The TL's long list of standard features includes a magnificent ELS audio system which supports playback of 5.1 channel DVD-A and DTS material, CD, XM Satellite, Cassette, and FM/AM. Furthermore, you can feed up to 6 of your favorite DVD-A, DTS, and/or standard CDs right into the in-dash changer.

Having heard 'Hotel California' in all its 5.1 channel glory some 40 times back-to-back, I flicked the source over to the XM Satellite tuner. I must admit that I was quickly enamored by the diversity and depth of programming offered by the XM service. If I were to be in a situation where I was spending a lot of time in my car every day commuting, the XM subscription would be a no-brainer for me. Sound quality of the XM material was quite good, though obviously not as rich sounding as DVD-A (but then, nothing really compares). Another thing I like about the XM service is that the song titles and artist names are displayed. The DVD-A format doesn't include such a facility unless you are able to see the video component of the DVD-A program, which the TL's system does not allow. Thankfully, the audio system has two large knobs - one for volume and one for tuning - just as God intended. Such a simple configuration is an all too common oversight in cars these days.

Moving upwards in the stack, you find the LCD panel where the information related to the HVAC, Audio, and (if equipped) Navigation systems is displayed. There are two versions of this panel: a simple monochrome panel for non-Navi models, and a full color 8" LCD screen for cars with the Navigation system. This LCD panel is the only difference between the two available TL models; the HVAC and radio controls are identical. The dual-zone HVAC controls are laid out in a neat and orderly manner on each side of the LCD panel, clearly marked and falling easily to reach. In addition to being able to set two different temperature zones, you may also independently control the mode of the system for the driver and passenger. This allows the driver and passenger to have a different selection of air delivery (floor, vent, demist), according to their preference. Cars equipped with the Navigation system even sense the position of the sun with respect to the car and compensate accordingly. While the weather conditions we experienced presented were basically perfect, the system seemed to work flawlessly. At the very top of the center stack is another horizontal LCD display, housing the readout for the driver/passenger temperature settings, clock and available audio track information.

Directly in front of the driver, the TL utilizes an LED-illuminated gauge cluster similar to the units found in the current Accord/TSX models, which means it's wonderfully legible. The TL tries to distinguish itself a bit by dressing up the gauges to present a so-called a "3D appearance". I personally think it falls a little flat and seems a little too gimmicky. Thankfully, the circumferential blue accents do not diminish the functionality of the gauges, but their aesthetic benefit is questionable. A welcome (functional) enhancement to the gauge cluster is the LCD MID (Multi-Info Display), which beyond the standard outside temperature readout and odometer readings, also provides a display for the Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, Maintenance Minder (oil life, tire rotation, filters, ATF fluid, coolant, etc...), and custom memory settings. The custom memory settings allow you to set the "preferences" for your TL, including whether or not the doors automatically lock and unlock when you start and stop the car, keyless entry acknowledgement feedback, security auto re-lock, headlight-off auto timer, and interior light dimming timer.

I made a few test calls with the HandsFreeLink system and overall it's a good thing. The system couples wireless communications with voice recognition technology to make cell phone use truly handsfree. People on the other end of my calls said that I was coming through clearly, and their voices were clearly audible over the audio system's speakers. The system doesn't recognize commands as quickly as I hoped and seemed a little confused once or twice, but cancelling the command sequence and restating the command clearly and slowly got the job done. I eventually got the hang of it and was able to place a call on my first try. There's a very slight learning curve involved in using the system, but once you reach that level of comfort in issuing the commands slowly and clearly, it should prove to be invaluable. I noticed that the battery on the phone we were using seemed to drain rather quickly, however, so you may want to be sure you have a car charger handy if you plan to use the Bluetooth function extensively.