2008 Acura RL Trims and Specs

This large, all-wheel-drive luxury sedan serves up almost every technological update you can imagine. First, the Smart Handling automatic all-wheel drive distributes torque where needed and comes with both center and rear limited-slip differentials. Augmenting its performance are standard traction and stability control and 17-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires. Fueling the sedan is a 24-valve, 3.5-liter V6 that puts out 290 hp and 256 ft-lbs of torque at 5,000 RPM. It's paired with a paddle-shifting 5-speed sport-shift automatic and achieves 16/24 mpg.

Inside the 2008 Acura RL Base AWD, you'll find seating for five, with power-adjustable headrests and a folding armrest that doubles as a trunk pass-through. Legroom is 42 inches up front and 36 in the back, with 13 cubic feet of cargo space. Backseat passengers get their own cupholders and climate control. Climate control also resides on the steering wheel, alongside the cruise control, phone controls, and audio controls for the 10-speaker surround sound system. A 6-CD player with MP3 jack and six months of satellite radio are also standard. Full power features include remote entry and remote start, a sunroof, an 8-way driver's seat and 4-way passenger seat, a garage opener, and memory settings for the tilt steering, rearview mirror, and driver's seat. Leather upholstery and trim are complemented by wood accents. A trip computer, temperature readout and compass, maintenance warning system, intermittent wipers, Bluetooth, and heated mirrors round out the standard equipment list.

The 2008 RL Base receives five stars in all crash tests. Dual front-side airbags with passenger sensors and side curtain airbags for both rows are standard, along with 4-wheel disc and ABS brakes with electronic brake assist. Mirrors with turn signals, automatic xenon headlights with an auto-leveling feature, foglights, a tire monitor, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror complete the safety profile. Options such as a rear spoiler, splash guards, a cargo net and tray, and 18-inch wheels are all dealer-installed.

The 2008 Acura RL Tech AWD augments what you get with the Cmbs/pax trim by adding the Collision Mitigation System, which uses alerts to warn drivers of impending crashes. If the driver does not respond, the system increases tension on the seatbelt and applies braking. Also added are adaptive headlights, joining the automatic xenon lamps that feature an auto-leveling function. On the inside, the 2008 RL Tech AWD adds heated front seats and a standard cargo net in the 13-cubic-foot trunk.

This luxury sedan seats five in two rows, with 8-way and 4-way power front seats and power-adjustable headrests and a folding armrest in the back seat. A complete power setup includes heated reverse-tilting mirrors, remote entry and remote start, a garage remote, and a sunroof. The steering wheel has memory settings for its tilt function, and also holds controls for the climate, audio system, and adaptive cruise control. Rear passengers also have climate control buttons. There are memory settings for the driver's seat and mirrors. A voice-activated navigation system offers real-time traffic. Leather upholstery goes with the leather-and-wood trim. For entertainment, a 10-speaker 6-CD system comes with an MP3 jack and six months of satellite radio. Other equipment includes a trip computer, temperature display, compass, Bluetooth capability, a maintenance warning system, and intermittent wipers.

The RL's automatic all-wheel-drive system senses which wheels need the most torque and apportions it accordingly. It comes with center and rear limited-slip differentials. Powering the sedan is a 3.5-liter, 290-hp, 24-valve V6, matched with a 5-speed shiftable automatic (with paddle shifters on the wheel). Along with the added collision warning system, other safety features include dual front-side and side curtain airbags for both rows, traction and stability control, 4-wheel ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, mirrors with turn signals, and a rearview camera. The 17-inch alloy wheels feature a tire monitor. Other standard features include foglights and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Dealer-installed options add a rear spoiler, 18-inch wheels, and splash guards.

Stepping up to the 2008 Acura RL Cmbs/pax AWD adds even more technology to this well-endowed luxury sedan. The most notable upgrades are a rearview camera, reverse-tilt side mirrors for better visibility, and adaptive cruise control. Also added is a DVD-based voice-activated navigation system with real-time traffic updates and a restaurant guide. This sedan practically drives itself. The intelligent automatic all-wheel-drive system senses slippage and delivers torque where needed. It comes with limited-slip center and rear differentials. A 3.5-liter SOHC V6 gets 290 hp and 256 ft-lbs of torque. Its accompanying adaptive 5-speed shiftable automatic transmission comes with paddle shifters.

Seating five in leather seats, the 2008 RL Cmbs/pax AWD pampers both front and rear passengers. Power-adjustable headrests are in both rows, along with cupholders and climate control. An armrest hides a pass-through to the 13-cubic-foot trunk. Tie-downs are standard, but a net and tray must come from the dealer. A full power setup includes a sunroof, remote entry and remote start, 8-way driver and 4-way passenger seats with driver's memory, a garage opener, and memory settings for the steering wheel and mirrors. Leather trim and wood accents abound. On the wheel sit controls for the adaptive cruise function, phone, climate control, and audio. The 6-CD changer comes with an MP3 input and satellite radio and is heard through a 10-speaker surround sound system. On the practical side, the RL features a trip computer, tachometer, intermittent wipers, and a compass and temperature display.

The rearview camera adds extra safety to an already five-star vehicle. Electronic brake assist and brakeforce distribution accompany the 4-wheel disc and ABS brakes. Traction and stability control, and dual front-side and side curtain airbags for both rows are also standard. In the lighting department, you get an auto-dimming rearview mirror, automatic self-leveling headlights with xenon lamps, and foglights. A tire monitor comes with the 17-inch alloy wheels and all-season tires. Larger 18-inch wheels are a dealer option. Other dealer options include parking sensors and a rear spoiler.