The Acura ZDX is the brand’s first all-electric model, and it promises to be a game-changer in the luxury SUV segment. With a sleek design, a powerful dual-motor drivetrain, and a range of up to 325 miles, the ZDX is a compelling alternative to the likes of the Tesla Model Y, the Cadillac Lyriq, and the Audi Q8 E-Tron.
But the ZDX is not just about efficiency and technology. It is also a true performance SUV, especially in the ZDX Type S variant, which boasts 500 horsepower and a sport-tuned suspension. The ZDX Type S is the most powerful and best-performing Acura electric SUV ever, and it will appeal to drivers who want to enjoy the thrill of electric driving without compromising on dynamics and handling.
Pricing and Availability
The ZDX will go on sale in the U.S. in early 2024, with pre-orders starting in late 2023. Customers can reserve their ZDX online or at an Acura dealership with a refundable $1,000 fee. The pricing for the ZDX starts at $64,500 for the rear-wheel drive A-Spec trim, which comes with a single electric motor producing 340 horsepower. The all-wheel drive A-Spec, which adds a second motor for better traction and performance, costs $68,500. The ZDX Type S, which features a dual-motor all-wheel drive system with 500 horsepower, starts at $73,500. A performance wheel and tire package is available for an extra $1,000.
The pricing does not include any government incentives or tax credits, which may vary depending on the state and the customer’s eligibility. The ZDX is expected to qualify for the federal tax credit of $7,500, which would lower the effective price significantly. However, the availability of the tax credit may depend on the production volume and the timing of the purchase.
Design and Features
The 2024 Acura ZDX is based on the General Motors’ Ultium platform, also used by the Chevrolet Blazer EV and the Cadillac Lyriq. However, the ZDX has a distinctive Acura identity, with a dynamic and elegant exterior that reflects the brand’s Precision Crafted Performance philosophy. The ZDX features a low and wide stance, a long hood, a sloping roofline, and a sculpted rear end. The front fascia is dominated by the signature Diamond Pentagon grille, flanked by Jewel Eye LED headlights and Chicane LED daytime running lights. The rear end features a full-width LED taillight bar and a dual exhaust system. The ZDX also has a panoramic glass roof that extends from the windshield to the rear window, creating a sense of openness and spaciousness.
The ZDX offers two different wheel options: 20-inch alloy wheels for the A-Spec trim and 22-inch alloy wheels for the Type S trim. The Type S also has exclusive exterior elements, such as a gloss black grille, a rear spoiler, and red brake calipers. The ZDX is available in six exterior colors: Platinum White Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic, Majestic Black Pearl, Performance Red Pearl, and Apex Blue Pearl (exclusive to the Type S).
The interior of the ZDX is designed to provide comfort, convenience, and connectivity for the driver and the passengers. The cabin is spacious and refined, with high-quality materials and craftsmanship. The ZDX offers leather-trimmed seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a leather-wrapped shift knob. The A-Spec trim has Ultrasuede inserts and contrast stitching, while the Type S trim has perforated leather and Type S logos. The ZDX also has ambient lighting, a dual-zone automatic climate control, and a power tailgate.
The Acura ZDX is equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The ZDX is the first Acura model to feature Google built-in, which allows the users to access Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play Store directly from the vehicle. The ZDX also supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as Amazon Alexa. The ZDX comes with a 14-speaker ELS Studio 3D premium audio system, which can be upgraded to a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen luxury audio system.
The ZDX also offers a range of advanced safety, and driver assistance features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and road departure mitigation. The ZDX also has a surround-view camera system, a head-up display, and a parking assist system. The ZDX is the first Acura model to feature the Super Cruise hands-free driving system, which allows the driver to take their hands off the steering wheel on certain highways, using a combination of cameras, sensors, and GPS.
Performance and Range
The ZDX is powered by a 102-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, located under the vehicle's floor. The battery pack provides a range of up to 325 miles on a single charge, depending on the trim and the driving conditions. The ZDX can be charged using a Level 2 charger or a DC fast charger. The ZDX supports up to 150 kW of charging power, which can replenish 80% of the battery in about 30 minutes.
