A turbo V-6 power plant and SH-AWD makes the TLX Type S a tremendous proposition, but there's a catch

Honda's luxury and performance arm, Acura, is well known for having created some truly legendary models over the years. You've got names like the iconic Acura NSX and Acura Integra that come to mind. The Type S badge too, goes back decades, and you can look back at cars like the old Acura TL Type S and the CL Type S.

Now, the Japanese automaker aims to build on that reputation of building high-performance models. Acura brought back the Type S moniker to its mid-size sedan when it introduced the redesigned TLX in 2021. So does the TLX Type S have what it takes to compete in the crowded premium/luxury four-door sports sedan segment?

Given that the Acura TLX Type S only debuted about two years ago in 2021, not much has changed. Now with the Type S, Acura has obviously carried out a few changes to transform the humble mid-size sedan to distinguish it from lesser TLXs in the model range. While the base model features a 2.0-liter engine, in the Type S, you'll find a 3.0 Liter twin-scroll turbo V-6 that puts out a whopping 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. Those are some pretty healthy figures and are fitting for something that wears a Type S badge, and 60 MPH comes up in just 4.5 seconds.

Acura has also deployed this same power plant to do duty in the recently launched MDX Type S. Power goes to the pavement via a highly efficient 10-Speed automatic transmission. You can choose from five available drive modes:

Acura notes that there are active exhaust valves within the inner tubes of the exhuast pipes, that stay open when you're in the Sport + Mode.

While the regular TLX comes in a front-wheel-drive configuration, the TLX Type S features the rear-biased Super-Handling All-wheel Drive system out of the box. Other noteworthy changes include Brembo front brake calipers and additional High-Performance Chassis Bracing which you'll find in the form of a prominent crossbar behind the rear seats.

RELATED: 2022 Acura TLX Type S

With its wide low slung stance, subtle line work, and fuss-free design, Acura has certainly nailed the exterior styling of the TLX Type S. The subtle changes that the Sport Appearance Exterior package brings has transformed the standard TLX, and it now shouts performance from a mile away. Starting up front, you get the Diamond Pentagon Grille with a gloss black surround, that is unique to the Type S. It's complemented by the standard Jewel Eye LED Headlights and Chicane style Daytime Running Lights. Acura has done a great job at trying to hide the radar sensor behind the logo.

The gloss black front splitter is functional and conveys aggression. On to the sides, you get some Type S badges on the fenders and along with the 20-inch multi-spoke wheels. In fact, that is a theme throughout the exterior and interior. There are enough Type S badges on the vehicle, to let everyone know that you got the high-performance model and not one of the lesser TLXs' from the lineup.

Onto the rear, and the aggressive theme carries over, with yet more Chicane-style elements in the taillights. The subtle gloss black trunk lid spoiler and the Quad exhausts are easy giveaways to signify that this is the Type S. For an even sportier look, Acura also offers a Carbon Fiber Decklid Spoiler ($1,046) and a Carbon Fiber Rear Diffuser ($1,301).

In an age of fake exhausts and soft limiters, the TLX Type S has done things right with a set of proper pipes sitting on either side of that aggressive diffuser. Given that this V-6 mill comes from the House of Honda, master engine makers renowned for putting together some of the best high-revving engines of all time, you can expect the sound to be quite good. As for exterior colors, you have a total of six shades shared with the standard TLX, but colors like the Tiger Eye Pearl seen here is exclusive to the TLX Type S.

Step inside and the TLX's cabin is a high-quality affair, which you'd expect from Honda's luxury arm. Some nice touches include the subtle use of the optional carbon fiber ($713) or wood trim ($509) and the 27-color ambient lighting spread across the cabin. However, the layout itself is pretty old-school, which can either be a good or bad thing, depending on who you are. Unlike pretty much the entire industry that's gone screen-crazy these days, Acura has stuck to good old buttons for the climate and radio controls.

Some people will appreciate this, but not having a touch screen altogether and having to resort to using a touchpad to control the 10.2-inch infotainment display, now that sure will end up as being frustrating. That same old-school theme continues onto the instrument cluster as well, because you get a set of analog gauges along with a tiny 7.0-inch driver display sitting between the clocks. Acura should have thrown in the Sport Steering with Heating ($485) as standard. Beyond these gripes though, the tech package is on par with the competition with features like:

Acura is particularly proud of its 17 Speakers ELS STUDIO 3D Premium Audio System setup that also includes four overhead speakers and thanks to the standard acoustic windshield, you'll be able to enjoy this system even more.

You can choose from three different interior color options including Ebony (black), Orchid (white), or a striking Red. As for seating, you get heated and ventilated front seats. The sports seats offer 16-Way Power Seats with Power Lumbar Support, Thigh Extension, and Side Bolster. They come with Perforated Milano premium leather and ultra suede with contrast stitching and piping.

Now although the TLX's exterior dimensions might convey it is a mid-sizer, the same doesn't translate to the rear seats as legroom at just 34.9 inches is pretty tight. The space on offer here is close to something you'd find in a compact sedan. Also, you don't get any charge ports in the rear. Finally, onto the cargo area and 13.5 cubic feet is decent. While the rear seats do fold down the chassis bracing does get in the way.

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The Acura TLX Type S starts at $53,700. Opt for the high-performance tires and pay $800 more, Acura will include 20-inch Shark Gray Lightweight Y-Spoke wheels with P255/35 R20 Pirelli P Zero Summer tires bringing the total to $54,500. The prices listed above exclude the $1,095 handling and destination charges.

Build your Acura TLX Type S here.

When it comes to safety and driver assistance features, even the standard TLX packs a lot of kit. Here's what's included on the Type S model.

The Acura TLX received the maximum five stars from the NHTSA and was the IIHS Top Safety Pick + for 2021 in the mid-size luxury car 4-door sedan category.

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 Here's How The 2021 Acura TLX Type-S Compares With Its Rivals

You will find it strange that the Acura TLX Type S has a lot of competition in this crossover crazy world. Given the number of models in this segment, there clearly appears to be a lot of demand for high-performance four-door sedans. From Europe, you've got cars like the Audi S4, the BMW M340i, the Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG, and the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio. From Asia, the TLX Type S takes on its compatriots in the form of the Lexus IS 500 F Sport and the INFINITI Q50 Red Sport 400. Then you've got the Korean pair in the form of the Kia Stinger, Genesis G70 3.3T. ​So clearly a lot of choices for buyers.

So what does the TLX Type S have going for it? Well if you're willing to look past the slightly old-school tech package and tight second row, this Acura sure does have a lot going for it. According to Doug DeMuro, who test drove the TLX Type S, although the V6 under the hood, packs quite a punch and the SH-AWD gives you mega grip, he noted that you shouldn't expect the TLX Type S to handle as well as a BMW or for that matter the Kia Stinger. So to sum it up, what the TLX Type S offers, is value, because, for the money, it packs a lot of standard equipment along with great performance and practicality.

But if you're looking for even more from the TLX, you should wait it out for the hand-built Type S PMC (Performance Manufacturing Center), coming later this year. It is a hand-built mid-size sedan put together by the same people who created the NSX.

Khris is a classic car aficionado and adores his Jags and Alfas, although he keeps tabs on everything from super exotics like an old EB 110 to the latest from Lucid. Formula One is very close to his heart, and he diligently makes time to tune in for the Grand Prix on Sundays. Khris also loves his road trips and he prefers a stick shift over an auto any day.