View Photos of the 2021 Acura TLX 2.0T

The TLX looks supercar wide next to competitors such as the BMW 3-series. And it is, as it’s fully 3.3 inches wider.

Until the high-performance Type S model debuts in 2021, all TLXs are powered by a 272-hp 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder, with either front- or optional SH-AWD.

Under hood, there’s so much space behind the engine that it looks like you could swap out the steering rack from above. That space is for the Type S’s DOHC V-6.

That extra width translates into generous front-seat space, and the interior features authentic materials, including textured aluminum or wood trim.

The tires are one let-down on the TLX; they’re low-end all-seasons, and not up to the near 1-g lateral grip that the segment’s best can achieve today.

Pricing is up a substantial $4500 over the previous TLX, but its base price of $38,525 is some $3720 less than a 3-series.

The TLX returns to a control arm front suspension, with a five-link rear setup (one more link than before). Acura says that lateral stiffness is up by a whopping 85 percent in front, 45 percent in the rear.

This all-new architecture doesn’t share a single part with the Honda Accord, although both are built in the same Ohio assembly plant.

Back-seat space is below average for the segment, and rear legroom in particular is stingy.

A-Spec models, which start at $40,525, get black exterior trim and grey wheels, while TLXs with the Advance package (base price $47,325) adds every available feature and it’s the only way to get adaptive dampers.