2021 Acura TLX and TLX Type S vs. Audi A4 and S4: Sports Sedan Showdown

We have long appreciated the Acura TLX for its competitive pricing, ample standard safety features, and athletic A-Spec variant. But these traits haven't been enough to place the sedan at the top of our wish list. For the 2021 model year, the redesigned TLX receives fresh new looks, new underpinnings, and a set of potent engines to help it better compete with rivals. One of our favorite players in the segment is the Audi A4, whose strong value proposition, sophisticated styling, and quick acceleration are sure to give the new TLX a run for its money. Find out how the two sports sedans stack up in this specs comparison, which sees the four- and six-cylinder Acura TLX and TLX Type S challenger the Audi A4 and S4.

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2021 Acura TLX and TLX Type S vs. Audi A4 and S4: Which Is Bigger?

A casual observer may think the Acura and Audi are the same sizes, but that's not the case. Measuring in at 194.6 inches long, the TLX is more than seven inches longer than the A4 and S4. Both cars are just about as tall as one another, but the TLX has a two-inch longer wheelbase.

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2021 Acura TLX and TLX Type S vs. Audi A4 and S4: Which Has the Larger Trunk?

The TLX's larger benefits its cargo-carrying capabilities and its 13.5 cubic foot betters that of the Audi's by 1.5 cubes. We'll need to spend time with the new TLX, however, to determine if its trunk's larger dimensions translate to more useable space relative to the Audi's, which benefits from a large opening and a space that's generally unencumbered by odd protrusions on its floor and sides.

2021 Acura TLX and TLX Type S vs. Audi A4 and S4: Which Has the Nicer Interior?

Typically, Audi takes the cake over Acura when it comes to interior design. But since we haven't had a new TLX at our office yet, we'll reserve our judgment for later.

We do know the TLX will offer high-quality materials including real aluminum, open-pore wood, and rich leather throughout. The front seats are adjustable up to 16 ways, and like the Audi, the cabin offers customizable interior ambient lighting. There are 24 lighting schemes, each named after a driving destination (such as "Pacific Coast").

The TLX comes standard with a 10.2-inch display and a center console-mounted touchpad. This complements a standard 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster and an available 10.5-inch head-up display. Audi has Acura beat with its available 12.3-inch instrument cluster that uses crisp Google Earth imagery. Additionally, a 10.1-inch  touchscreen sits at the center of the dashboard.

Acura offers red leather seats with faux-suede inserts are on four-cylinder TLX A-Spec and six-cylinder TLX Type S models. Likewise, the S4 is available with red leather upholstery and diamond-patterned stitching. A flat-bottom steering wheel emphasizes athleticism on the TLX A-Spec and Type S, as well as the S4.

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2021 Acura TLX and TLX Type S vs. Audi A4 and S4: Which Is More Powerful?

Point: Acura. The TLX is more powerful than the A4 when you compare standard configurations. The Acura's entry-level turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder delivers 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, while the A4's turbo 2.0-liter four makes just 188 hp and 236 lb-ft. Add all-wheel-drive to the A4 and the sedan receives a more competitive turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with 248 hp and 273 lb-ft of twist. The TLX routes its power through a 10-speed automatic transmission and offers either front- or all-wheel-drive. Regardless of drivetrain, the A4 relies on a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

In addition to the standard powertrain, Acura offers a more potent TLX Type S with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine. Acura hasn't announced specs for this mill, which pairs exclusively with all-wheel-drive, but it claims the engine will deliver significantly more horsepower than the outgoing TLX's naturally aspirated V-6, which made 290 horses.

One thing's for sure: Acura has its work cut out if it wants to compete with the Audi S4. The high-performance German sedan relies on a turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 that pumps out 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. That grunt reaches all four of the car's wheels by way of an eight-speed automatic. While we haven't driven the new TLX yet, we've generally had good things to say about the S4. The model's sharp steering helps drivers feel connected to the road. Acceleration isn't neck-snapping, but the S4 gets up to speed quickly and delivers a sonorous soundtrack.

2021 Acura TLX and TLX Type S vs. Audi A4 and S4: Which Is More Expensive?

Acura has not yet released complete pricing information for the TLX. However, the automaker notes the model will start in the mid-$30,000 range. Plan to spend at least $5,000 more to get into the more powerful TLX Type S. Expect to see the TLX in dealerships early this fall.

It's likely that the Audi A4 will be the more expensive choice. The base 2020 Audi A4 starts at $38,395, or $41,895 when paired with AWD. The 2020 Audi S4 is even more costly, with a starting price of $50,895.