Test Drive of the MDX Sport Hybrid
#41
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
Looks like we are going with a different color combo (silver/ebony) and being offered $55,800 for an Advance model.
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pgeorg (05-19-2017)
#43
#44
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
#45
Why didnt they have head up display on mdx? I guess 3500 off for it being the newset offering is decent. If you wait prices will drop a little but then you will not enjoy it during the waiting period. You got me interested in driving it again. I saw one review that had 0-60 at 5.8 so your 5.4 is pretty close. Even at 5.8 thats pretty fast. That is faster tgan my 2008 tl.
#46
Three Wheelin'
I suspect that any discount that RLX-Sport Hybrid is receiving on his new MDX Sport Hybrid is due to the relationship he has established with his Acura dealer by purchasing and servicing his RLX. If someone walks in off the street to try to buy a brand new version of a very popular model that has JUST ARRIVED in the showroom, I doubt they would get $3500 off at this point. In fact, there are anecdotal stories of dealerships charging above MSRP for the right to be the first one to buy a new model.
Well done RLX-Sport Hybrid - Enjoy.
Well done RLX-Sport Hybrid - Enjoy.
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RLX-Sport Hybrid (05-19-2017)
#47
Senior Moderator
Nice job RLX-SH! I agree with Hondamore.
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RLX-Sport Hybrid (05-19-2017)
#48
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
I suspect that any discount that RLX-Sport Hybrid is receiving on his new MDX Sport Hybrid is due to the relationship he has established with his Acura dealer by purchasing and servicing his RLX. If someone walks in off the street to try to buy a brand new version of a very popular model that has JUST ARRIVED in the showroom, I doubt they would get $3500 off at this point. In fact, there are anecdotal stories of dealerships charging above MSRP for the right to be the first one to buy a new model.
Well done RLX-Sport Hybrid - Enjoy.
Well done RLX-Sport Hybrid - Enjoy.
So yes Hondamore you are correct. Thank you very much!
#49
Nobody as of yet can alter the programming of any Sport Hybrid system, and it is complicated.
If you introduce a lot more HP to the 3.0 J Motor, then you are altering the way that the programming is supposed to respond with vectoring the power. You're altering the way it is supposed to respond, but it does not have that capability.
My prediction is that you'll end up with a very herky/jerky vehicle that could be dangerous in switchback maneuvers.
This is also why you don't tow anything with a Sport Hybrid, as of yet.
If you introduce a lot more HP to the 3.0 J Motor, then you are altering the way that the programming is supposed to respond with vectoring the power. You're altering the way it is supposed to respond, but it does not have that capability.
My prediction is that you'll end up with a very herky/jerky vehicle that could be dangerous in switchback maneuvers.
This is also why you don't tow anything with a Sport Hybrid, as of yet.
#50
Grandpa
Join Date: Dec 2003
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I'm sure it'll happen sooner or later, but modifying the computations that vector the torque and alter the charger's influence might have alarming consequences. The car will hang the tail under some circumstances even with the OEM tune.
And remember the NSX Sport Hybrid's J Motor base is a Cosworth built motor. People don't really know yet what's different because nobody in the aftermarket world has taken one apart yet.
Cosworth have been known to build motors that are on the edge insofar as how they're built.
#51
what site do you guys use to find new RLX SH's for sale?
#53
Grandpa
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Alex Dykes reviewed the MDX Sport Hybrid and put up his video a couple of days ago.
#54
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
0-60 in sport mode without selecting 1st gear is 5.9 seconds as I was able to confirm with my g-tech. However, when you select 1st gear manually it is about 5.4 seconds as I found. I suspect that the reviewers don't know that for the most part. One reason is when you select 1st gear, it does not show it in the MID display on the dash like the NSX or RLX Sport Hybrid. Another thing is the rear EV motors distribute power in the turns differently than in the RLX Sport Hybrid. I noticed that in the MDX SH it tends to keep equal power distributed to both rear wheels at the same time in the same amount through many curvy roads (comfort mode), where in the RLX Sport Hybrid, it immediately shifts to the outside rear wheel over driving and the inside wheel charging or doing nothing at all in the very same conditions, speed and road way. I would expect that to be different in the various dynamic modes, but I did not experiment with that as much as I was mesmerized by the supremely smooth ride. Interesting to see the differences. I should be picking ours up this week so I will be able to report more once I get more time behind the wheel. It will be fun to have two sport hybrids in the family!
