2009 Acura TL SH-AWD

For 2009, Acura made drastic changes inside and out to its fourth-generation TL. With edgy, albeit polarizing exterior styling and a sporty, tech-laden interior, the new TL shows no signs of getting lost in the entry-luxury crowd. Long Acura's best-selling model, the TL is now available in either front- or all-wheel-drive configuration, with the former offering a 3.5-liter, 280-horse V-6, the latter a bigger 3.7-liter rated at 305 ponies. Both are backed with a five-speed automatic; a slick six-speed manual will be available with the 3.7 for the 2010 model year.

Per Acura's usual approach, the TL comes in base trim or with a $3730 Technology Package that adds a 440-watt ELS audio system, navigation with traffic rerouting and Zagat restaurant reviews, Bluetooth, and a decklid spoiler with backup camera. For another grand, the all-wheel-drive TL, dubbed SH-AWD for its "Super Handling All-Wheel Drive," can be had with high-performance summer tireson 19-inch alloys (versus 18s).

For our long-term tester, we opted for the SH-AWD with the Tech Pack and high-performance rubber, which brought the car in at just under $44,000. Thus far, the most discussed water-cooler topic has been our TL's exterior styling. Some staffers have called it shockingly ugly while others have found it, well, not that bad.

Looks aside, most have found the bevy of other changes quite welcome. While a few consider the TL's dash a sea of buttons, others have deemed it more agreeable than the button-sea in our long-term Accord as the Acura's layout is better organized and more intuitive than the Honda's. Interior room is more than ample for four passengers, but that fifth makes for a snug fit. Seats are wrapped in soft, high-quality leather and offer good support and comfort.

When we had the TL SH-AWD during our 2009 Car of the Year event, it advanced to the second round, earning the title "finalist." Still, editors' opinions were split on the dynamics. Half said the torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system turned the TL into a BMW-fighter. The rest saw it as a BMW wannabe-great up to 7/10ths but not beyond.

Acura claims the TL SH-AWD, with its sport-tuned chassis, was designed to enhance handling dramatically and thus is built exclusively for the enthusiast driver. Does it live up to the hype? Over the next year, we plan to answer that question.