Although this is another hit for Acura, I feel like my current 2012 Advance is more refined. Then again, it's hard to improve on such a winning platform. The exposed cupholders kill it for me, though. If I didn't have the 2nd gen, then the 3rd gen would be my choice.

I do appreciate the extra legroom,though. For the life of me, I don't understand why a BLU-ray player isn't the media of choice. The Toyota Seqouia has this as standard equipment on their entertainment package. DVD's are slowly phasing out and with a 5-7 year MDX production run, DVDs don't make sense. Hopefully they'll implement Blu-ray into the MMC refresh. And I'm still waiting on panaramic roof.

I like the subtle touches like puddle lights and door handle lights. This MDX is still a winner and will garner another set of awards for Acura, which makes one of the finest interiors on the market.

 

Do we know for sure that the new "ELS Studio" system does NOT support DVD-A? Believe it or not, that's been one of the last reasons I've been so devoted to Acura, as I LOVE hi-res 5.1 surround, and Elliot Scheiner's name is synonymous with the format. I understand the Krell system doesn't support it, but I always assumed ELS Studio was just a more refined version of ELS Surround. But all of a sudden, I'm realizing that DVD-Audio may not be supported at all, which would be a shame, as many of my favorite bands are still releasing music in that format.

 

It had it on all 4 doors.

 

Negative.
Sorry.

Launch Party seems to be June 8th, so I assume we can expect prices around that date.

 

Hey - I have both cars. 2011 mdx advance w res and 2012 odyssey touring elite w 16" screen. I would think the reason they center the 16" rather than give you 2 x 9" screens is because if you put the screens on the headrests or driver and passenger how will the people in 3rd row watch? That logic actually makes sense for any vehicle w 3 rows. Either way, both are nice but my 4 year old prefers the mini-van any day over any other cars.

 

Looks 10x better with the running boards/rails, fogs and the front bumper trim.

These split spoke rims are growing on me as well. I definitely like them more than the chrome alloys they have as an option!

 

Some new information on the 2014, having just reviewed with Acura.

Wheels
MDX Standard = 18" 5-spoke machined wheel, like an updated version of the current wheel
MDX Tech & Tech/Ent = 19" 10-twin spoke machined wheel, as seen above
MDX Adv/Ent = 19" 7-spoke silver wheel

Audio Systems
MDX Standard = 432-watt, 8-speaker
MDX Tech = 501-watt ELS with 10-speakers
MDX Tech/Ent = 529-watt ELS with additional 11th speaker mounted in ceiling
MDX Adv/Ent = 546-watt ELS with 12-speakers

Electronic & Other Features
-Tech/Ent models use a 9" rear screen and rear window sun shades (like the RLX)
-Adv/Ent models use a 16.2" rear screen with HDMI port and can play 2 inputs at once
-Welcome feature with LED puddle lamps that light as you approach on Tech & above models
-Abient lighting underneath the 2nd and 3rd row seating for those foot wells
-3-level heated seating on all models, plus 3-level rear heating on Ent models
-Remote start from factory on the smart fob is standard only on Adv/Ent models, with 330-foot range and DOES STAY ON when the car is unlocked to get in, not turning off like current accessory model. This will be an accessory on Standard & Tech models
-Limo mode for 2nd row seat allow sliding fore/aft 2"

All other dash & navigation/audio/adaptive cruise, etc. features are from the RLX.

More to come.

 

Beach109 - Very cool! Where are you getting this info from?

Also, would have been great if they offered a 20" wheel option like they do with the prototype and the ZDX!

 

Acura. We're still waiting on pricing and specific standard/optional lists, but otherwise these are being built. Should know more soon.

This is a VERY impressive vehicle, and the more you see it, the more you understand how much. Checks off every box the current still impressive MDX did not, and with incredible looks/wheels/features.

In regards to performance, a few other facts:

-Lapped the Nürburgring ring in Germany a full 8 seconds quicker than a current MDX model with SH-AWD
-Weighs 275 pounds less than the current model
-Rated 27 highway with SH-AWD, 28 highway with FWD
-The Advance Interactive control now has Normal-Comfort-Sport modes, and Sport will also change steering response, SH-AWD response and the active sound control for a higher performance sound
-Milano leather now "stain resistant"
-Lower horsepower and torque ratings on paper, but more torque down low than the current 3.7L with a flatter curve and is faster 0-60 than current model

 

^^ all very interesting data. The MDX is an amazing vehicle I just wish they'll invest the same amount of effort into the TLX. Now if only my RDX (2013) would have ambiant LED at the footwell area That still baffles me why they took that feature away.

 

I've seen 3 sets of wheels so far:

Here are the 2 19" options:
http://www.acura.com/images/FutureVe...DX_HERO_10.jpg

http://www.acura.com/images/2014/MDX...ack-back-2.jpg

and I'm assuming this is the 18" option:
http://www.acura.com/images/2014/MDX...oon-snow-9.jpg

 

I am disappointed with combining Advance and Entertainment packages. I have no need for ENT but would like to have CBMS, ACC - with low speed follow, next generation Acuralink.

Nice to have are FCW, LDW, BLIS, and LKAS.

Does anyone know the split between Tech and Advance on the above features.?

 

No Subwoofer, come on. Acura you can do better than that.
Some people might complain about exhaust tips or open cup holders, but this to me is like 100x times more important.

