This just in – Acura buyers no longer have to purchase a $160,000 supercar in order to drive something attractive. After years of bland, weakly dressed-up Hondas, the redesigned 2021 Acura TLX looks, dare we say it?
Kinda sexy.
As you can see in the video above, the new 2021 TLX has a much more athletic stance and design. Instead of the 2020 and previous iterations, which we can only assume were intended to target the ‘boring normie’ market, this new version jumps a couple steps forward, targeting ‘normie-plus’ moms and dads.
Why am I being so hard on Acura and previous TLX designs? Because it doesn’t cost any more to stamp body parts that look good than it does to stamp ugly ones. You can’t claim to be a higher-end Honda if, well if what you’re building is no better looking than a Honda.
So to Acura and their new 2021 TLX we say thank you for stepping out of your comfort zone and giving us something to actually consider buying.
New 2021 TLX, Standard Model
The standard model will be powered by a turbocharged 2.0 liter 4 cylinder which puts out 272 hp and 280 ft-lb of torque. This is a significant step up from the current 2020 model which produces 206 hp from a 2.4 liter naturally aspirated 4 cylinder.
The new model uses a 10 speed automatic transmission, and will be offered in front wheel drive or with Acura’s SH-AWD (Super Handling All Wheel Drive).
The 2021 Acura TLX is expected to hit showroom floors in late 2020, although Covid-19 could cause delays.
Prices for the standard, base model are expected to come in around the $35,000 range, with well-equipped units surpassing $40,000.
2021 TLX Type S
What is more exciting is the new TLX Type S. This version of the model is expected to hit dealers in spring of 2021, with a 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6. Although numbers haven’t been confirmed, rumor has it that the Type S will come in at over 350 hp and 350 ft-lb of torque.
Rumor also has it that the Type S will not be available in front wheel drive, only in SH-AWD.
The Type S is expected to start in the $45,000 range, with well equipped units over $50,000.
Leasing the New Acura TLX or TLX Type S
Acura has been very aggressive about moving ‘old’ 2020 TLX’s. New offers will be made available on June 1, but for a bit of context, through May 31 Acura is offering a 36 month lease with $2499 total due, at just $299 per month. This deal is based on a 2020 TLX 8 Speed Dual-Clutch with an MSRP of $34,025.
Yes, this is a stripped, base model, but adding a few thousand dollars worth of options wouldn’t raise the monthly payment too significantly. If you are one of the few who likes the current TLX model, or someone simply looking for a reliable car to last many years, now is a great time to get one.
ILX lease deals start at $239/mo with $2799 total due at signing. This is a screaming hot deal.
Stay tuned for more information about both models of the 2021 Acura TLX as we get it.