2025 Acura TLX Type S Review // Should you buy over a German Sports Sedan?

2024 Acura TLX Type S Review: Breaking the German Formula

Let’s face it: German sports sedans are starting to feel like oatmeal. Sure, they’re perfect—creamy, consistent, maybe even topped with some fruit—but they’re also predictable. Enter the 2024 Acura TLX Type S: a spicy alternative that dares to stir the pot. With bold looks, exciting dynamics, and a price tag that doesn’t require a trust fund, this Acura might just convince you to skip the schnitzel.

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Driving, Handling, and Performance

Beneath its sculpted hood lies a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, cranking out 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. It’s not the most powerful in its class—that title belongs to the BMW M340i or Mercedes-AMG C43—but the TLX Type S packs enough punch to plaster a grin on your face.

Launch it from a standstill, and the TLX Type S hits 60 mph in around 5 seconds. The 10-speed automatic transmission is snappy and smooth when left to its own devices, but if you’re feeling sporty, you can use the paddle shifters… just know they’re not lightning-fast. And yes, there’s a bit of turbo lag, but honestly, that just adds some old-school charm to the driving experience.

The real star here is Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD)—or as I like to call it, "grip wizardry." Up to 70% of the power can go to the rear wheels, and from there, it shuffles left and right as needed. Throw it into a corner, and you feel like the car is being guided by an invisible hand, keeping everything tight and planted. It’s confidence-inspiring, and while you won’t get tail-happy antics like in a BMW, you also won’t be white-knuckling it around slippery turns.

Steering is another high point. In Sport Plus mode, it’s perfectly weighted—not too heavy, not too light—with a quick ratio that makes the TLX feel agile despite its hefty 4,200-pound curb weight. Brembo brakes come standard and bring the car to a halt with authority, though they can feel a touch sensitive at first.

Fuel economy? Let’s just say the TLX Type S cares more about smiles per gallon than miles per gallon. At 21 mpg combined, it’s not exactly a Prius, but hey, that’s the price you pay for fun.

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Exterior Styling

If the Germans are sleek business suits, the TLX Type S is a leather jacket. It’s bold, it’s aggressive, and it’s got just enough attitude to turn heads. The long, low stance paired with sharp lines and muscular proportions gives the TLX a sporty, commanding presence.

The 2024 refresh adds a more subtle touch with the radar sensor now neatly embedded into the Acura badge. No more clunky glass panel ruining the front-end vibes. Urban Gray Pearl paint, 20-inch wheels, quad exhaust tips, and tasteful Type S badging complete the look. In a world of understated Audis and cookie-cutter BMWs, the TLX Type S stands out like a mic drop at a board meeting.

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Interior, Tech, and Features

Step inside, and the TLX Type S welcomes you with a cabin that feels premium and sporty—though it’s not without quirks. The seats? Fantastic. They’re heated, ventilated, and supportive enough to hold you tight through spirited drives. The sound system? Also fantastic. Acura’s ELS Studio audio setup delivers crisp highs and punchy bass, easily rivaling the Germans in this department.

Now for the tech. The 12.3-inch infotainment screen is sharp and vibrant, but it’s not a touchscreen. Instead, you get Acura’s infamous trackpad system. It’s better than it used to be (thanks to position-based controls), but navigating Apple CarPlay or Android Auto can still feel like a workout for your fingers. On the bright side, the digital gauge cluster is a home run—fully customizable, easy to read, and packed with useful info.

Practicality takes a hit in the rear seats, where space is tight. If you’re hauling taller passengers, expect some complaints about legroom. The trunk offers 14 cubic feet of space, but a bulky strut bar eats into the usability. At least you get a tire compressor instead of a spare… because *that’s* reassuring.

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Conclusion, Pricing, and Competitors

The 2024 Acura TLX Type S is a delightful curveball in the sports sedan segment. Priced at $58,000 USD (or $64,000 CAD), it’s a bargain compared to its German rivals—and it doesn’t skimp on performance or style.

How does it stack up against the competition?

BMW M340i: A benchmark for a reason. It’s sharper, quicker, and offers rear-wheel-drive fun, but it’s also more expensive.

Audi S4: Sophisticated and all-wheel-drive-equipped, the S4 matches the TLX in capability but can feel a bit too clinical.

Mercedes-AMG C43: Fast and flashy, but it starts north of $60,000 USD and climbs rapidly with options.

Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce: Italian flair and razor-sharp handling, but questionable reliability and limited dealer support hold it back.

The TLX Type S doesn’t just offer an alternative to these rivals—it offers personality. It’s for the driver who wants to carve corners without blending into a sea of silver 3 Series at the office parking lot.

Sure, it has its flaws. The infotainment system could use an overhaul, and rear-seat space isn’t exactly generous. But those are minor trade-offs for a car that’s this engaging, stylish, and—dare I say it—fun.

So, should you trade your schnitzel for sushi? If you’re ready for a sports sedan that dares to be different, the Acura TLX Type S might just be your perfect match.