What is the top of the line Acura TLX?
The top-of-the-line Acura TLX is the Type S, and the most exclusive version to date is the limited-run TLX Type S PMC Edition.
Across the current TLX lineup, Acura positions the Type S as the performance flagship, offering a turbocharged engine, sharper handling, and sport-oriented features that go beyond the standard trims. A special limited-production variant called the PMC Edition adds unique styling and trim cues that make it even more exclusive for enthusiasts and collectors.
TLX Type S: The flagship performance trim
What sets it apart
The Type S stands at the head of the TLX range, delivering more power, enhanced handling, and premium features designed for spirited driving. It builds on the base TLX with a focus on performance dynamics and a more track-ready character for everyday usability.
Key specifications and features:
- Engine: 3.0-liter turbocharged V6
- Power: ~355 horsepower (and strong torque)
- Drivetrain: SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive) with torque vectoring
- Transmission: 10-speed automatic with shift paddles
- Handling: Adaptive suspension and performance-tuned chassis
- Brakes: Brembo high-performance braking system
- Wheels/Tires: 19-inch alloy wheels with performance tires
- Interior/Technology: Sport-oriented cabin with premium materials and Type S branding
In essence, the TLX Type S combines everyday practicality with a sportier personality, offering sharper responses, a more aggressive stance, and upgraded hardware that aims to satisfy drivers seeking a more dynamic sedan without sacrificing daily comfort.
TLX Type S PMC Edition: The most exclusive TLX
Limited production and unique presentation
The PMC Edition is a rare, limited-run variant of the Type S designed to maximize exclusivity. It adds distinctive styling cues, exclusive badging, and a serialized identity that marks it as a collector-grade TLX. Availability is tightly controlled, making it the rarest way to own a Type S.
Exclusive features and enhancements typically associated with the PMC Edition include:
- Unique exterior styling touches and official PMC badging
- Special interior treatments with one-off trim options and serialized plaque
- Restricted production run, increasing exclusivity and potential resale interest
- Performance-oriented calibrations derived from the Type S platform
For buyers, the PMC Edition represents a destination for collectors and enthusiasts who want the apex TLX experience with a distinctly limited identity. It commands a premium over the standard Type S due to its exclusivity and bespoke details.
Pricing and ownership considerations aside, the Type S remains the practical performance choice for most buyers seeking a sporty, yet refined, four-door sedan. The PMC Edition, while tempting for collectors, comes with constraints typical of limited editions, including availability and resale dynamics.
Is the top TLX right for you?
If you prioritize outright performance, track-capable feel, and a flagship Acura experience, the TLX Type S (and especially the PMC Edition for exclusivity) represents the pinnacle of the TLX lineup. For buyers who want strong daily usability with elevated performance, the Type S provides a compelling balance; those seeking rarity and limited-run status will find the PMC Edition particularly appealing.
Summary: The Acura TLX’s top trim is the Type S, with the PMC Edition offering the most exclusive embodiment of that platform. Together, they define the current apex of the TLX lineup in performance and scarcity.
In brief: The TLX Type S is the flagship, and the PMC Edition is the rare, collector-focused version of that flagship.
