Remember the last time in college you pulled an all-nighter? It got really late – or really early –the caffeine started to wear off, and things began to run together. You couldn’t really tell where one thing ended and another began, and everything developed this haze of similarity. With this in mind, it seems like a distinct possibility that the designers and engineers at Acura have been pulling all-nighters. After their less than stellar attempt at building an entry level luxury car with the TL, they tweaked a few things, upped the sticker price, swapped the “T” for an “R”, and brought the same car out and called it their mid level luxury car.

Of course, there are some actual differences between the TL and the RL. The RL has a larger engine and a different front end. It has a quicker moving all wheel drive system, and improved navigation with a USB port. And while a USB port in a car is pretty cool, in this day and age, it’s the modern equivalent of the formerly ubiquitous car cigarette lighter – and isn’t anything to brag about.

Maybe it could be argued that there’s a place for economy luxury, because the RL is a little less expensive than some of its closest competitors, like Audi, BMW, Lexus and Mercedes. That said, the people who spend the money on a luxury car want luxury – not an imitation of luxury. When you think luxury, you don’t think Acura, and the RL – even with all of its gizmos and gadgets – isn’t going to do anything to change that.

Standard safety features on the RL include anti lock disc brakes, full length side curtain air bags and front seat side airbags, active front heat restraints, and a stability control system. The Acura got 5 out of 5 stars on all front and side impact safety tests, although for this kind of money, decent safety ratings are a reasonable expectation.

The interior of the car is beautifully crafted and well designed – as it should be in any luxury car. The standard 10 speaker Bose surround sound audio system is exceptional. On the other hand, the trunk is less than 14 cubic feet, which is somewhat small for cars in this class.

In addition, to get the best driving experience, you have to upgrade to the SH-AWD system, which will give you a tighter suspension and cornering that feels more like what you get in a sports car. Unfortunately, getting this option will up your price tag for something that’s pretty much standard on other luxury cars of this class.

Everything that’s been said about this car begs the question, why Acura? If you really like the car and don’t mind spending the money, or if one man’s bells and whistles are your must have features, then this car may be a good choice for you. If not, buy the Acura designers a strong cup of coffee – and buy yourself a real luxury car instead.