[Nikolas]

But I still do prefer and love my bimmer.

[danniexi]

da fuck is "ultra-smart AWD?"

[Rodrigo]

Originally Posted by Nikolas

I know it is ugly, but I will bet my XI that it won't have a failed fuel pump, software updates 3 times a year, ipod integration that suddenly changes to the radio, wastegates ticking etc.

My wife has an MDX and that car in 100,000 miles has had nothing required for maintenance except for a new set of shocks and brakes at 90,000 miles.

SHAWD is an awesome concept that even BMW engineers are employing into the new X drive on the X6. One of the past BMW magazines even sited that acura's system was currently the most advanced.

So while it is ugly, I'll bet it is a great performer and one that will be infinately more reliable than our beloved BMW's.

All makes have problems. My E93 hasn't been perfect but the issues that have arisen have all been minor. Ask owners of TLs and CLs just how reliable they think Acuras are and you might be surprised. I had my 2001 CL-S for approximately 110K miles and during that time needed a new transmission put in under warranty 5 different times and the rotors were continually getting warped and replaced under warranty until I finally decided to go with aftermarket rotors and pads. I know my transmission was about to go again when I sold the CL-S.

After that experience I was reluctant to get another first year model, but the E92/3 was just too tempting to resist. Luckily, I haven't had the dreaded fuel pump issue or top issues (knock on wood), but many on this forum have and I feel for them because my CL pissed me off everytime I had to take it in for the same crap. Especially the one time I was on a road trip and had the tranny fail on me exactly half way to my destination.

[Kbueno]

Hahhaha..the BMW's steering feels indirect? Are they on crack?

May have to change my sig after this one. WTF.

[runnerx]

came from Acura, and will never go back... If I want a Honda, I will get a Honda.

[mistermojorizin]

Originally Posted by Stronie's BMW

We are obviously bias but.....come on edmunds.....I'll wait for a real comparison not one sponsored by Honda.

"3rd Place: The BMW 335i maintains its composure even when driven extremely hard, yet it feels surprisingly slow and out of place compared to the TL and S4. Of course, putting power down with just the rear wheels means the front wheels almost needed to be straight before the throttle could go all the way to the floor. The throttle response from its twin-turbo 300-hp inline-6 is only happy and snappy in the upper rpm range, and the steering feels indirect and slow in comparison. Great brakes, but this wasn't enough to make up the 2.7-second gap to the TL. It's just too slow to react."

i hope bmw realizes they are describing 29.2 lag. when i first got the car i thought it was poor throttle response, now we know its the new turbo lag

[ubern00b]

the new grill on the TL makes it look like a big, ugly bird.

[openwheelracing]

Acura makes very nice cars. Top quality engineering. This TL is imho quite ugly though. I don't think it'll ever grow on me either.

With that said, it's a silky and powerful V6 and excellent AWD system. A winner imho, but I still prefer E90.

[crazyeyeskilla]

Originally Posted by quest556

That TL could have the speed and handling of a cruise missle but would never grace my driveway, i's just tooooo freaking ugly.

+10

[dmz]

That smilling grill reminds me of the characters in the the movie CARS. The new TL look just the same as the new Nissan Maxima. Big, fat bloated looking body with no character. I like the currect TL body design better. At least it looks more unique. I do however agree that the SH AWD drivetrain is pretty awesome.

[Xiaofeng]

If you ask me, I hope Edmunds touts the bloody hell out of this article. It'll give all the new car shoppers something to think about, maybe keep a few more 3ers off the streets, and let BMW create something even better.

Nero and BK are spot on: competition breeds advancements. Without competition, the 3er as we know it would not exist. As advancements are made in the market, it will trickle across to other competitors. Honda's SH-AWD is a good concept and an impressive piece of technology, so much so that BMW's newest iteration of xDrive (beginning with the X6) will feature their own version of torque distribution between the left and right rear wheels.

However, instead of using a T-shaped clutch pack feeding power from a transversely mounted engine (which consequently defaults more power to the front wheels rather than the back) and only allowing up to 70% power to each axle, BMW with its new "Dynamic Performance Control" will try to one-up Honda by incorporating an active rear clutch pack with their infinitely variable xDrive, which can distribute 100% power to either axle and theoretically allows up to 100% of the power to be sent to a single wheel in extreme cases.

All in all, cars (and articles) such as this force other players in the market to continue advancing, 'lest they be left behind by the winds of change. If Honda can build a better car than the 3er, I say more power to them! Build the car, dethrone the King, and let the King come back with an even bigger army of technology, innovation, and driving dynamics!



