
Occupying something of a middle ground between high-feature compact luxury sedans and the "default" European choices like the BMW 5-Series and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the Acura RLX finds itself with a wide range of rivals.
The Volvo S90 is certainly the segment's style choice, both inside and out.
Close behind is the more polarizing Cadillac CTS, which delivers more performance at the upper range.
Then there are the mid-size luxury heavyweights: The Lexus GS, the Mercedes E, and the BMW 5.
You can't go wrong with any of those three, as each offers a wide range of options, engines, and features.
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Quick Specs | |||||
If the Acura RLX's weak sales figures are anything to go by, its subtlety is lost on most consumers. |
The 2017 BMW 5-Series may do for tech sedans what turn-of-the-century 5-Series did for sport sedans. |
The 2017 Cadillac CTS-V impresses on all fronts, unseating BMW and Mercedes-Benz by offering the best combination of performance and day-to-day livability in the large luxury/sport sedan segment. |
The 2017 Lexus GS offers excellent handling, handsome looks, and a variety of powerplants, all at prices generally lower than its German competition. |
With the 2017 E-Class, Mercedes-Benz is pushing the boundaries of its autonomous driving technology, and backing it up with S-Class style. |
The 2017 Volvo S90 gets all the elegance and style of the brilliant new XC90 crossover, in a sedan package. |
MSRP From | |||||
$54,450 | $51,200 | $45,995 | $46,310 | $52,150 | $46,950 |
Gas Mileage | |||||
20 MPG City / 30 MPG Hwy | 15 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy | 14 MPG City / 30 MPG Hwy | 16 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 30 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy |
Engine | |||||
Premium Unleaded V-6 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Turbocharged Gas I4 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4 |
EPA Class | |||||
Midsize Cars | Midsize Cars | Mid-Size | Midsize Cars | Midsize Cars | Midsize Cars |
Style Name | |||||
Sedan w/Technology Pkg | 530i Sedan | 4-Door Sedan 2.0L Turbo RWD | GS Turbo RWD | E 300 Luxury RWD Sedan | T5 FWD Inscription |
Drivetrain | |||||
Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
Passenger Capacity | |||||
5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Passenger Doors | |||||
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | |||||
Sedan | Sedan | 4 Door Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan |
Transmission | |||||
Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD |
Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
2017 Acura RLX vs. 2017 BMW 5-Series | 2017 Acura RLX vs. 2017 Cadillac CTS | 2017 Acura RLX vs. 2017 Lexus GS | 2017 Acura RLX vs. 2017 Mercedes-Benz E Class | 2017 Acura RLX vs. 2017 Volvo S90 |