A jack of all trades, the 2018 Acura TLX is so balanced it fades among more daring, extroverted rivals.

A mid-cycle update rather than a full-scale redesign, the 2018 Acura TLX hammers yet another nail in the coffin of Acura's hated shield grille. The new grille stretches more horizontally and sits higher on the front bumper. It looks lighter as a result, and gives the TLX a face that begs to be seen in person.

The rest of Acura's exterior changes are much subtler. A new bumper here, taillights there, and bigger tires headline the updates. The result of this work is neither conservative nor too flashy. Want flashy? Acura is happy to accommodate with the new TLX A-Spec.

In the same vein as Lexus' F-Sport line and BMW's M Sport packages, the A-Spec offers style upgrades designed to give the TLX a more sporty look. It works.

2018 Acura TLX A-Spec

2018 Acura TLX A-Spec

2018 Acura TLX A-Spec

2018 Acura TLX A-Spec

2018 Acura TLX A-Spec

2018 Acura TLX A-Spec

2018 Acura TLX A-Spec

2018 Acura TLX A-Spec

The TLX A-Spec's grille is matte black instead of gloss and wears a black chrome surround instead of a traditional chrome finish. The side sills and rear spoiler are more prominent and the 19-inch wheels look great.

Let's talk about the absurd exhaust outlets. Acura integrated the 4-inch pipes into the rear fascia and the result opens our drool valve. The A-Spec's rear bumper looks so good, I don't even care that the exhaust outlets aren't functional. Peek inside one and it's clear that the actual pipe never even touches these artillery-sized outlets.

The standard TLX's cabin is largely unchanged from the last time around. There's a reskinned infotainment system that now includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as ambient light piping along the sides of the center console and a new seat design on V-6 models.

The A-Spec treatment is just as dramatic inside. Black leather and Alcantara upholstery lend a subtle sporty whiff; another color scheme wears red leather with in-your-face confidence. Add a sport steering wheel, Alcantara door inserts, and new dash trim, and the TLX A-Spec's cabin turns up the sporty wick.

Beyond the interior and exterior changes, the TLX A-Spec promises only mild hardware improvements.

Wider tires and narrower sidewalls—245/40s on standard 19-inch wheels versus 225/50s on standard 18s—are supposed to improve grip and increase feedback through the steering wheel. Stiffer front and rear springs and firmer dampers can keep the restyled TLX's body more composed. Finally, a thicker, larger-diameter rear sway bar should give the TLX more neutral handling and quicker turn-in.

Words like "should" and "can" are on purpose; I just couldn't notice a difference between the two setups on the road. There may be some empirical difference in a controlled environment, like a test track, but i drove it on twisty roads outside Louisville, Kentucky. I'd fail a Pepsi Challenge between the TLX and TLX A-Spec. The detailed specs agree: the numbers are so incremental year-over-year that only accountants and ants will notice.

While I can't really spot a difference in the A-Spec's handling versus the standard model, the same is mostly true of its ride comfort. Acura's sporty TLX feels nearly as comfortable on freeways and surface streets as the standard model. I say “nearly” because going to a larger wheel and skinnier sidewalls will always impact ride comfort. There's a little more road noise, but it's far from a deal breaker.

2018 Acura TLX A-Spec

2018 Acura TLX A-Spec

2018 Acura TLX A-Spec

2018 Acura TLX A-Spec

2018 Acura TLX A-Spec

2018 Acura TLX A-Spec

So no, the sport-tuned suspension on the Acura TLX A-Spec isn't a huge departure from stock—which is almost certainly true of its rivals, too—and yet, this is still a fun vehicle to fling around. The Acura isn't as sharp as a 3-Series, A4, C-Class, or IS, but it's also more forgiving.

And will any of this matter to the folks that snap up the A-Spec? Not in the least. The thicker grips on the steering wheel, the slightly flat-bottom-like shape, and small bits of extra bolstering in the seat create an enjoyable impression of sportiness even if the actual performance doesn't stack up. The TLX A-Spec isn't much more dynamically capable than the standard model, but it does a better job of putting its driver in the mood for fun.

The A-Spec's upgraded Active Sound Control is a big part of that. ASC hushes up the engine noise in Econ or Normal driving mode and allows more noise into the cabin in Sport and Sport +. Best of all, ASC doesn't sound artificial, like the Lexus IS 350. The A-Spec's singing voice is a reward to the ears, with a rich, sonorous V-6 engine intake note that makes aggressive driving even more entertaining.

Yes, a V-6. The A-Spec is only available with the TLX's bigger, heavier, more powerful engine. My Motor Authority colleagues have raved about the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder in the more affordable TLX, but I don't mind the V-6 as much. Its 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque are accessible enough at low speeds and willing enough at higher speeds to make up for the extra heft and its effect on balance. And with the upgraded ASC, it sounds fantastic.

Likewise, there's been plenty of support for the base 8-speed dual-clutch transmission with almost as much derision reserved for the 9-speed automatic. Acura says it upgraded the ZF-built transmission for 2018, and it's better, to a point. The 9-speed feels responsive off the line, but there are too many gears to swipe through with the smallish, steering-wheel-mounted paddles to get the engine speed where I want it. Moreover, those shifts aren't super-fast.

2018 Acura TLX A-Spec

2018 Acura TLX A-Spec

2018 Acura TLX A-Spec

2018 Acura TLX A-Spec

2018 Acura TLX A-Spec

2018 Acura TLX A-Spec

Prices for the 2018 TLX start at $33,995 (including a mandatory $995 destination charge), but the cheapest A-Spec model starts at $43,795 for a front-wheel-drive example. Add $2,000 for an A-Spec with Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive. For that price, not only do you get all the A-Spec goodies, but the TLX A-Spec comes with a neat mix of equipment from the pricier Advance trim, which costs $950 more. That includes navigation with real-time traffic, a 10-speaker ELS stereo, heated front and rear seats, wireless phone charging, and LED foglights. You'll be missing out on the Advance's heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, or surround-view camera system, though. That's a lot of important equipment for a $950 savings and a negligibly sportier driving experience.

The TLX A-Spec doesn't feel more exciting than the standard car. While that's disappointing, the reality is that this new trim presents a fresh new style and exciting design elements without upsetting the balance that makes Acura's bread-and-butter sedan such a compelling alternative and all-around good choice in a competitive and progressive segment. If you want a relaxing luxury sedan that will stand out better among the hordes of Germans and Lexus' popular IS, the TLX A-Spec is a fine choice.