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2011 Acura RL vs. Its Competition

2011 Acura RL 4-door Sedan Advance Pkg Angular Front Exterior View
Bengt Halvorson Bengt Halvorson Senior Editor

The 2011 Acura RL doesn't quite compete with the top tier of flagship sedans from BMW and Mercedes-Benz—mainly because it's neither as bold and stylish nor as dynamically satisfying.

It certainly is sportier than the Lexus ES 350, but in terms of driving enjoyment you might be better off in a Saab 9-5.

The Volvo S80 is roomier and brighter inside, with Scandinavian styling and lighter handling.

The Audi A6 will soon be redesigned and is expected to emerge even sportier and more sophisticated inside.

Meanwhile, you get more features for the money with the Lincoln MKS EcoBoost, and the there's a serious price chasm (of $10k or more) between the RL and a comparably equipped Hyundai Genesis or Volvo S80 T6.

Or for the same price, it's definitely worth keeping in mind that you could have slightly less well-equipped versions of the BMW 5-Series, Jaguar XF, or Mercedes-Benz E-Class—all of which either have more style and luxury cachet, more driving thrills, or both.

2011 Acura RL 4-door Sedan Advance Pkg Angular Front Exterior View2011 Acura RL
Browse Used Listings		2011 Audi A6 4-door Sedan 3.2L FrontTrak Premium Plus Angular Front Exterior View2011 Audi A6
Browse Used Listings		2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2-door 3.8L Auto Grand Touring w/Black Leather Angular Front Exterior2011 Hyundai Genesis
Browse Used Listings		2011 Lincoln MKS2011 Lincoln MKS
Browse Used Listings		2010 Volvo S80 4-door Sedan I6 FWD Angular Front Exterior View2011 Volvo S80
Browse Used Listings
Quick Specs
7.4
The 2011 Acura RL lives up to its flagship status in the Acura lineup with top-notch tech features and long-haul comfort, but charm comes up missing.
8.4
The 2011 Audi A6 is elegant and agile, although its cabin design is looking somewhat dated.
7.8
For road or track, the 2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe is one of the best performance values on the market.
8.8
The 2011 Lincoln MKS won’t win over the Town Car or the M5 crowd, but it’s blessed with smart performance, subdued good looks, and a roomy interior.
8.6
The 2011 Volvo S80 is safe and secure, fashion-forward, and just right for affluent families.
MSRP From    
$47,200$45,200$22,250$41,500$37,150
Gas Mileage    
17 MPG City / 24 MPG Hwy14 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy17 MPG City / 30 MPG Hwy16 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy18 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy
Engine    
Gas V6Gas V6Turbocharged Gas I4Gas V6Gas I6
EPA Class    
Mid-SizeMidsizeSubcompactLarge CarsMidsize
Style Name    
4-Door Sedan4-Door Sedan FrontTrak 3.2L Premium2-Door 2.0T Manual4-Door Sedan 3.7L FWD4-Door Sedan 3.2L FWD w/Moonroof
Drivetrain    
All Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveRear Wheel driveFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity    
55455
Passenger Doors    
N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
Body Style    
4 Door Sedan4 Door Sedan2 Door Coupe4 Door Sedan4 Door Sedan
Transmission    
Automatic w/ODContinuously Variable RatioManual w/ODAutomaticAutomatic,
Detailed Spec Comparison
 2011 Acura RL vs. 2011 Audi A62011 Acura RL vs. 2011 Hyundai Genesis2011 Acura RL vs. 2011 Lincoln MKS2011 Acura RL vs. 2011 Volvo S80