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The Bottom Line:
The restyled 2009 Acura RL is polarizing at best. The new exterior doesn't garner enthusiastic applause, but the RL's interior is up to Acura's standards.
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the RL falls on its buck-toothed face
The overall effect is elegant, strong and serious-looking
well appointed, comfortable, and well crafted
A key part of the RL’s appeal – or so Acura hopes – is what Colliver describes as customer-relevant technology, technology that legitimately enhances the customer’s life.”
The large navigation screen provides the first clue to what that means. Acura has long had a reputation for providing one of the best mapping systems on the market, and as before, the navi includes a Zagat rating system that not only identifies roadside dining spots but helps you figure which ones will suit your taste.
The system now provides not only real-time traffic but automatic trip rerouting, in the event of a serious tie-up. And partnering with XM Satellie Radio, it also introduces the AcuraLink Weather system.
Other useful features include a back-up camera, active front lighting, heated and ventilated front seating, and a GPS-based digital climate control system.
Front, side, and head airbags, ABS, and traction and stability control are standard, while the top-line version of the RL adds such safety enhancements as radar-guided cruise control and Acura’s Collision Mitigation Braking, which is designed to spot and automatically react in the event of a potential collision.
The new RL is intended to reveal the new look that Acura will roll out on other future models, notably including updates of the TL and TSX sedans.
