The Most Powerful Acura Ever Is an EV
Over its nearly 40-year history, Acura has brought us some impressive products. On the one hand, it built its brand with precise, high-revving high-performance machines like the Integra, the RSX, and the NSX supercar. On the other hand, most of its volume over the last couple of decades has been spacious, luxurious, and economical SUVs like the MDX and RDX. Now, the brand is set to launch its first full-electric vehicle, the new ZDX – and it combines both of those streams into a luxurious SUV that’s also the most powerful Acura ever made.
2024 Acura ZDX: Choice of Two Trim Levels and Three Powertrains
When the ZDX starts to arrive in dealer showrooms in the next few weeks, it will be available in two versions: the ZDX A-Spec and the high-performance ZDX Type-S.
With a starting MSRP of $64,500, the model line starts with the Acura ZDX A-Spec. Featuring a single electric motor and rear-wheel drive, it produces an impressive 358 hp and 324 lb-ft of torque, more than enough to haul the family around in climates where you don’t need the traction of all-wheel drive for adverse conditions. The EPA estimates the range of the ZDX A-Spec RWD at 313 miles.
For drivers needing more power and traction, the next step up the rung is the ZDX A-Spec with all-wheel drive. It features two motors, which ups power to 490 hp and 437 lb-ft of torque. The starting MSRP increases to $68,500, while the EPA-estimated range drops to 304 miles – a small decrease given the extra power and traction.
ZDX Type S with 500 Horsepower
Sitting at the top of the range is the ZDX Type-S. With an uprated dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain, the ZDX Type-S has 500 hp and 544 lb-ft of torque – more than the Acura NSX Type-S supercar, and therefore the most powerful Acura ever put on the road. Packed with aggressive styling and sporty interior accents, the ZDX Type-S has a starting MSRP of $73,500 and an EPA-estimated range of 278 miles. A performance wheel and tire upgrade adds another $1,000.
Made in the U.S., with North American-sourced battery components, all ZDX models are eligible for the $7,500 federal EV tax credit – reducing the effective entry price to $57,000, an attractive price point for a large, luxurious SUV with this kind of performance and range.
All-New, All-Electric Platform
The ZDX is built on a brand-new, dedicated EV platform co-developed between Honda and General Motors. It shares its fundamentals with the fine Honda Prologue and Cadillac Lyriq – a low center of gravity, 50/50 weight distribution, and the battery sitting in its floor.
Not adapted from an existing gasoline vehicle, it has an impressively roomy interior for its footprint, with a super-long wheelbase and wide track. The ZDX is more powerful and better-performing than the Prologue, befitting its Acura branding, and the Type-S model is as powerful as the top-level Lyriq.
Both the A-Spec and Type-S models use a 102-kWh battery pack which is built on GM’s Ultium battery architecture. They can charge at speeds of up to 190 kW, which is as good as any luxury electric SUV; Acura claims that 81 miles of range can be added in 10 minutes on a compatible charger.
High-End Interior and Technology
The ZDX’s interior has everything you’d want from a luxury SUV. Designed around the driver, it features quality materials, premium features, and all the tech you would expect. There is wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless phone charging. Acura has also formed a new partnership with Bang & Olufsen, which will roll out to other models. The MDX has a stunning, bespoke 18-speaker sound system that includes speakers in the headliner for an immersive audio experience.
There’s also Acura’s first implementation of Google features built into the infotainment system. Drivers can operate built-in Google Assistant, Maps, and Play with voice controls as well as by using the 11.3-inch central touchscreen. In front of the driver, a high-resolution 11-inch screen can be configured to use Google-based navigation, which can estimate charging times on long trips; it can pre-condition the battery in advance of arriving at a high-speed charger to reduce charging times.
AcuraWatch is a suite of driver and safety technologies that includes rear cross-traffic braking, steering assist, and a sophisticated cruise control system that allows hands-free operation on some roads, helping to make long drives and commutes more comfortable. The Type S model also features Acura’s first automated parking-assist system.
Lots of Charging Options
Acura has worked hard to make it easy for gasoline drivers to make the switch to electric. While the ZDX is equipped with a Combined Charging System (CCS) port as standard, it can, with an adapter, easily access the Tesla Supercharger network, providing access to 30,000 high-speed chargers across the U.S., as well as having Level 2 charging at home and on public networks.
New ZDX customers can also choose one of three charging packages included in the starting MSRP of the vehicle – they simply choose which package best suits their needs.
- Option A includes a Level 2 home charging station, a $500 installation credit, a $100 charging credit on the EVGo network, and 60 kWh of complimentary charging on the Electrify America network.
- Option B comes with a portable Level 1/Level 2 charger to make it easier to charge away from home, a $250 installation credit, $300 of EVGo charging credits, and 60 kWh of Electrify America charging.
- Option C is targeted at frequent road-trippers, with $750 of complimentary EVGo charging and 60 kWh of charging at Electrify America stations.
Acura is also one of the automakers behind the new Ionna charging network, which is opening the first of 30,000 brand-new high-speed charging stations in the U.S. this year. A joint venture between seven carmakers, Ionna’s rapid expansion between now and 2030 will double the number of high-powered charging stations throughout North America.
