The Acura TLX Type S SH-AWD wants to be seen as a direct competitor to the BMW M340i xDrive, which is why there is a comprehensive side-to-side comparison on Acura’s official website. A closer look though reveals a mistake as the BMW’s engine is wrongfully described as a V6 instead of the inline-six that is.
Not all six-cylinder engines have their cylinders arranged in a “V”. Acura engineers know that well, but the people responsible for the website didn’t pay close attention to the specs.
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In reality, the BMW M340i xDrive is fitted with a turbocharged 3.0-liter straight-six engine producing 382 hp (387 PS / 289 kW) and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque. On the other hand, the turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 under the bonnet of the Acura TLX Type S SH-AWD produces a slightly lower 355 hp (265 kW / 360 PS) of power and 354 lb-ft (480 Nm) of torque. Both models feature AWD systems, with automatic gearboxes sending power to all four wheels. The difference is that BMW’s unit is an 8-speed, as opposed to the 10-speed transmission of the Acura.
Besides the aforementioned mistake, Acura’s direct comparison with the BMW has a few points. First of all, it describes the BMW’s kidney grille and front-end design as “attractive yet understated”, at least compared to the “Diamond Pentagon grille, larger air ducts, and expansive sculpted hood” of the Acura. In the headlight department, the TLX has twice the LED light elements of the German sedan, which is depicted in pre-facelifted form. Another important difference from a stylistic point of view is the 18-inch wheels and dual exhaust pipes of the BMW versus the standard 20-inch wheels and M3-style quad tailpipes of the Acura.
Inside, Acura details the 16-way power adjustable heated and ventilated seats versus BMW’s 14-way adjustments without a ventilation option, and the fact that it offers a flat-bottom steering wheel. The comparison goes on with a $65,220 price tag for the BMW when comparably equipped with a $54,200 Acura. If you were in the market for a premium sedan, which one would you choose?