Acura’s RL sedan is new for 2009, adding a host of safety features and cutting edge safety technology to complement the flagship sedan’s more aggressive exterior look and improved creature comforts for driver and passengers. RL owners who opt for the top-of-the-line RL with the technology package plus Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), our test-drive, will feel plugged in to the world around them while driving a luxurious vehicle with high-level performance credibility. The new 3.7-liter V-6 engine, however, delivers only 10 more horsepower (300) than last year’s 3.5-liter engine. Torque goes from 256 to 271 ft-lbs. The RL is so much fun to drive, you wish it had a little more fire in the belly, possibly with a V-8 engine like several of its premium sedan competitors.

Behind the wheel, RL exhibits excellent road manners; using what Acura calls its Super Handling All-Wheel Drive which is designed to keep the car on an even keel through turns and skids. Straight ahead, 70% of available torque is at the front wheels and shifts to real wheels during acceleration but in a difficult cornering situation, 100% of the torque can be directed solely to the outer rear wheel, controlling oversteer. This year wheel size grew to 18-inches from 17 and improvements were made in the front double-wishbone and rear multi-link suspension system. The ride is silky smooth and church-like quiet. The CMBS lets you set the adaptive cruise control (three distance settings) and begins braking if the vehicle in front stops or slows down and the driver doesn’t apply the brakes. The dashboard begins beeping and flashing a red “Brake” sign. If the driver doesn’t brake at all, a collision may occur but at a much lesser speed. A five-speed automatic is the only transmission and steering-wheel paddles allow for amped up manual shift performance.

The RL also receives top federal safety ratings for frontal and side crashes and rollover resistance – only the fourth vehicle to get such a rating. Inside, plush describes the heated/cooled perforated leather seats, genuine wood trim, side and rear window sunshades, keyless entry, 10-speaker BOSE sound system with all the audio trimmings, ample front and rear leg and headroom and rear camera view in reverse gear. Real-time traffic information comes from the satellite radio on the 8-inch screen also used for the voice-activated navigation screen. Trunk space is somewhat squished.  The RL’s profile is understated elegance, with minimal chrome, sharply slanted windshield and high beltline.