 

^^ Its quite likely that one of these speakers is a subwoofer. The RDX has it, why would the MDX not have it??

 

^^^^^ 2013 MDX and RDX subwoofer location is in back of quarter panel. Now 2014 MDX got empty spot in that place.

 

^ Considering how deep the left side is, more than likely the subwoofer is behind that panel on the right.

 

^^^ there is no grille, no grille, no air movement, no sound.

 

You could cover a sub-woofer with almost anything and you will hear it no problem. Just because there is no visible grille is not a determining factor of whether there is a sub-woofer or not. If you now have a sub then cover it with anything and listen to the difference, eliminating frequencies below 80Hz is very difficult.

 

There will be subwoofers. I find it hard to fathom how you can recreate ELS quality sound without one.

 

Tech & above have next gen AcuraLink standard.

Adv/Ent only has the ACC with low speed follow and LKAS steering control.

I do have to clarify further with BLIS and LDW, as they are available below Advance.

 

None of these are correct. I will try to do screen captures:

MDX Standard 18" Machined Finish:


MDX Tech & Tech/Ent 19" Machined Finish:


MDX Adv/Ent 19" Silver Finish:


Those are your 3 standard factory choices, depending on model. The other chrome design shown elsewhere above is a factory accessory wheel.

 

I like the Tech wheel the best! (WANTS)

Wonder how it would look on a RLX...? Maybe I can photoshop some on.

 

Yeah i have to agree the Tech wheels are the best but I'll reserve final judgment until i see these in person.

What I don't like is for me to get the 16.9" entertainment screen, I have to get the advance package which come with the wheels that I least like!

or did i misunderstand this and have the option of selecting between the 2 19" wheel options?

 

You can always do the accessory wheels, but those are pricey.

Exactly as above, Standard MDX has machined 18" wheel, Tech & Tech/Ent have machined 19" wheel, and Adv/Ent has a unique silver painted 19" wheel. No interchanging of the wheels among the models.

 

As long as the Advanced 19 rims don;t look like the cheap plastic looking chrome that I've seen on most new cars (all new American cars) then they would look cool. I think they would look best as a machine finished Graphite color with a little sparkle. Like the picture shows, but with less light reflection. Still the 19s on the Tech look the best.

But why all the nice rims on the MDX, the RLX could have gotten some of this too!

I wonder what kinda of dealer accessory rims they will have. I think the '13 ZDX's rims look good on the RL's and the RLX. I think these MDX Tech rims will do the RLX justice too.

I love/ hate rims. They make or break a car.

 

Beach109 - Any word on MSRP for the various packages?

 

Agreed! Very easy to screw up a very nice car/suv with a poor choice in rims!

What surprises me is why they didn't offer a 20" wheel option when they have one for the ZDX! I know the big wheels don't appeal to all buyers, but they already offer two 19" (Tech/Advanced) AND and another 19" accessory wheel as an option! With the competition serving up 20"/21", you would think Acura would follow and give their buyers a choice!

 

No, nothing yet. We expected to see some move from to be produced to in transit but in the past week, they have not and are delayed further. The end of May roll out will definitely be later, for now. I think production start up is being done very, very slowly to ensure all is right, from the Alabama plant.

Pricing should follow soon. 2013 MDX inventory is getting thin.

 

Did you hear anything about the eucaliptus interior color ?

 

No, I've not actually seen any chip aside from the digital clip where it appears to be a medium charcoal/brown of some sort, next to the Forest Mist Green as an example.

 

THANKS! that helps already!

 

just found out that the '14 MDX is having some prodcution delays and won't be out until july now (from the same someone that had a deposit down on one). any validation to this from some of our dealer friends?

 

^^ true. Not sure why at this point.

 

Not 100% sure on that, I saw the same thing in the blogs and called my dealer, he told me they could only order 1 and they got my order in since I gave $1k deposit 2 months ago, but looks like there is a delay for buyers waiting to see the car first or putting the deposit now (once again not sure yet). I will find out more.
BTW , got this link today with extra info and photos:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/9106978...7633512868188/

 

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7293/8...cf82ba95_o.jpg

 

Thanks! I was trying to do that but the link was not working!

 

Allow me to clarify if possible. Only being allowed to order one car is more of an allocation issue than anything else. What has happened is that all of the production dates have slipped between two and three weeks.

It doesn't mean that there is a problem with the vehicles. Since a typical Honda or Acura factory only keeps two or three days of parts in stock to manufacture the cars, it could be something as simple as a supplier not getting their production out on time.

Back in 2007 when Acura was watching the then all new RDX, they discovered that a "simple" change to the order in which certain parts were installed on the assembly line would yield a huge increase in efficiency. They delayed the initial production run in order to implement these changes. It required reprogramming the computers that run the assembly line, then doing a test production run at 1/2 to 3/4 speed to use make sure everything was working properly.

 

I guess they assume (Last minutely) that the MDX is going to be rushed out of the ovens, selling like hot cakes, so they are ramping up the stock/ machines ect to be able to support it. Just one question. If that was the case, then why are they just now doing that?

 

I think you're drawing the wrong conclusion here. Production quantities were planned over two months ago, in this regard nothing has "changed".

 

So whats with the hold up then? Not that any of us know for sure.