2012 Acura TL: First Drive Page 2

By John Voelcker

John Voelcker

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2012 Acura TL

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We found the low-profile tires on the SH-AWD's largest 19-inch wheels to generate far more road roar than we would expect from a near-luxury car.

The standard 17-inch wheels and tires on the simpler front-wheel drive model were significantly quieter, making for a more peaceful ride.

Inside, we liked the richness of the saddle interior with a bronze exterior (the car in the photos), but the TL's high beltline and narrow window openings could make the all-black interior feel oppressive to some.

Befitting Acura's technology-forward image, there's no wood trim. Instead, brushed platinum trim is the default, and one model we drove had some panels of the dash trim printed with a pattern that resembled--but wasn't--carbon fiber.

Three trim levels

2012 Acura TL

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Heated leather seats with 10-way power adjustment and memory, a power moonroof, a 276-Watt audio system, Bluetooth hands-free linking, and a USB port with iPod interface are standard on even the base TL model.

The Technology Package adds a navigation system with live traffic and weather, a 440-Watt surround-sound audio system with 15 GB of music storage, keyless access, and premium perforated leather.

The Advance Package adds to that ventilated and cooled front seats, upgraded wheels and tires (to 18 inches for the TL, and 19 inches for the SH-AWD), and--new for 2012--a Blind-Spot Information System that warns drivers whenever a car in an adjacent lane enters the "blind spot" of the rear quarter.

Each of the three trim levels is available with front-wheel drive or the SH-AWD option.

Prices range from $35,605 for the base TL to $45,085 for the TL SH-AWD with Advance Package. All models also carry a mandatory $860 delivery fee.