However, the successor RL sold below expectations due to relatively tight interior for its size, the lack of a V8 performance engine option and better handling rear-wheel drive experience, and/or relatively expensive compared to its rivals.

In November 2009, an Autoweek article[4] reported that new Honda CEO Takanobu Ito told Automotive News that Acura is going to change course.

Speaking of the worldwide economy before the collapse of investment bank Lehman Brothers, Ito said through an interpreter, "Pre-Lehman, we did have the idea to produce more multicylinder engines...

On April 4, 2012, Acura unveiled the RLX Concept, a replacement for the RL sedan, at the 2012 New York International Auto Show.

[5] The production model, which changed little from the concept, was unveiled globally at the Los Angeles Auto Show later that year.

The fuel saving VCM system worked in either 6 or 3 cylinder configurations; the new model used more sophisticated engine mounts which bypassed the need for a 4-cylinder mode which would result in a lower NVH.

Hybrid models featured the VCM capability as well, with an added start-stop system to boost fuel economy as well as the ability to operate entirely on electric power up to 58 miles per hour with light throttle usage.

This setup gave the hybrid a torque vectoring all-wheel drive system with rear wheels strictly electrically powered.

Front suspension used a double wishbone layout, while the rear was a multi-link with a Precision All Wheel Steer (P-AWS, front-drive models only) system.

Rear legroom was similar to full size luxury flagship sedans (non-extended wheelbase versions).

Hybrid models included an electronic transmission gear selector, heads-up display, acoustic (PVB layered glass for all doors and the windshield, and standard navigation.

GPS-linked climate control, voice recognition, and a keyless access system with a push-button start were also standard.

Optional Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, Blind Spot Information System and automotive head-up display were available.