Given that the Special Edition occupies a trim level only one step above the base model, and that it gives buyers a handful of features otherwise unavailable on the garden variety car, one could argue the TSX isn't special enough. One might ask, Where's the extra power? How about a slight suspension tweak? Couldn't they give it bigger wheels? One might even suggest renaming it Anniversary Edition. Still, like one of those caffeine-filled libations at your local coffeehouse, the Acura TSX Special Edition maintains its status as a solid selection among a growing pool of European and domestic competition. Is it the best? We'll tell you after we corral them in one place and put them to the test.

VS: BMW 328i

We’ll be honest, the all-new 3er is a tough matchup for the plucky TSX. The 328i’s turbo four is a better powerplant in every respect (power, fuel economy, sound), its handling more subtle and competent, and its luxury features a bit richer and laden with technology. Still, the Acura is good in its own right, and thousands cheaper. And, until we have a chance to drive a 6MT-equipped 328i (our experience has been auto-only as of this writing), we’ll assume the TSX’s gearbox is better.

VS: Lexus IS250

The IS250 may have an extra two-cylinders and 100cc on the TSX, but with only 3 more horsepower it never feels a good deal quicker. Rear-drive handling is smoother than Acura’s front-drive setup, but the rest of the involvement equation favors the TSX, hugely. Where the IS is ultra detached from the feeling of the road, and supremely light in steering effort, the TSX is more connected and a bit more weighty. That the Lexus starts at about $5K more than the Acura doesn’t help much, either.

When it comes down to it, the 2012 Acura TSX is a four-star vehicle living in a five-star world. Overall it’s a very solid choice for people wanting to enter the luxury sphere, but not exactly enamored or impressed with the power and prestige on offer from some of the more established brands like BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz. At the same time, the 2012 TSX exhibits a calm, distinguished ride character all of its own, and possesses one of the most buttery smooth and forgiving clutches we have ever dealt with – period.

Ultimately it comes down to what you value most. If you value your tech and smart features, and want them done right, the TSX has trouble delivering. While we certainly appreciate the amount of standard features packed in, the exclusion of navigation, the convoluted button layout, and the glitchy Bluetooth streaming system remind us that Acura still has a ways to go before it can truly be mentioned in the same breath as Lexus, Infiniti, and the like. However, if an upscale Honda, with improved driving dynamics, more comfort, and increased social recognition is what you’re after then we see no reason why you shouldn’t seriously consider the 2012 Acura TSX.