Visually, the new ZDX isn't a redux of the original 2010 lifted hatchback, for better or worse. Instead, it has a more traditional SUV shape with a gloss black roof, 20- or 22-inch wheels depending on trim, and a front fascia inspired by the Acura Precision EV concept. Acura's Diamond Pentagon grille highlights the front end with a 3D embossed diamond pattern and an illuminated surround, while stylish Jewel Eye headlights adorn each side of the grille, joined by signature LED daytime running lights below.
In terms of size, the ZDX is 197.7 inches (5021 mm) long and 77.0 inches wide (1956 mm), making it slightly smaller than the gas-powered MDX. But its battery platform gives it a significantly longer wheelbase; 121.8 inches (3094 mm) compared to just 113.8 inches (2890mm) for the MDX. And that extra-long platform means extra space in the cabin - which promises to be a nice place to sit.
Sharing a GM Ultium platform with the Chevrolet Blazer EV, the base ZDX A-Spec uses a 102.0-kilowatt-hour battery pack and comes in either a single or dual-motor configuration. The base ZDX has 340 horsepower and an estimated 325 miles (523 km) of range with the single-motor setup, falling to 315 miles (506 km) of range with the dual-motor layout.
The ZDX has a 190 kilowatt DC fast-charging capability, which means you can recover up to 81 miles (130 km) in as little as 10 minutes. And Acura promises comprehensive home charging solutions will be available through a new Acura Home Electrification website that connects ZDX owners with local installers.
At the top of the lineup is the ZDX Type S, which earns the title of "most powerful Acura SUV ever" with a 500-horsepower, twin-engine setup. It uses the same 102.0 kWh battery pack as the base ZDX A-Spec, and even with all that power, the Type S still has an estimated 288 miles (463 km) of range.
Acura ZDX Type S
Acura promises a "near" 50/50 weight distribution for the entire ZDX platform, with performance upgrades specific to the Type S ranging from an adjustable air suspension with performance-tuned adaptive dampers to 15.6-inch, six-piston Brembo brakes with yellow-painted calipers on the front wheels. The ZDX Type S will even have a high performance summer tire option with a gloss black wheel.
The ZDX has a driver-focused cockpit with an 11.0-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11.3-inch touchscreen with a new Google user interface. That includes Google Assistant and enhanced Google Maps, which come with EV-specific features such as instant battery preconditioning when the destination is a DC fast-charging station. This setup also includes standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, unlike its Ultium platform-mate Chevrolet Blazer EV.
The ZDX will also be the first Acura to offer a standard, immersive Bang & Olufsen audio system with up to 14 different channels of amplification. This setup consists of 18 speakers - including four in the headliner - and a subwoofer.
An AcuraWatch safety suite will be standard on all ZDX models with front and rear emergency braking, blind spot monitoring with steering assist and rear pedestrian alert. Move up to the Type S model to unlock the new AcuraWatch 360+ hands-free driver assistance system. Similar to GM Super Cruise or Ford Blue Cruise, AcuraWatch 360+ allows hands-free driving on up to 400,000 miles of compatible roads and comes with another first: automatic parking assist.
The Acura ZDX will go into production next year and buyers will be able to get in their cars by the end of 2024. The ZDX starts at "around" $60,000, while the Type S model will cost $70,000. Compare that to the MDX, which starts at $51,045 with destination and asks for $67,895, and the ZDX comes in a few grand pricier in both respects than its gas counterpart.
Source: Acura
