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Honda has resurrected the ZDX nameplate for the first Acura electric vehicle, built in partnership with General Motors. Acura previewed the upcoming EV this summer with the dramatically-styled Precision EV concept, but the production version of the ZDX will look more tamed. 14 photos
After revealing the Precision EV Concept in August, Acura let us all know that their future electric vehicle would be called ZDX. The Acura ZDX nameplate is not new, being used for an ill-fated coupe-SUV in 2009. It only endured four years on the market before being withdrawn and the nameplate put to sleep. This time, Acura’s dusted-off ZDX name might stand a better chance, thanks to the high-tech nature of the upcoming electric vehicle and the spiced-up design anticipated by the Precision EV concept.
Our photographers managed to snap the very first pictures of an Acura ZDX prototype while undergoing testing. Despite the heavy camouflage, we can still see hints that many details of the Precision EV concept will carry on into production, but not all. Chief among them are the dramatically sculpted hood, the distinctive roof line, and the unique D-pillar design. Overall, the ZDX’s body closely matches that of the Cadillac Lyriq, and something had to give.
Based on what we see from the pictures, the Acura ZDX shares the body proportions and style with the Lyriq, its brother from another mother. Sadly, this means that the pointed beak front of the Precision concept had to go, making room for a more square-jawed front fascia with a rather boring front bumper and air-intakes. The headlights appear different on the prototype, but it’s too soon to conclude. After all, they already looked production-friendly on the Precision EV Concept.
Other details that set the Precision EV Concept apart are also missing from the testing Acura ZDX prototype. Most notably, the hidden door handles are now replaced by protruding (classic) counterparts, which no doubt would take a toll on aerodynamics and efficiency. We expect these to be replaced in the production model. After all, the Cadillac Lyriq has flush door handles, and I can’t see why the Acura ZDX would be any different. Looking at the prototype from behind, the Precision EV Concept design cues are mostly untouched.
A close-up picture taken through the side window shows a hint of a large infotainment screen with a physical knob mounted on display. This differs from Cadillac Lyriq, so we’ll probably see a bespoke cockpit on the Acura ZDX. The picture is too grainy to see whether this is a wrap-around display like the one on the Lyriq or two separate screens like the Precision EV Concept.
Of course, being based on the Cadillac Lyriq’s Ultium platform, we expect the Acura ZDX to closely match its specifications. No official details have been provided besides that a ZDX S Type sporty version is also planned for 2024
In August this year, Acura confirmed officially it will resurrect the ZDX in the form of its first all-electric production vehicle. At the time, Honda’s upmarket brand didn’t reveal actual images of the new vehicle but today, we have what we can best describe as official spy photos of the reborn ZDX. What you see in the gallery below are teaser photos of the EV crossover showing a pre-production prototype testing on public roads.
Acura says the development process of the ZDX now moves to tests in real-world conditions as it wants to make sure the model delivers the driving experience and road behavior we’ve come to expect from the brand’s products. Acura calls this the Precision Crafted Performance.
The prototype from the photo gallery above wears a bespoke Type S camouflage wrap, which can’t hide its overall shape. From what we are able to see so far, the new ZDX will most likely look a lot more conventional than its predecessor with a flat roofline and shorter overhangs. This doesn’t mean it won’t look good and Acura says most of the inspiration for its styling will come from the Precision EV concept. And that concept was rather good-looking.
The luxury automaker’s first production battery-powered model is currently undergoing testing and Acura is focused on optimizing the SUV’s dynamics and overall driving experience. As you can see from the attached images, the trial vehicle wears provisional headlights and taillights and we expect to start seeing prototypes with less camouflage and more production bits in the next weeks and months.Designed at the Acura Design Studio in Southern California, the new ZDX will be based on the General Motors Ultium platform thanks to a partnership the American company has with Honda. No details regarding the powertrain and battery are currently available but we know these underpinnings can support batteries ranging from 50- to 200 kilowatt-hours. A sportier ZDX Type S model is also in the cards.
Acura promises to unveil the new ZDX in full next year.
