Conclusion

Truth be told, this wasn’t quite as exciting a showdown as it might have been: napping tiger, hibernating dragon. Even in Elite-spec trim, the TLX isn’t the thrill that Acura’s marketing department would have you believe it is, and the mid-level Q50 is watered down enough to have lost some of the charm of the old G-series.

Thus, it comes down to who is best at the less-exciting elements of driving – quiet, comfort and features. While not as floaty as an old Lexus, the TLX manages excellent sound suppression and a comfortable ride. The ergonomics of its infotainment system leave a great deal to be desired, but as a value package, you get a great deal for your money.

The Q50 makes more sense the more money you spend on it. Moreover, even though it’s softer than it once was, the carryover powertrain still has some of that same robust feel, and the styling is certainly sharper. When it goes toe-to-toe with the Acura on value, the Infiniti falters somewhat, but with the company’s aggressive lease rates, pricing isn’t wildly disparate for the two.

Still, it’s the Acura that crane-kicks its way to victory here with an approach that doesn’t shock or excite, but rather delivers on value, quietly appealing styling, and a history built on reliability. They need to fix the infotainment, and I’m not sure you wouldn’t just be better off buying the front-wheel-drive four-cylinder version, but today, it’s the TLX that has the last laugh. “Ha!”

Pricing: 2015 Acura TLX V6 SH-AWD
Base V6 AWD: $39,990
Elite V6 AWD: $47,490
Options: None
Freight: $2,074
A/C Tax: $100
Price as tested: $49,664

Pricing: 2015 Infiniti Q50
Base 3.7 AWD: $39,950
Options: $1,535 (Metallic Paint – $135; Moonroof package – $1,250)
Freight: $1,995
A/C Tax: $100
Price as tested: $43,850

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