2010 Acura TL SH-AWD (photos)

Acura's TL SH-AWD is a very different beast compared with the standard TL model. A bigger engine, sport suspension, and all-wheel-drive system set the TL SH-AWD apart, making it a reasonable competitor to the BMW 3-series. Beyond its sport capabilities, it can also serve as a comfortable commute car.

Acura's design language is controversial, especially with the large grille piece. However, this grille certainly gives the car a unique look. We like the tight grille openings, which give the front of the car a clean design.

This 3.7-liter engine gives the TL SH-AWD 305 horsepower, and makes a delightful exhaust note. Although it uses Honda's VTEC valve timing technology, it lacks other efficiency technologies now coming into vogue.

A strong belt-line runs the length of the car, while the rear roof-line slopes dramatically down. All TL models are sedans, with enough space in the rear seat for adults to sit comfortably.

Setting the TL SH-AWD apart from the TL are the four exhaust tips and, more importantly, Acura's all-wheel-drive system that vectors torque across the rear wheels.

With the Technology package, the TL SH-AWD gets an LCD at the top of the stack, with a large knob/joystick controller below it. That controller looks a little obtrusive for a car that aspires to luxury, but it is very usable.

The TL SH-AWD's sport suspension makes the steering nicely responsive, while the all-wheel-drive system minimizes understeer.

A monochrome display in the instrument cluster shows the all-wheel-drive system's torque distribution. At the push of a button you can also see trip and fuel economy information.

The Acura's six-speed-manual transmission has an excellent feel, with a very precise gate and short throws.

The hard drive-based navigation system shows maps in decent resolution, although it does not have 3D maps. It also shows traffic data, and routes around serious traffic jams.

The navigation system also shows weather information.

The Acura TL SH-AWD's navigation system's Scenic roads mode is one of our favorite features. It includes scenic drives in almost every state in the U.S.

The Bluetooth phone system lets you dial numbers on screen or by voice, and also downloads phone contact lists.

You can rip music to the car's hard drive, and browse for it using this interface, which shows the same style as other cabin tech screens.

The Acura's iPod interface is strangely dissimilar to the car's own hard-drive audio interface, showing music categories in this simple list format.

The car's stereo can also use the Bluetooth system as another source, although as with all Bluetooth audio, it does not let you browse a music library, and does not show song information.

The ELS audio system, which comes with the Technology package, uses its 440-watt amp to produce surround sound.

A rearview camera is the only driver aid technology that Acura makes available in the TL SH-AWD, but it includes a distance overlay.