2018 ACURA RLX | JH4KC1F52JC000167
❯2018 ACURA RLX | JH4KC1F52JC000167
United States
Lot details
Vehicle details
Vehicle specifications
2
~$60,000
Engine: 3.5L V6 + three electric motors
Torque: 462 Nm
0–100 km/h: ~5.2 s
The RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD transforms Acura’s flagship into a surprisingly dynamic luxury sedan. Its 3.5-liter V6 pairs with three electric motors—one integrated into the transmission and two driving the rear wheels independently—delivering immediate torque and a total system output of 377 hp. The result is smooth, uninterrupted acceleration with confident pull, especially when launching from a standstill or overtaking at highway speeds.
The dual-axle torque vectoring system enables each rear wheel to receive individual power inputs, creating rotation during cornering that enhances agility and corner exit stability. The handling feels more rear-biased and athletic than its front-wheel-drive layout would suggest. Combined with a firm yet compliant suspension setup and precise steering, the RLX Sport Hybrid offers a composed, surefooted drive that bridges the gap between grand touring comfort and refined sportiness.
Despite its subtle exterior and emphasis on comfort, the RLX's hybrid system delivers real performance under the surface. It's a luxury cruiser with hidden athleticism, capable of delivering an engaging experience while maintaining near-total silence and composure—particularly impressive in stop-and-go traffic or rapid highway transitions.
Body Styles
The Acura RLX is a full-size executive sedan with a classic three-box silhouette and refined proportions. The long hood and short front overhangs provide a rear-wheel-drive-like stance, despite its front-biased platform. Its 2,850 mm wheelbase allows for generous rear-seat legroom, while the low beltline and wide rear track contribute to a planted visual stance. The Jewel Eye LED headlights give the front a sophisticated, multi-faceted look, while the rear is accentuated by chrome detailing and integrated trapezoidal exhaust outlets. The overall shape emphasizes executive elegance over flamboyance, focusing on subtle surfacing and proportion-driven design.
Model Name Meaning (Manufacturer)
The "RLX" name continues the tradition of Acura’s RL (Refined Luxury) series, where the “X” implies a new generation or technological leap. The model represents the pinnacle of Acura's luxury and engineering focus, integrating high-end materials with advanced hybrid and torque vectoring technologies in a single flagship product.
Body & Interior Colors and Rims
The RLX’s exterior palette leaned toward understated sophistication, with core offerings including Crystal Black Pearl, Fathom Blue Pearl, and Modern Steel Metallic. Premium finishes like Gilded Pewter Metallic and Brilliant Red Metallic added a layer of richness and reflected light differently depending on viewing angle. Subtle chrome touches around the windows and door handles elevated the luxury image without ostentation.
Inside, the RLX presented a plush and serene environment. Color options included Ebony, Seacoast, and Graystone leather, with contrasting piping and stitching on higher trims. The dashboard and door cards featured real wood veneer or brushed aluminum depending on configuration, and the ambient lighting highlighted the cabin’s sculpted surfaces at night. The seats were wide, deeply contoured, and ventilated, with 16-way power adjustment for the driver and rear seat heating on Advance models.
Wheels ranged from 19-inch multi-spoke alloys on the base model to polished 20-inch split five-spoke designs on the Advance Package. The wheels were finished in dark machine-cut or bright aluminum tones, visually anchoring the car while contributing to its poised ride quality and planted stance.
Top Expensive Options
- Advance Package (Surround-View Camera, Rear Sunshades, Krell Audio): $5,000
- Krell Premium Audio System (14-speaker): $2,500
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow: $1,000
- Milano Premium Leather with Contrast Stitching: $1,200
- Heated and Ventilated Front Seats: $800
- Head-Up Display with Color Projection: $1,100
- Trunk Cargo Net and Organizer Package: $350
- Rear Door Manual Sunshades: $400
- LED Fog Lights with Chrome Trim: $300
- 20-Inch Diamond-Cut Alloy Wheels: $1,200
vs Competitors
The Acura RLX aimed to compete with established European executive sedans like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5 Series, and Audi A6. Where it stood apart was in value and technology. The RLX Sport Hybrid offered torque vectoring and a unique all-wheel-drive hybrid system that outpaced many rivals in innovation, yet did so at a lower price point and with greater long-term reliability. While it lacked the brand cachet of its German counterparts, it compensated with a serene ride, advanced active safety systems, and a reputation for longevity. Compared to Lexus GS, the RLX offered more advanced drivetrain technology and better efficiency, though it fell behind in interior ambiance and badge prestige.
Fun Fact
The RLX Sport Hybrid shares core drivetrain architecture with the NSX supercar—specifically, its three-motor hybrid layout. This makes it one of the only executive sedans ever sold with a drivetrain derived directly from a hybrid sports car, delivering performance-enhancing technology normally reserved for much more exotic vehicles.