All-new Acura ZDX comes with Google built-in as standard with the latest apps and services including Google Assistant, Google Maps and more on Google Play
ZDX also will feature wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto™ compatibility
First Acura zero-emissions vehicle, ZDX, will go on sale early 2024
The all-new Acura 2024 ZDX, the first EV from Acura, will feature the performance brand's first integration of Google1 built-in for seamless on-the-go connectivity when it arrives early 2024. Available on all ZDX trims, apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps, and more on Google Play, help deliver a connected, personalized and more streamlined driving experience.
"As Acura moves rapidly toward the electrified and digital future we're pleased to offer customers a choice of technology partners by combining embedded Google apps and services with our in-vehicle connectivity to advance the fun and productive ownership experience," said Raj Manakkal, Assistant Vice President, Digital Services Development for American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "Starting with the Acura ZDX and ZDX Type S, we will take class-leading connectivity solutions to the next level by integrating features with Google built-in into future Acura products."
An enhanced version of Google Maps for EV customers will offer Acura ZDX drivers optimized route planning for recharging, and finding charging stations along the way to minimize travel time. Google Maps can also estimate the charging time2 required to reach the destination and can initiate preconditioning of the EV battery when the destination is a DC Fast charging station. Battery preconditioning can reduce charge times, getting customers back on the road quickly.
With Google Assistant, users can get things done while keeping their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel. Users can easily call or text a friend, set reminders, change the temperature in the car or navigate to their next destination using just their voice. Users also can ask Google Assistant to set their destination in Google Maps, and the route map will be displayed on the instrument cluster.
Drivers can control their media by asking Google Assistant to skip to the next track or rewind a podcast using the driver's favorite media apps. Google Play enables users to download various 3rd-party apps for music, podcasts, audiobooks, and more, just like they would on their smartphone.
In addition to the embedded Google apps, a number of other intuitive technologies have been smartly integrated into ZDX's high-tech cabin as standard equipment, including a digital driver instrumentation display, a large center touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android AutoTM3 compatibility and Acura's first pocket type wireless smartphone charger.
Acura ZDX will benefit from fast and secure Over the Air (OTA) software updates to key vehicle computer modules, enhancing functionality and capability.
Acura will serve as the tip of the spear for digitalization at American Honda, with 100% of Acura EV sales taking place online, starting in early 2024 with the ZDX and ZDX Type S.
More details about the all-new Acura ZDX and ZDX Type S can be found here.
Acura ZDX delivers a connected, personalized and more streamlined driving experience.
About Acura
Acura is a leading automotive nameplate that delivers Precision Crafted Performance – a commitment to expressive styling, high-performance and innovative engineering, all built on a foundation of quality and reliability. The Acura lineup currently features 4 distinctive models – the next-gen Integra sport compact, TLX sport sedan, the RDX and MDX sport-utility vehicles, along with high-performance Type S variants. Acura's 1st all-electric model will be an SUV, the ZDX and ZDX Type S, and will arrive in 2024. All Acura vehicles sold in America are made in the U.S., using domestic and globally sourced parts.
Yes, and the TLX-S easily pops over $60k with a couple of accessories. Heck, my last three Acuras (NSX, MDX, and ZDX) all went for over $60k, and that goes back to 2010. I spec'd out online a 2024 MDX-S the way I'd want it and the sticker price became $77k.
Now, do MOST Acuras sell at that price point? No. But it's unfair to say they "can't even sell anything over $60k". Maybe Acura will value engineer the ZDX-S to keep the sticker under $100k, but I'm hoping they don't. If Tesla, Cadillac, Lincoln, etc. can go over $100k, and even Infiniti sells an SUV for over $90k, it seems that Acura can play in that market spot as well.
Yah just because they want to sell those cars at those prices does mean they are selling.
Tesla Cadillac and Lincoln have shown the ability to sell SUVs over 100k.
Tesla's Model X is dead... Y is nowhere near 100k. As much as i dislike Tesla, i see 0 reason why i would pick a $80-100k ZDX over a $55k Model Y performance, which 100% will run circles around the ZDX-S
What Acura has shown is the car is DOA as soon as it reaches $60k.
What Infiniti SUV costs $90K?
Last edited by oonowindoo; 06-07-2023 at 04:22 PM.
