Acura turns to hybrid drivetrain for new RLX flagship sedan (pictures)

Acura adds the Sport Hybrid to its RLX lineup, a car featuring a unique hybrid system and all-wheel drive.

As in the standard RLX, the RLX Sport Hybrid comes standard with LED headlights, which boast a 10,000-hour operating life.

The grille, with its trapezoidal shape, shows the signature Acura look.

Although not overly large, the RLX Sport Hybrid features a very roomy cabin.

Acura hides the exhaust tips behind the rear fascia.

The RLX Sport Hybrid marks Acura's second hybrid model, after the smaller ILX Hybrid.

Under the hood sits a 3.5-liter transverse-mounted V-6 engine, using direct injection to generate 310 horsepower.

Almost visible here between the rear wheels sits the twin-motor unit, a casing with two 27 kilowatt motors powering each rear wheel independently.

A 1.3 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery sits behind the rear seats, and intrudes into the trunk space.

With comfortable leather seating and wood trim, the RLX Sport Hybrid makes a bid for the luxury segment.

The architecture of the car allows plenty of legroom in back.

Infotainment, including a navigation system, come standard in the RLX Sport Hybrid.

The center stack holds two displays and a dial controller, an over-complicated cabin tech interface.