Acura Unveils Electric SUV at Monterey Car Week

author: FutureCar Staff    

Honda and its premium brand, Acura, are gearing up to enter the electric car market, starting with SUVs. Honda plans to produce its first electric cars at GM's factory in Tennessee, using GM's Ultium EV platform. However, Honda is also constructing its own battery factories and preparing for electric vehicle production at various facilities in Ohio.

Acura has recently unveiled its first battery electric offering, the ZDX, at Monterey Car Week 2023. The base model, known as the A-Spec, features a single rear motor with 340 horsepower and an estimated EPA range of 325 miles. The up-rated ZDX Type-S model has dual motors with a combined output of 500 horsepower and an estimated EPA range of 288 miles. Both versions come with a 102 kWh battery and a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.

The A-Spec ZDX will have a starting price of around $60,000, while the ZDX Type-S is expected to be priced around $70,000 and will include upgraded front brakes and air suspension. Acura has announced that all ZDX sales will be conducted through a new digital sales process, providing customers with a simple and intuitive shopping experience. Pre-sale activities for the ZDX will begin later this year, with deliveries scheduled for early 2024.

The exterior and interior design of the ZDX was led by a team at the Acura Design Studio in Los Angeles. Acura describes the ZDX as having a sleek silhouette, long wheelbase, and high contrast surfacing, emphasizing the brand's focus on performance. The car features Acura's signature front fascia, Chicane DRLs, Jewel Eye™ LED headlights, and a Diamond Pentagon with a 3-D embossed diamond pattern and illuminated surround.

The ZDX will be the first Acura to feature Google built-in software, powering its digital instrument cluster and main touchscreen with an Android-based operating system. The car will integrate Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play Store as the primary infotainment software. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay will also be supported with wireless connectivity. A collaboration with Bang & Olufsen brings a premium audio system to the ZDX's cabin.

Acura has ensured that the ZDX will have access to an extensive charging network. The car will be capable of accepting up to a 190 kilowatt DC charge, adding approximately 81 miles of range in just 10 minutes. Acura owners will be able to search for charging stations through an Acura smartphone app and pay for charging sessions. Additionally, the ZDX will eventually gain access to a high-speed CCS charging network launching in 2024.

Acura is launching its Acura Home Electrification program alongside the ZDX, connecting buyers with local installers for home charging setup. This program allows customers to include the cost of installing a home charger in their monthly purchase or lease payment. The ZDX comes standard with AcuraWatch™, a suite of safety and driver assistive technologies, including Rear Cross Traffic Braking, Blind Zone Steering Assist, and Hands Free Cruise driver assistance technology.

The Acura ZDX presents an appealing option for customers looking for an electric SUV. Acura's entry into the electric car market gives loyal customers the opportunity to consider an electric vehicle from a trusted brand. With its features and capabilities, the ZDX is poised to make a strong impression in the market.

FutureCar Staff