Breaking into the Luxury market isn't easy. Toyota has arguably had the most success with Lexus, the only fullline luxury marque sold in America that isn't German. Infiniti gave up on trying to go headtohead with the SClass and 7Series when they ditched the Q, and Cadillac has yet to have a complete and coherent strategy. Meanwhile Acura started off strong with the Legend, created a competent E/5 competitor with the allwheeldrive RL, and then things started to fall apart. Can the RLX bring the brand back?

Why do I bring up Germans in a review of a frontwheeldrive luxury sedan? Because some folks [not everyone mind you] at Acura and plenty of fan boys would like to think the brand runs with the big dogs. In truth Acura has always been a "nearluxury" brand because they lack a fullsize competitor to play in the SClass/7Series/A8 pool.

Competition

In order to look at the RLX through the right lens, we need to nail down the competition. Acura would like you to believe the frontwheeldrive RLX should be pitted against the rearwheeldrive BMW 528/535, Mercedes E350 and Lexus GS350. I think this comparison has a few problems. First, the RLX isn't as dynamic as a RWD sedan. Second, Acura's brand position is a problem. What say our readers? Should the brand matter in comparisons? Should this all be priced based? In my mind the RLX's drivetrain and the brand's nearluxury image put the Acura in direct competition with the Cadillac XTS, Lincoln MKS and Volvo S80. What about the FWD/AWD A6? Perhaps, but Audi's brand is a solid BMW/Mercedes competitor these days.
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