While the next chapter of the TLX story hasn’t been revealed yet, we took a crystal ball look at what it might look like
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- Aiming for an all-electric future by 2040, Acura plans to launch two more electric vehicles alongside the ZDX in the next two years.
- The TLX 2027 represents a significant step in this direction and is expected to arrive in late 2026.
- The electric TLX is expected to occupy the same market segment as the current gasoline-powered model.
Honda’s premium division Acura is undergoing a significant shift towards electric mobility with the aim of becoming an all-electric brand by 2040. The first product offering in this transition is the ZDX electric crossover, recently developed with General Motors and sold in North America.
Not much else has been announced beyond that, but we have an idea of what the brand is planning for the next few years. This includes the introduction of an electric compact crossover based on Honda’s in-house developed e:Architecture, which is scheduled to launch in 2025, possibly with the RDX badge. Additionally, there are plans for an all-electric luxury sedan that is expected to replace the TLX.
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Inspired by recent patent images of a soft-shell sedan that won’t go into production because it was an internal concept that never came to fruition, we created an illustration to introduce the future of electric Acura sedans in TLX guise .
Powerful proportions
Our design study features a confident stance that nods to Acura’s electron-powered performance capabilities and latest design language inspired by luxury Italian motorboats. It features a wide, athletic stance, an expressive silhouette and sharp character lines, all in an eye-catching matte finish.
The front fascia features theatrical lighting, including a dramatic evolution of Acura’s Diamond Pentagon grille with innovative “Particle Glitch” lighting and Chicane daytime running lights. Additional design elements such as frameless windows, pronounced coves, deeply corrugated sheet metal, three-dimensional LED taillights and a large rear diffuser underline its dynamic charisma.
It’s difficult to determine the positioning (and dimensions) of the future electric TLX without seeing actual prototypes, but it’s possible that Acura will follow the same path as the current model and straddle the line between compact and midsize luxury sedans emotional. This would result in more interior space than rivals like the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series, but less than their larger A6 and 5 Series models.
Luxury Smarts
Inside, we’re imagining an electrified TLX replacement designed for performance and luxury. It would offer a low driving position in a cabin that comfortably accommodates five passengers. The dashboard features racing-style digital instruments supported by red ambient and pipe lighting, creating an energetic atmosphere.
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Acura’s next-generation HMI could feature transparent micro-LED technology with a curved display supported by haptic feedback. We also expect Google integration, wireless smartphone connectivity and an augmented reality head-up display to improve driver interaction. Sustainable yet luxurious materials include marbled recycled plastic and 100% biomass leather.
Reinforced drive
Ideally, the sports sedan is powered by a dual-motor all-wheel drive system (SH-AWD for short) with excellent handling, offering up to 500 horsepower in the Type S configuration. State-of-the-art battery technology, including semi-solid and fully solid batteries, ensure robust performance and efficiency.
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It turns out that the secret Acura patent designs we unearthed were for an internal study.
Like many other automakers, future Acura electric vehicles should feature Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) to ensure reliable and worry-free driving. However, this will also depend on how Tesla proceeds with its Supercharger network in the future after the recent turmoil in the division with massive layoffs.
Based on information about Honda’s “0 Series” concept electric vehicles, it could fast charge from 15% to 80% in 10-15 minutes. Notably, Acura and Honda have moved away from the previously announced Ultium platform partnership with General Motors and are instead focusing on proprietary technologies.
The competition
When the electrified TLX replacement finally arrives, it will be a brave new world among EV competitors. If it occupies the space between compact and midsize luxury sedans as expected, its pricing and positioning could see it edge out rivals like the Alfa Romeo Giulia EV and the upcoming BMW i3.
It could also compete with cheaper base offerings of larger options like the Audi A6 e-tron and BMW i5. Additionally, depending on its final pricing strategy, the electric TLX could even compete with cheaper electric vehicles like the Hyundai Ioniq 6 and Tesla Model 3.
Would an electrified TLX replacement make sense? Share your views in the comments below.
Note: The illustrations in this story are not affiliated with or endorsed by Acura
