2014 Acura RLX Sourcing Infotainment From Agero

Connected services company Agero will provide Acura’s “AcuraLink” infotainment system in the upcoming 2014 RLX.

Owners will be able to send destination information directly from their phones to the vehicle system, according to Agero. Despite that connectivity, the system will function more like GM’s OnStar service as a standalone.

In contrast, Ford’s Sync system works through a Bluetooth-enabled phone.

“This is the first time we’ve worked with Honda,” said Gary Wallace, Agero’s vice president of corporate relations to Automotive News. “We certainly hope to work with them more” in the future.

A re-imagined version of its outgoing RL flagship, the 2014 RLX as unveiled during the L.A. Auto Show last month. More akin with a BMW 5 Series or Mercedes E-Class on the outside, Acura says the interior is actually in line with a 7 Series or S-Class.

SEE ALSO: 2014 Acura RLX is a Full-Size Luxury Sedan in a Mid-Size Package

Honda’s new contract with Agero will be part of that premium interior rather than offering the generation Honda navigation system which was good, but needed improvement — especially for a car meant to be the band’s flagship.

Aside from that, the RLX will boast the most rear seat legroom in its class with 38.8 — three more than a BMW 5 Series, Audi A6 or Lexus GS.

It comes with a 3.5-liter V6 with 310 hp and 272 lb-ft of torque with cylinder deactivation to help it achieve 20 mpg in the city and 31 on the highway.

Despite being front-wheel drive, Acura will offer the car with its new Sport Hybrid Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive. Aside from having a mouthful for a name, it deals with the car’s gas-powered front-wheel shortcomings by sending torque to the rear wheels through two electric motors — one for each of the rear wheels. That system, once it is available, will boost the car’s power to 370 hp.

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