#55
Grandpa
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Another thing is the rear EV motors distribute power in the turns differently than in the RLX Sport Hybrid. I noticed that in the MDX SH it tends to keep equal power distributed to both rear wheels at the same time in the same amount through many curvy roads (comfort mode), where in the RLX Sport Hybrid, it immediately shifts to the outside rear wheel over driving and the inside wheel charging or doing nothing at all in the very same conditions, speed and road way.
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pgeorg (05-28-2017)
#56
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
Let me pick up our new MDX SH and spend more time with it before we jump to conclusions. I spent most of my driving time in comfort mode. I will invest more time in the other drive modes so I can report back to everyone on what it is really like. I really hope Acura corporate puts the active dampers in every Acura vehicle it makes. They are just that good.
#57
how are you going to split your time between forums: RLX and MDX?
I'm starting to crave an MDX Hybrid
I'm starting to crave an MDX Hybrid
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moose66 (05-30-2017)
#58
All of a sudden, my Dealer has 3 MDX SH and they are not a high volume Dealer. Not sure any other Dealer within 50 miles has more than 1
#59
Safety Car
+1
Hello, just chiming in to say that 1 of my family members just purchases and Advance Hybrid 2017MDX over the weekend after finally getting a decent deal. Pretty impressive as they are coming off 3 Lexus in a row ...
#60
Burning Brakes
Will be very interested to see the sales numbers at months end. I've seen listings pick up locally. Based on my almost every other day review of local inventory, the MDX-H's don't seem to be staying on the lots long.
#61
Three Wheelin'
If it wasn't for their lack of movement or desire to show any real accountability for how they (unintentionally) screwed over customers like me with the RLX, and the so-so interior design of the 2018 TLX, I'd be rushing to trade in my ILX for a new TLX right now. regardless of what money I'd lose in the trade. Overall, I think they've done a great job with the new MMC and is showing signs of that visceral excitement that makes you want/need to have one.
Last edited by holografique; 06-13-2017 at 03:49 PM.
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RLX-Sport Hybrid (06-13-2017)
#62
Went and test drove today. RLX-SH's assessmetnt is spot on.
The transmission was incredibly smooth and extremely quiet. Very odd to see the tach drop to zero, but no noticeable change in driving. Very impressed with it. Not sure what I'm going to do. Dealer is down to 2.
The transmission was incredibly smooth and extremely quiet. Very odd to see the tach drop to zero, but no noticeable change in driving. Very impressed with it. Not sure what I'm going to do. Dealer is down to 2.
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RLX-Sport Hybrid (06-18-2017)
#63
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
Went and test drove today. RLX-SH's assessmetnt is spot on.
The transmission was incredibly smooth and extremely quiet. Very odd to see the tach drop to zero, but no noticeable change in driving. Very impressed with it. Not sure what I'm going to do. Dealer is down to 2.
The transmission was incredibly smooth and extremely quiet. Very odd to see the tach drop to zero, but no noticeable change in driving. Very impressed with it. Not sure what I'm going to do. Dealer is down to 2.
I'm heading out for a while and think the MDX Luxury Hybrid will be my car choice for the day. Clearance from the tower to take off on runway #1.
#64
Senior Moderator
^^^
Just take out a second mortgage on the house to supply the down payment for the NSX. Duh, priorities!
Just take out a second mortgage on the house to supply the down payment for the NSX. Duh, priorities!
#65
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
Actually $3,200 per month for 72 months is a small mortgage in the New York metro area, but the larger discussion with my wife is the "value prop" and the "need" for such a extraordinary and unnecessary luxury. We are very fortunate for sure, but there are limits to her acceptance of my car passion. One day when writing a check for something like this is a rounding error, maybe she will feel differently. Until then, we can enjoy what we have.
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neuronbob (06-21-2017)
#66
Well I pulled the trigger on a White Pearl MDX-SH Advance. Drove it home an hour ago. Traded in the RLX.
Will be driving 120 miles tomorrow morning to get first impressions over and above my test drive.
Will be driving 120 miles tomorrow morning to get first impressions over and above my test drive.
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#67
Three Wheelin'
Congratulations getakey!! I look forward to your impressions of the MDX Sport Hybrid - Acura's latest version of the technology. You get all of the benefits of the Sport Hybrid technology AND you have all the cargo space you'll ever need. Have fun!!
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getakey (06-19-2017)
#68
one disappointing non feature - the door handles don't light up
that was one of my favorite things
that was one of my favorite things
#69
Three Wheelin'
^^^Acura has to leave a few goodies exclusively in the flagship for now, so the door handles that light up and the HUD will come in the future. At least you can haul 4 sets of golf clubs and get to play with Apple Car Play.
