The premium mid-size sedan market is a crowded place. If its time to step up from that compact car you’ve been driving you’ve got a lot of choices from Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Infiniti, Lexus and more. And now there’s the new 2009 TSX from Acura.

So how does this Acura stand out to buyers seeking image, style and technology? Well a unique and bold look is one way—the TSX steps into line with the familial Keen Edge design language though it doesn’t do so with the same distinct character its big SUV brother MDX sets. The TSX has grown up a little in size on the outside and a whole lot on the inside over the outgoing model. Refinement of ride, driving dynamics and interior quality also get an upgrade.

Top of class, standard issue leather and satin metal finishes continue the high tech exterior theme. The (far from) basic issue in-car-entertainment system features seven speakers, Bluetooth hookup for your mobile phone, and 350 watts of kicking sound. But the big story and big hook for you music fans and gear nerds is the ELS Surround Sound system that comes as part of the optional Technology Package along with navigation and XM Satellite radio. The navigation gives live weather and traffic updates and will even steer you around any snarl-ups on your route. Music is pumped through a 10 speaker, 415 watt sound system designed and tuned by Grammy winning music producer and engineer, Elliot Scheiner. After an extensive demo, it’s clear this is one of the best sounding stock automotive sound systems on the market. Listening to DVD-Audio disks specially mastered for the multiple channels is an amazing experience. But of probably greater importance is the fact that the sound system digitally links to your iPod through its own Digital Signal Processing making MP3 and AAC files sound as good, if not better than CDs, plus you can control track selection as you would on the iPod through the in-dash interface—a perfect setup.

So it sounds good inside, how does it drive? With a chassis tuned to be on the slightly sporting side the TSX drives just fine. No big surprises–it’s middle of the road in its class. Steering is light, direct and communicates well. You’ve got the option of a slightly vague six speed manual transmission–the shift throws are long and gates aren’t the most direct. The five speed auto with paddle shifters almost suits the mission a little better. Our only gripe is that you’ve got to goose the i-VTEC 2.4 liter four cylinder a little more than we feel is appropriate in this segment, especially given the fatter power available from its competitors—though you should be spending less at the pump.

If you’re in the market for something premium and midsize, the 2009 Acura TSX definitely has some standout features over its competition worth taking a look and listen to.

More info at acura.com