[AutoGuide.com]

It certainly raises eyebrows when even the company behind a car admits it might have gone too far with a design language. That's exactly what happened this year when Acura brand executives said the buck-tooth bird beak, or whatever you want to call it, might be too much for some buyers.

A hefty, angular, silver chunk sets the front end off and looks more at home in a cartoon than a car grille. With many criticizing the styling when it was first introduced in 2009, Acura's redesign has helped, leaving the car looking longer and more in line with mid-level luxury.

That longer body gives way to a rear end equally as revised, and better looking. A creased trunk lid, small spoiler and wraparound tail lights make sure no one will confuse it with a Honda Accord.

Regardless of how you feel about the TL's new suit and tie, picking the pricier SH-AWD model puts you in line for a real driving treat.

Read the complete 2013 Acura TL review at AutoGuide.com.