#70
I'm OK without HUD, but I loved my lighting door handles
"I'm here for you baby"
"I'm here for you baby"
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hondamore (06-19-2017)
#71
Burning Brakes
Congrats getakey! I hope you have many healthy and fun miles with it, and I am sure you will love that awesome hybrid powertrain!
It does not have the door handles that light up, but it does have the approach lights under the mirrors to tell you "I am here for you baby" (at least my 14 MDX SH-AWD Advanced has them)
It does not have the door handles that light up, but it does have the approach lights under the mirrors to tell you "I am here for you baby" (at least my 14 MDX SH-AWD Advanced has them)
#72
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
Congrats my friend! I hope you enjoy it as much as we do. Many happy and safe miles to you!
You are right! I did not notice that the door handles don't light up.
One thing I discovered is there are air openings on the far corners of the front clip to the outside of the fog lights that are a straight shot into the wheel wells of the front tires. Interesting air management idea. I wonder why the engineers did that on a "sport utility"? A car with capabilities like a GTR or Porsche GT2, but a SUV? Also I have noticed that the front fenders and the hood are taller than in the previous generation, which gives more of a visual cue where the hood ends for parking purposes. It also gives me the impression that I am higher up off the ground than in the previous model, even though that is not the case. Lastly yesterday in the heavy rain, I noticed that the aerodynamics are clearly different as the water pooled on the hood differently than the last model. At about 35 mph in the RLX-SH water will pool up and start to spin like a vortex on the hood in two spots about a foot up onto the hood, until the water blows off with additional speed. On the new MDX-SH it does something similar but less dramatically. It did not do that on the last generation with a more curved hood line. Oh and one more thing, the lighting package is very good but still not any better than the RLX lighting pattern which is the widest, deepest and most clear I have ever experienced. Just my latest observations.
You are right! I did not notice that the door handles don't light up.
One thing I discovered is there are air openings on the far corners of the front clip to the outside of the fog lights that are a straight shot into the wheel wells of the front tires. Interesting air management idea. I wonder why the engineers did that on a "sport utility"? A car with capabilities like a GTR or Porsche GT2, but a SUV? Also I have noticed that the front fenders and the hood are taller than in the previous generation, which gives more of a visual cue where the hood ends for parking purposes. It also gives me the impression that I am higher up off the ground than in the previous model, even though that is not the case. Lastly yesterday in the heavy rain, I noticed that the aerodynamics are clearly different as the water pooled on the hood differently than the last model. At about 35 mph in the RLX-SH water will pool up and start to spin like a vortex on the hood in two spots about a foot up onto the hood, until the water blows off with additional speed. On the new MDX-SH it does something similar but less dramatically. It did not do that on the last generation with a more curved hood line. Oh and one more thing, the lighting package is very good but still not any better than the RLX lighting pattern which is the widest, deepest and most clear I have ever experienced. Just my latest observations.
#73
Three Wheelin'
^^A few weeks ago I had to do some late night driving on deserted country roads with lots of wildlife warning signs and I was very grateful for the amazing light provided by the RLX Sport Hybrid's Jewel-eye headlights regular and high beam. My passengers were shocked by how bright the lights were and how well they illuminated the sides of the road as well. The Jewel-eye lights are a homerun for Acura.
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#74
My wife drives a 2006 Odyssey EXL-RES and when driving at night, I find I'm always asking her, in all seriousness, if the headlights are on. I find I'm so accustomed to how powerful the lights are in the RLX that regular lights seem no better than the street lights to me... Or maybe it's just that my eyesight is not getting any better as I get older!
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#75
Drove 132 miles this morning. 99% freeway so EV mode was minimal (1.2/132). Drove in Normal mode as I wanted to compare as much as possible to my RLX PAWS on same trip. Had ACC set at 78 mph most of the time. Got 27.0 mpg. Same trip in RLX was usually 30.4. Pretty good comparing relative sizes of vehicles.
Loved the drive! I would not call the suspension soft, but far superior to RLX. ACC is improved as well. The RLX was jerky and slow to react for cars pulling in front or slowing down. This ACC is quicker to react and smoother. Pleasant surprise. One thing I did not notice was Lane keeping alarm. It has the Road Departure and Lane assist. Did they get rid of the alarm? Kind of annoying anyway.
Now to explore the other driving modes. Took me a while to figure out that the left most gauge was the hybrid battery charge level rather than engine temp.
The only nit I have so far is that I wonder why they could not put the power distribution monitor on the lower LCD. Would be nice to see NAVI in full screen and monitor at same time
Loved the drive! I would not call the suspension soft, but far superior to RLX. ACC is improved as well. The RLX was jerky and slow to react for cars pulling in front or slowing down. This ACC is quicker to react and smoother. Pleasant surprise. One thing I did not notice was Lane keeping alarm. It has the Road Departure and Lane assist. Did they get rid of the alarm? Kind of annoying anyway.