Oh, by the way, the new TL is ugly as all hell, and I will happily tote around in my poor, 4th place 335xi.

[BMWDAD]

Remember the Edmunds review of the 2009 Acura SH awd auto, stated it was a luxury car. Only the 2010 Acura Sh awd 6mt with different chassis set up got this review. It will be interesting to see how the ride/drive characteristics are. No run flats either! My 2008 335i coupe has not be bought in for service yet........ I am now officially worried about updates.

[Bimmeration]

Originally Posted by runnerx

came from Acura, and will never go back... If I want a Honda, I will get a Honda.

seriously... +1000

[shaddai]

Originally Posted by mistermojorizin

i hope bmw realizes they are describing 29.2 lag. when i first got the car i thought it was poor throttle response, now we know its the new turbo lag

+1 million

Poor throttle response (especially in low RPM) == turbo lag. BMW pay attention - your competition is on to you. They're making fun of you.

Cover the TL in a paper bag and it might have a chance.

[stressdoc]

Silly stuff. The steering comments are especially telling. No way any of the AWD cars have superior steering feel to the 335i.

But yeah, maybe BMW will get inspired to release a ZHP/M-sport version, to put better rfts on, and to improve the Progman.

[Seminole]

The TL could have a feature that massages my balls for me while I drive and I still wouldn't buy that ugly excuse for a car. It could corner so well I could rip my face off and I still wouldn't buy it either. Seriously, that is one ugly car.

[Kilgore Trout]

Steering feel is, IMO, the achillies heel of the new generation of Acuras. The new TSX is positively numb. I've yet to drive the new TL but it has basically the same system. From what C & D and other sources have said, its not a lot better.

I've been driving Acura/Honda sedans for 20 years - so I'm a fan. Would have gone for one again this time if they had anything I liked, in fact. But, trying to argue that steering feeling is a strength is just plain silly.

[Crazy Bimmer]

The TL in the article has some Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires, thats some sticky tires for this segment!


Here is C&D review and we all know how biased they are towards BMW. Yet even they praise the TL.
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...t_drive_review

[fragadellic]

Originally Posted by Raja Ventureshield

THE acura is Ugggggggggggggggggggggly.
i love honda/acura products but this one is really really uglyyyyyyyyyyyyy.
doesn't matter what it can do, but would be embrassed to take it out of the garage.

Jesus, you're not kidding. That car fell out of the ugly tree and hit every branch on the way down. The old TL was pretty good looking, but they've gone completely off the deep end with that metal on the front end.

Now the Ridgeline has some competition as the ugliest Honda vehicle...

[Kilgore Trout]

Originally Posted by Crazy Bimmer

The TL in the article has some Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires, thats some sticky tires for this segment!


Here is C&D review and we all know how biased they are towards BMW. Yet even they praise the TL.
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...t_drive_review

Not so positive:

"It looks like the giant shovel that hit the front end was left where the grille should be."

"TL’s electric power steering is notable for its distinct lack of communication with the driver."

"The standard attributes and deficiencies of the TL are still here—plenty of technology and a good interior, but questionable styling, numb steering, and button overload"

Its also worth pointing out that C & D tends to love Acura as much as BMW . My beloved TSX was a 10 best car for two consecutive years and the Accord has been on that list for a bazillion years (along with the 3-series).

[BK]

One thing I saw in the C&D article that I didn't notice in Edmunds is confirmation that (1) the TL AWD comes with 19-inch Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 standard and (2) all cars tested were equipped with the sport package -- meaning, the BMWs were wearing the wider tires. I thought maybe the test was unbalanced with non-ZSP Bimmers or by non-OEM tires on the TL, but apparently not. An impressive debut for the TL.

EDIT - also see the BMWs had Active Steering, which may be a minus for BMW. Hmmm...

[Xiaofeng]

Originally Posted by Crazy Bimmer

The TL in the article has some Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires, thats some sticky tires for this segment!


Here is C&D review and we all know how biased they are towards BMW. Yet even they praise the TL.
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...t_drive_review

Thanks for the link, Crazy Bimmer. The C&D article confirms that the BMWs were equiped with Active Steering, which of course would take away a bit of the steering feel from the 335i. Edmunds neglected to mention that minor detail. However, to say the BMW had poor steering feel compared to the traditionally numb Acuras is borderline absurd.

All in all though, it gives more reason for BMW to up their game again.