But a $85k Acura product will be lame performing and seriously underpowered compared to other products in the same price range.
Unless the ZDX is coming with 800+hp and some crazy features, it's DOA.
Cranking up hp with EV is a no brainer. All they need are big ass high-current electric motors and monster-sized battery packs. It is not like internal combustion engines that require rocket science, long R&D time, and $$$$$ in order to develop a 800 hp (likely forced induction) gasoline engine.
Easy, spending $100k on a relatively new BEV company who may may not be around in the future, as well as slow to respond door locks and high learning curve for the R1S.
As long as Acura stick to their previous product design/feature/function/usability principals that made the MDX so successful they'll have no problem selling BEV's.
Easy, spending $100k on a relatively new BEV company who may may not be around in the future, as well as slow to respond door locks and high learning curve for the R1S. As long as Acura stick to their previous product design/feature/function/usability principals that made the MDX so successful they'll have no problem selling BEV's.
The problem is that their previous design/feature/function/usability principles aren't great and reflected in their sales figures compared to other brands even at higher price points.
There is no high learning curve for a R1S, I will guarantee that. If the only downside is slow to respond door locks, I'd take that over the stupid touchpad.
If this product is going to come in around $85k, that's square in the wheelhouse of a R1S in terms of price and the Rivian will eat its lunch in everything.
The problem is that their previous design/feature/function/usability principles aren't great and reflected in their sales figures compared to other brands even at higher price points.
There is no high learning curve for a R1S, I will guarantee that. If the only downside is slow to respond door locks, I'd take that over the stupid touchpad.
If this product is going to come in around $85k, that's square in the wheelhouse of a R1S in terms of price and the Rivian will eat its lunch in everything.
That's your opinion, however actual sales figures disprove that. The MDX principles have been well established in the consumer end user and auto media which is why they sell so well.
Rivian is facing ALOT of business issues currently, they make a nice product with some obvious flaws (the silly door locks and not everyone wants a overly complicated UX/UI) but it's ability to overcome it's financial hurdles are gonna be immense in the next few years as traditional automakers bring in their BEV. Tesla has far fewer problems than Rivian from a business point of view, they've managed to overcome alot of business issue with their novel battery and advanced manufacturing and their productization is also really good.
Yes...and the X5 sold nearly 2x the number of units as the MDX at a higher price point. Your links disprove your notion.
Rivian UI is easier to navigate than the dumb touchpad which is 100% the reason we didn't buy an MDX a couple years ago.
My link proves me right and you wrong, here are the sales numbers since 2005, 15 years MDX>X5, 4 years MDX<X5 but fairly similar over 19 years. You obviously cherry picked 2022 when there were extreme supply chain problems at Acura/Honda.
QX80 starts at $72k.... If you wanna talk about a loaded one, sure... like I said, Inifniti and Acura can price it at whatever price they want. It doesnt meant they will sell.
I dont know about you. I havent seen any new $90k QX80 driving around because most of the ppl in their right mind won't pay for it when they could get 6 cylinder X5 or X7, Q7, GLE/GLS for the same price and that is the same for Acura.
and how many buyers are we talking about for the $70k MDX-S? It is all relative. When you have 2000 people a month paying for base trim 70k X5,40 (or others), and only 300 a month are paying for the top trim 70k MDX-S, that doesnt show the ability that Acura can sell 60K+ cars. That is a failure. # were just made up since i dont know how many ppl bought MDX-S.
There were some ppl who paid premium for the RLX too... it doesnt mean it was a successful product in terms of sales.
That's your opinion, however actual sales figures disprove that. The MDX principles have been well established in the consumer end user and auto media which is why they sell so well.
Rivian is facing ALOT of business issues currently, they make a nice product with some obvious flaws (the silly door locks and not everyone wants a overly complicated UX/UI) but it's ability to overcome it's financial hurdles are gonna be immense in the next few years as traditional automakers bring in their BEV. Tesla has far fewer problems than Rivian from a business point of view, they've managed to overcome alot of business issue with their novel battery and advanced manufacturing and their productization is also really good.
First you brought up people are paying close to 70k for MDX-S and then bring up the total sales # of all MDX which most of the ones sold are in the low to mid $50s...