Now to explore the other driving modes. Took me a while to figure out that the left most gauge was the hybrid battery charge level rather than engine temp.
The only nit I have so far is that I wonder why they could not put the power distribution monitor on the lower LCD. Would be nice to see NAVI in full screen and monitor at same time
#76
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
Drove 132 miles this morning. 99% freeway so EV mode was minimal (1.2/132). Drove in Normal mode as I wanted to compare as much as possible to my RLX PAWS on same trip. Had ACC set at 78 mph most of the time. Got 27.0 mpg. Same trip in RLX was usually 30.4. Pretty good comparing relative sizes of vehicles.
Loved the drive! I would not call the suspension soft, but far superior to RLX. ACC is improved as well. The RLX was jerky and slow to react for cars pulling in front or slowing down. This ACC is quicker to react and smoother. Pleasant surprise. One thing I did not notice was Lane keeping alarm. It has the Road Departure and Lane assist. Did they get rid of the alarm? Kind of annoying anyway.
Now to explore the other driving modes. Took me a while to figure out that the left most gauge was the hybrid battery charge level rather than engine temp.
The only nit I have so far is that I wonder why they could not put the power distribution monitor on the lower LCD. Would be nice to see NAVI in full screen and monitor at same time
Loved the drive! I would not call the suspension soft, but far superior to RLX. ACC is improved as well. The RLX was jerky and slow to react for cars pulling in front or slowing down. This ACC is quicker to react and smoother. Pleasant surprise. One thing I did not notice was Lane keeping alarm. It has the Road Departure and Lane assist. Did they get rid of the alarm? Kind of annoying anyway.
Now to explore the other driving modes. Took me a while to figure out that the left most gauge was the hybrid battery charge level rather than engine temp.
The only nit I have so far is that I wonder why they could not put the power distribution monitor on the lower LCD. Would be nice to see NAVI in full screen and monitor at same time
#77
I can get split screen Navi/Power Distro.
What I'm suggesting is Navi Full screen in upper LCD and Power Distro on lower screen where Radio controls are.
What I'm suggesting is Navi Full screen in upper LCD and Power Distro on lower screen where Radio controls are.
#78
Senior Moderator
I think Acura did not place the power distribution on the ODMD (the lower screen) because that screen is meant for you to directly interact with radio, etc. A "static" display like power distribution may not fit in. I'm just guessing.
I also miss the approach door handle lighting as it's not available on my TLX, either. I REALLY miss the HUD, too. If Acura can put the braking warning lights in the far forward dash area, it can't be THAT hard to fit a true HUD unit. I considered the MDX SH, but at the end I decided I'm simply not a SUV guy. Congrats on your purchase!
PS do you have CarPlay in you MDX SH? In the TLX, it's pretty cool after only a couple days with the car.
I also miss the approach door handle lighting as it's not available on my TLX, either. I REALLY miss the HUD, too. If Acura can put the braking warning lights in the far forward dash area, it can't be THAT hard to fit a true HUD unit. I considered the MDX SH, but at the end I decided I'm simply not a SUV guy. Congrats on your purchase!
PS do you have CarPlay in you MDX SH? In the TLX, it's pretty cool after only a couple days with the car.
#79
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
I misunderstood your question. No you can't do that. What I described you can. I miss the HUD. Nothing is perfect and neither are we in our maturing vintages.
#80
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
I think Acura did not place the power distribution on the ODMD (the lower screen) because that screen is meant for you to directly interact with radio, etc. A "static" display like power distribution may not fit in. I'm just guessing.
I also miss the approach door handle lighting as it's not available on my TLX, either. I REALLY miss the HUD, too. If Acura can put the braking warning lights in the far forward dash area, it can't be THAT hard to fit a true HUD unit. I considered the MDX SH, but at the end I decided I'm simply not a SUV guy. Congrats on your purchase!
PS do you have CarPlay in you MDX SH? In the TLX, it's pretty cool after only a couple days with the car.
I also miss the approach door handle lighting as it's not available on my TLX, either. I REALLY miss the HUD, too. If Acura can put the braking warning lights in the far forward dash area, it can't be THAT hard to fit a true HUD unit. I considered the MDX SH, but at the end I decided I'm simply not a SUV guy. Congrats on your purchase!
PS do you have CarPlay in you MDX SH? In the TLX, it's pretty cool after only a couple days with the car.
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hondamore (06-21-2017)