The ZDX offers two different powertrain options: a single-motor rear-wheel drive system and a dual-motor all-wheel drive system. The single-motor system produces 340 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque and is available on the A-Spec trim. The dual-motor system produces 500 horsepower and 550 lb-ft of torque, and it is available on both the A-Spec and the Type S trims. The dual-motor system also has a torque vectoring feature, which can distribute the torque between the front and rear axles and between the left and right wheels for optimal traction and handling.
The ZDX has a low center of gravity and a near 50/50 weight distribution, which enhances the stability and agility of the vehicle. The ZDX also has a four-wheel independent suspension, an electric power steering, and a regenerative braking system. The ZDX has four driving modes: Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Snow. The Type S trim also has a Sport+ mode, which increases the throttle response, the steering feel, and the suspension stiffness.
The ZDX is expected to deliver a quick and smooth acceleration and a responsive and engaging driving experience. The ZDX can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 5 seconds and has a top speed of 130 mph. The Type S trim can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 4 seconds and has a top speed of 140 mph.
Comparison with Competitors
The ZDX is entering a competitive market of luxury electric SUVs, where it will face some established and upcoming rivals. Here is a comparison table of some of the key specifications and features of the ZDX and its competitors:
| Model | Base Price | Range | Power | 0-60 mph | Top Speed | Battery | Charging | Google built-in | Super Cruise |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acura ZDX A-Spec RWD | $64,500 | 325 mi | 340 hp | 5.0 s | 130 mph | 102 kWh | 150 kW | Yes | Yes |
| Acura ZDX A-Spec AWD | $68,500 | 315 mi | 500 hp | 4.5 s | 130 mph | 102 kWh | 150 kW | Yes | Yes |
| Acura ZDX Type S AWD | $73,500 | 288 mi | 500 hp | 4.0 s | 140 mph | 102 kWh | 150 kW | Yes | Yes |
| Tesla Model Y Long Range | $54,990 | 326 mi | 384 hp | 4.8 s | 135 mph | 75 kWh | 250 kW | No | No |
| Tesla Model Y Performance | $60,990 | 303 mi | 456 hp | 3.5 s | 155 mph | 75 kWh | 250 kW | No | No |
| Cadillac Lyriq | $59,990 | 300 mi | 340 hp | 5.0 s | 130 mph | 100 kWh | 190 kW | No | Yes |
| Audi Q8 E-Tron | $69,000 | 248 mi | 402 hp | 5.7 s | 124 mph | 95 kWh | 150 kW | No | No |
| BMW iX xDrive50 | $84,195 | 300 mi | 516 hp | 4.6 s | 124 mph | 111 kWh | 200 kW | No | No |
As the table shows, the ZDX has some advantages and disadvantages compared to its competitors. The ZDX has a larger battery and a longer range than most of its rivals, except for the Tesla Model Y. The ZDX also has a higher charging power than the Audi Q8 E-Tron and the BMW iX, but lower than the Tesla Model Y and the Cadillac Lyriq. The ZDX has a similar power output and acceleration performance as the Cadillac Lyriq and the Audi Q8 E-Tron, but it is slower than the Tesla Model Y Performance and the BMW iX.
The ZDX has a higher base price than most of its competitors, except for the BMW iX, which is significantly more expensive. The ZDX also has some unique features that set it apart from its rivals, such as Google built-in and Super Cruise. The ZDX is the only model in its segment that offers Google’s services and apps directly from the vehicle, without the need for a smartphone. The ZDX is also one of the few models that offers Super Cruise, which is considered one of the best hands-free driving systems in the market.
Conclusion
The ZDX is a bold and innovative entry in the luxury SUV market, showcasing Acura’s vision for the future of mobility. The ZDX combines efficiency, technology, and performance in a stylish and spacious package, and it offers a compelling value proposition for customers who want to enjoy the benefits of electric driving without sacrificing on quality and fun. The ZDX is a worthy contender in its segment, and it will challenge the dominance of Tesla and other established brands. The ZDX is not just an electric SUV, it is an Acura SUV, and it delivers on the brand’s promise of Precision Crafted Performance.
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