MDX is a good SUV.... at 50-55k which is what they are selling. The base model X5 without any options starts at $70k....
First you brought up people are paying close to 70k for MDX-S and then bring up the total sales # of all MDX which most of the ones sold are in the low to mid $50s...
MDX is a good SUV.... at 50-55k which is what they are selling. The base model X5 without any options starts at $70k....
What you see above is our best look yet at the 2024 Acura ZDX. The SUV, while not completely production-ready (mainly the temporary headlights), is completely and totally devoid of line-obscuring camouflage. The resulting vehicle is clearly a toned-down Precision EV concept, and one that does a good job of hiding its GM underpinnings.
Like the concept, it has a forward-leaning nose with a blanked-out version of the Acura corporate pentagonal grille. The long nose gives way to a seriously raked windshield and a floating roof. That roof has a distinct rear pillar treatment with a little notch for the rear glass to create that floating look.
There are, of course, concessions to reality. The lower front fascia has relatively nondescript grilles, though they also don't detract from the rest of the vehicle. And naturally there are large door mirrors and conventional grab handles to get in.
The ZDX will be based on the GM Ultium platform, and considering on the size and likely performance, will probably be closely related to the Chevy Blazer. To the credit of Acura's designers, and also perhaps to GM's architecture, the ZDX does not look like a reworked Blazer. And the differences will continue beyond the exterior. While GM will be dropping Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Honda and Acura versions of Ultium SUVs will keep the phone mirroring software. It will still have Google apps built-in as well as touchscreen support, unlike some gas-powered Acura models.
We'll see the ZDX launch next year. It will even have a high-performance Type-S variant like the TLX and Integra. That leads us to believe something like the dual-motor 557-horsepower powertrain from the Blazer SS will be available. We'll be curious to see what the more mild powertrains will be like, if they'll all be dual-motor, or if there will be single-motor setups. And if there are single-motor layouts, whether they'll be front- or rear-wheel drive, as both options are available on Blazer.
August 3, 2023 — TORRANCEAcura is accelerating toward its electrified future with the world debut of the all-electric 2024 ZDX on August 17, during the famed Monterey Car Week. Styled at the Acura Design Studio in Southern California, the dramatically sculpted SUV reflects many of the exterior themes previewed with the Acura Precision EV Concept, including an eye-catching illuminated evolution of Acura’s Diamond Pentagon grille.
Both the 2024 ZDX and ZDX Type S performance variant go on-sale early next year and will feature smartly integrated intuitive technologies as standard equipment, including Acura’s first Integration of Google built-inwith the latest apps and services. The ZDX also marks the launch of the collaboration with Bang & Olufsen luxury audio, which will expand across the entire Acura lineup in the coming years.
“Acura's unyielding commitment to delivering on the Precision Crafted Performance brand promise will continue in the electrified future, exemplified by Type S models that put the driver experience 1st,” said Emile Korkor, assistant vice president of Acura National Sales. “As the most powerful and quickest accelerating SUV in the brand’s history, the ZDX Type S will deliver on this promise and bring an exhilarating driving experience to the electric vehicle market.”
More details about the all-new Acura ZDX and ZDX Type S can be found here.
About Acura
Acura is a leading automotive nameplate that delivers Precision Crafted Performance – a commitment to expressive styling, high-performance and innovative engineering, all built on a foundation of quality and reliability. The Acura lineup currently features four distinctive models – the next-gen Integra sport compact, TLX sport sedan, the RDX and MDX sport-utility vehicles, along with high-performance Type S variants. Acura’s 1st all-electric model will be an SUV, the ZDX and ZDX Type S, and will arrive in 2024. All Acura vehicles sold in America are made in the U.S., using domestic and globally sourced parts.
Only the 55k ITS comes close... but at those prices i would rather get M2.
Yea for sure! I don't think it makes much sense to pay like $13k of markup for an ITS. Its $52k MSRP while still high, is more reasonable and some way below a $65k M2.
10-07-2022, 06:21 AM
14 photos
14 photos
Google
i would rather get M2. 
MDX does make a FWD so the $65k X5 starting price is fine.