Acura claims that the six-speed automatic’s extra ratio allows the RL to hit 60 about 0.5 second quicker than before, while gaining 1 mpg in the city and 2 on the highway. For reference, the 2011 is rated at 17/24 mpg, and we tested a 2009 RL to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds.

Overall, the changes to the 2011 Acura RL are minimal, minus the upgraded transmission and in-wheel noise reduction technology. We had a chance to very briefly sample the '11 model on the roads north of San Francisco and there's unfortunately not much to get excited about. The rest of the lineup, regardless of how one feels about the styling, presents a sporty driving experience that doesn't eat into the luxury. The RL feels heavier than it should while presenting a driving sensation that feels much more aged compared to its Acura siblings. We understand that its aimed at a different segment of the market, but that doesn't mean it should lose the driving characteristics long-time Acura buyers have come to expect.

The resonator noise reducing wheel uses a polypropylene Helmholtz resonator that encircles the center portion of the inside of the wheel. Such resonator wheel technology significantly lowers middle frequency noise (between 100 and 500 hertz). Combined with the added use of insulation material on the floorboard areas of the RL, there is a 1.3 dB reduction in interior noise--which translates to a 15 percent improvement in ambient noise.

The 2011 Acura RL’s schnoz was smoothed and flattened mimicking the2011 TSX’s recent front end redesign. The taillights are also new, there is a handsome new light beige leather trim option called “Seacoast” and there is updated (and good looking) wood trim on the dash and doors that betters anything Lexus offers.

For a flagship car, the Acura RL doesn’t seem to get a lot of recognition among consumers, who bypass the luxury sedan for rivals like the BMW 5 Series, the Mercedes-Benz E Class, or even its own little brother, the Acura TL.

That’s a shame, because the RL can more than hold its own among luxury sedans in the $50,000 range with its sure-footed road manner and library-quiet ride. After a week of test-driving the 2011 RL, I came away with a new appreciation for Acura’s top model. I imagine that if more drivers and buyers spent time in the car, they’d put it high on their consideration list.

Detractors say Acura's big sedan, the RL, is more of a glorified Honda Accord than a proper luxury-brand flagship, but the truth is that the RL is actually a pretty good car -- all the more so with the improvements Acura has made for 2011.

What Edmunds Says
The 2011 Acura RL is a capable luxury sedan, but some newer competitors are more appealing overall.

Pros
All-wheel drive; wealth of standard features; high-class interior; excellent build quality; superb stereo; smart technology interface.

Cons
Same size as the less expensive TL; subpar braking distances; no V8 engine offered; aging design.

A Fine Foundation, But What's Next?
The RL is a stylish, solid package, and at $48,000 for a well-equipped base model, it's reasonably affordable. Load it up to the $56,000 mark, however, and it's up against several other worthy competitors, including the Infiniti M, BMW 5 Series, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, many of which offer a little extra panache and prestige.

Ironically, the car's biggest competitor may come from within Acura's own lineup. The RL looks, feels, and drives like a mature spin on the TL, an impression bolstered by the two models sharing powertrain, dimensions, and content. This may have allowed the RL to cultivate its own small niche of followers, but as the TL itself moves slightly upmarket for 2012 while retaining a smaller price tag, the RL's already small customer base may quickly shrink.

Acura has all the foundations of a true premium luxury sedan in place with its 2011 RL, but in order to revert the nameplate's recent sales slide in an increasingly competitive segment, the next-generation needs to pack the visual pizazz and unique personality today's model lacks.

The bottom line: With only moderate tech updates over the years, the 2011 Acura RL lags behind the cutting-edge competition, and has trouble justifying its over-$50K price.

It seems as if Acura has almost disappeared from the radar, but it remains one of my favorite premium brands for its mix of luxury, refinement and Honda-engineered sporty driving character. For instance, the steering wheel's mix of wood and leather is a work of art, and the connection the wheel provides to the road is Honda-direct in every way. The seats are plush and comfortable but are adjustable to create a perfect driving position.

I like the understated appearance of the RL, along with the sure grip of the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive. I like being able to make the transmission more engaging by dropping into sport mode and working the paddles. The engine runs sewing-machine smooth but likes to run and rev to redline, making the car much more engaging than its styling might suggest.

This is a good car, one that seems as if it ought to be on more buyers' lists if they like a car to drive rather a nice car to ride around in.

There's something about the way the RL is tuned (and how well it's isolated, perhaps) that doesn't invite you to drive it hard, but it has no problem being driven fast. The numb, innocuous steering and all-around isolated feel keep you from pushing it hard, but if you do you'll find it's actually quite hard to fluster. Acura's SH-AWD system here simply delivers with composure and grip, whenever you need it. And as for sheer velocity, if you don't watch it, you'll probably end up pushing well past the speed limit; with its quiet, supremely isolated interior and a suspension that keeps body motion very much under wraps yet without giving up comfort, it's a go-fast touring machine for the sorts of trips where you want to cover hundreds of miles a day while catching up with your road-trip companions.

7.2 Out of 10

Key Takeaway
The 2011 Acura RL lives up to its flagship status in the Acura lineup with top-notch tech features and long-haul comfort, but charm comes up missing.

Styling: 6
Peformance: 7
Quality: 8
Safety: 8
Features: 8
Green: 6

The RL is perhaps one of the most forgotten and misunderstood vehicles of our time. Looking at the sales numbers, you’d think there was something horribly wrong with the RL. In 2011 only 1,096 RLs found a home meaning even the unloved Volvo S80 outsold it nearly 5:1 and the MKS bested it by 12:1. However, the problem with the RL isn’t that the Volvo, Lexus and Lincoln competition is more modern. The problem is the new TL with SH-AWD. With a thoroughly modern interior and electronics, the TL might have a less capable AWD system, but with a lower price tag it is no wonder it outsells the RL 31:1. Still, if you’re shopping for a $50,000 luxury sedan, the RL isn’t a bad choice, but the new RL couldn’t come any sooner.