I was very surprised. My six-cylinder TLX with tech package is one of the smoothest cars I have ever owned. This is my third Acura ('05 RL, '12 TL with SH-AWD), and it is by far the best. I didn't need the SH-AWD in this vehicle, and I've really enjoyed the precision steering. I don't miss the SH-AWD at all (and my dad has the SH-AWD with advance package—also a great car but more than what I needed). The size is comfortable, the transmission is much smoother than the 2012 TL I owned, and the interior quality rivals any other Japanese luxury standard. If you are surprised that there is no gearshift or that the badge doesn't have three letters in it, well seriously—why are you surprised or disappointed? You should know what you are buying. You are buying a comfortable and engaging sedan with plenty of room and excellent mileage (around 27 mpg in a mixed traffic for me), and the rock-solid reliability that keeps me from considering German competitors. I didn't buy this car to impress anyone; I bought it for me—and it's been a great choice so far. Changing the selection from economy to sport to sport + is like changing cars. It's all there with tightened suspension and a completely different feel. I looked at Lexus, and I drove everything in the rental car fleet, but this car is on par with the smoothness and comfort of Lexus sedans (and I really appreciate the luxury feel in the TLX—much better than the jerky, muscle-car-wannabe transmission in the '12 TL). Yet this car manages to still inspire with engaging driving dynamics and all-around dimensions that add up to a perfect 'fit' for me. Don't expect this car to be another brand. Drive it for what it is: a whole lot of car for the money.

I traded in my 2008 528i for a 2015 TLX v6 with the tech package, after looking at BMW's and MB. I am really enjoying the TLX. It drives as well as the new (post 2012) 5 series -- which are less fun than my old 2008 -- and it holds my family and my 6'1" son better than the new C-class (which is an amazing car, just too small). However, when you compare the MSRP of the TLX against similarly equipped German cars, you easily save $20K or more. Yes, the TLX isn't perfect -- crisper handling would be nice, but overall, the value for money factor on this car is amazing. We'll send the kid to college for a year on what we saved and have fun driving him there to boot.