (very hard to get). And it was given a 10/10 for safety by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Mic DROP.
What’s New in the 2025 Acura TLX Type S?
Compared to the 2024 model, the 2025 TLX Type S brings some exciting updates:
- Improved Performance:
While the powertrain remains largely unchanged, there have been refinements to the suspension and handling to improve the car’s ride and driving dynamics. - Updated Interior Tech:
The 2025 model introduces additional tech features, including an updated version of the AcuraLink system and a larger, more intuitive 10.2-inch infotainment screen with improved functionality. - New Paint Options:
The 2025 TLX Type S introduces a new set of exclusive colors, such as the Garnet Red, providing more personalization options. - Enhanced Standard Features:
Acura continues to refine the TLX Type S with standard features like the ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System and AcuraWatch, making it a more well-rounded package compared to previous years.
Where To Buy A 2025 Acura TLX Type S In Denver
We are expecting a restock of the Type S at our dealership in Denver, so stay tuned. These vehicles sell out fast, so get to our lot for a test drive. You can also try out that SH-AWD drivetrain on one of our other TLX trims while you wait for the Type S to arrive. Give us a call or go online to see what’s in stock!
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