updated for 2019, the acura ilx remains a value choice among entry-luxury sedans, and the vehicle's price — released today, just before it hits dealers — cements its relative value. with additional safety and self-driving technology among its standard features for 2019, the ilx now starts at $26,895 (all prices include destination). that's down a hefty $2,200 versus the 2018 ilx, a car that has played a distant third fiddle in sales popularity to competitors including the audi a3 and mercedes-benz cla-class.
calling the ilx a competitor to either nameplate always has been a stretch, however, as acura's entry-grade sedan — much like the onetime buick verano — feels like more of an upscale alternative to non-luxury compacts than a true entry-level luxury sedan. what's more, the ilx has neither german's go-fast variants nor, in the audi's case, extra body styles to bolster nameplate popularity.
barring a much-lower-than-expected price for the forthcoming mercedes-benz a-class, however, the ilx should still boast loads of value. it's a safe bet the 2019 a-class will start south of the 2019 cla250's current $34,095 — though unlikely by much — while the 2018 a3 sedan starts at $32,925.
shoppers will decide whether the ilx is a legitimate competitor or more of an upscale alternative to the civic from acura's honda parent. updates aside, the acura has aging roots: originally unveiled in early 2012 and now refreshed for the second time, the ilx is built on the prior-generation civic platform. its starting price overlaps top trim levels for the current civic sedan, which honda redesigned for the 2016 model year.
standard features on the 2019 ilx include 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, a power driver's seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power moonroof, heated front seats, keyless access with push-button start and the full suite of acurawatch safety and self-driving technology. premium and technology packages (the latter includes features from the former) add $1,750 and $3,650, respectively; climb the ladder and you can get leather upholstery, a power passenger seat, apple carplay and android auto, els studio premium audio and more. the ilx a-spec, meanwhile, starts at $30,645 with the premium package or $32,545 with the technology package.
the 2019 ilx hits dealerships oct. 10.
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