DOWN THE ROAD: Watch out, all you European midsize luxury carmakers. This flagship of Acura, taller and wider but shorter overall than its predecessor, is a sheer delight to drive. It is a quick, comfortable and fun vehicle to cruise the highways. And if you need to zip past a slow-moving vehicle in the left lane, it’s yours for the taking.

TECH & PERFORMANCE: The one-trim RL is equipped with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that churns out 300 horsepower at 6200 rpm and 260 pounds-feet of torque at 5000 rpm. The five-speed automatic transmission with a sequential sportshift is effortless.

Probably the most impressive powertrain feature of the RL is its Super Handling All-Wheel Drive. The system distributes torque not only between the front and rear wheels but also between the left and right rear wheels. As a result, the vehicle performs incredibly well at sharp corners and during inclement weather conditions such as a heavy downpour.

Add the independent front double wishbone and rear multi-link suspension for firm and stable handling. The four-wheel ventilated antilock disc brakes come alive at the slightest tap along with vehicle stability assistance and traction control.

LOOK AND FEEL: The exterior appearance is not just elegant but also muscular. The front fascia sports a five-sided Acura grille that leads up to a lower hoodline. Sporting 17-inch alloy wheels, the RL draws attention to its forward-sloping beltline and a short deck lid. Leather-trimmed seats and genuine wood-dashboard trim adorn the interior.

Those of you who miss manual drive will enjoy the paddle shifters on the leather-wrapped steering wheel, which also offers audio, cruise and phone controls. Recently made available in the Tampa Bay area, the AcuraLink satellite communications system offers construction, accident and weather-related incident information in real time to RL owners.

The Bose surround-system with 10 speakers is an out-of-this-world experience. And with the humidity creeping in this summer, the rear sunshade helps keep the sedan cool.

SAFETY FIRST: Front and side airbags as well as a side-curtain are all standard along with tire pressure monitoring system and keyless feature.

BY THE NUMBERS: Tires, P245/50R17 all season; wheelbase, 110.2 inches; length, 193.6 inches; weight, 3,984 pounds; fuel capacity, 19.4 gallons; highway 26 mpg, city 18 mpg. OUT THE DOOR: $48,900, plus tax, tag, delivery and destination charges.

WHY DIG IT: Premium midsize car buyers couldn’t ask for anything better. With its power, all-wheel drive, high-tech features and a spacious, luxurious interior, the RL is an attractive proposition. And the renowned Acura label of reliability should seal the deal.

Nitish S. Rele is an Advertising Staff Writer for The Tampa Tribune.