The 355-hp V6 turbocharged TLX Type S is one of the most highly anticipated Acuras in recent memory and the company has announced pricing will begin at $52,300 when it goes on sale on June 23rd.

Unveiled nearly a year ago, the TLX Type S has a sportier exterior with a unique grille and larger air intakes. The model also features a front splitter, a rear diffuser and a four-tailpipe sports exhaust system.

The Type S rides on 20-inch wheels with Pirelli Cinturato P7 all-season tires, but customers can shell out an additional $800 for a High Performance Wheel and Tire Package. It adds NSX-inspired five-spoke wheels that are wrapped in Pirelli P-Zero summer tires and reduce unsprung mass by more than 21 lbs (9.5 kg).

Driven: Acura Gets Its Mojo Back With The 2021 TLX

The sporty styling continues in the cabin as drivers will find 16-way power adjustable Milano leather sport seats with Ultrasuede inserts. They feature heating and ventilation as well as Type S embossing on the headrests.

Buyers will also find a flat-bottom steering wheel, aluminum trim and a wireless smartphone charger. Other niceties include a 17-speaker premium audio system, ambient lighting, and a 10.2-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.

What’s under the hood and how fast is it?

Of course, the real reason for upgrading to the TLX Type S is its turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 that produces 355 hp (265 kW / 360 PS) and 354 lb-ft (480 Nm) of torque. It’s connected to a specially-tuned ten-speed automatic transmission and a Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system with torque vectoring technology. According to Acura, the TLX Type S “is about 25-percent quicker to 60 mph than the standard TLX with a 0-60 time around 5 seconds and has a significantly higher top speed, increasing from 130 mph to 155 mph (electronically limited).”

Sticking with the performance theme, the TLX Type S has a double-wishbone front suspension, adaptive dampers, and a beefier braking system with larger front discs that are grabbed by four-piston Brembo calipers. Buyers will also find a revised Integrated Dynamic System with an exclusive Sport + mode.

Only 2,000 units

The Acura TLX Type S will be available in “limited quantities” and less than 2,000 units will be made for the 2021 model year. As a result, fans will want to contact their dealer and reserve their spot in line.

What about the competition?

There’s plenty of competition at that price point, especially from Germany. The golden standards in this sub-high performance category include BMW‘s more powerful 382-hp M340i that is priced from $54,700 for the RWD model, and $56,700 for the AWD iXdrive. Audi’s 349-hp S4 Quattro, on the other hand, undercuts the Acura by a couple thousand dollars starting from $49,900. Mercedes’ 385-hp C43 AMG is the priciest option here (before any…options, of course), starting from $56,000.

Note: Prices exclude a $1,025 destination charge

2021 Acura TLX Type S Packs 355-HP For $52,300, Is Cheaper Than BMW M340i, Pricier Than Audi S4
2021 Acura TLX Type S Packs 355-HP For $52,300, Is Cheaper Than BMW M340i, Pricier Than Audi S4
2021 Acura TLX Type S Packs 355-HP For $52,300, Is Cheaper Than BMW M340i, Pricier Than Audi S4
2021 Acura TLX Type S Packs 355-HP For $52,300, Is Cheaper Than BMW M340i, Pricier Than Audi S4
2021 Acura TLX Type S Packs 355-HP For $52,300, Is Cheaper Than BMW M340i, Pricier Than Audi S4
2021 Acura TLX Type S Packs 355-HP For $52,300, Is Cheaper Than BMW M340i, Pricier Than Audi S4
2021 Acura TLX Type S Packs 355-HP For $52,300, Is Cheaper Than BMW M340i, Pricier Than Audi S4
2021 Acura TLX Type S Packs 355-HP For $52,300, Is Cheaper Than BMW M340i, Pricier Than Audi S4
2021 Acura TLX Type S Packs 355-HP For $52,300, Is Cheaper Than BMW M340i, Pricier Than Audi S4
2021 Acura TLX Type S Packs 355-HP For $52,300, Is Cheaper Than BMW M340i, Pricier Than Audi S4
2021 Acura TLX Type S Packs 355-HP For $52,300, Is Cheaper Than BMW M340i, Pricier Than Audi S4
2021 Acura TLX Type S Packs 355-HP For $52,300, Is Cheaper Than BMW M340i, Pricier Than Audi S4
2021 Acura TLX Type S Packs 355-HP For $52,300, Is Cheaper Than BMW M340i, Pricier Than Audi S4
2021 Acura TLX Type S Packs 355-HP For $52,300, Is Cheaper Than BMW M340i, Pricier Than Audi S4
2021 Acura TLX Type S Packs 355-HP For $52,300, Is Cheaper Than BMW M340i, Pricier Than Audi S4
2021 Acura TLX Type S Packs 355-HP For $52,300, Is Cheaper Than BMW M340i, Pricier Than Audi S4
2021 Acura TLX Type S Packs 355-HP For $52,300, Is Cheaper Than BMW M340i, Pricier Than Audi S4
2021 Acura TLX Type S Packs 355-HP For $52,300, Is Cheaper Than BMW M340i, Pricier Than Audi S4
2021 Acura TLX Type S Packs 355-HP For $52,300, Is Cheaper Than BMW M340i, Pricier Than Audi S4
2021 Acura TLX Type S Packs 355-HP For $52,300, Is Cheaper Than BMW M340i, Pricier Than Audi S4
2021 Acura TLX Type S Packs 355-HP For $52,300, Is Cheaper Than BMW M340i, Pricier Than Audi S4
2021 Acura TLX Type S Packs 355-HP For $52,300, Is Cheaper Than BMW M340i, Pricier Than Audi S4
2021 Acura TLX Type S Packs 355-HP For $52,300, Is Cheaper Than BMW M340i, Pricier Than Audi S4
2021 Acura TLX Type S Packs 355-HP For $52,300, Is Cheaper Than BMW M340i, Pricier Than Audi S4
2021 Acura TLX Type S Packs 355-HP For $52,300, Is Cheaper Than BMW M340i, Pricier Than Audi S4
2021 Acura TLX Type S Packs 355-HP For $52,300, Is Cheaper Than BMW M340i, Pricier Than Audi S4
2021 Acura TLX Type S Packs 355-HP For $52,300, Is Cheaper Than BMW M340i, Pricier Than Audi S4
2021 Acura TLX Type S Packs 355-HP For $52,300, Is Cheaper Than BMW M340i, Pricier Than Audi S4
2021 Acura TLX Type S Packs 355-HP For $52,300, Is Cheaper Than BMW M340i, Pricier Than Audi S4
2021 Acura TLX Type S Packs 355-HP For $52,300, Is Cheaper Than BMW M340i, Pricier Than Audi S4