Acura ZDX Electric SUV Unveiled During Monterey Car Week

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【Summary】Acura has unveiled its first battery electric SUV, the ZDX, at Monterey Car Week. The base model has a single rear motor with 340 horsepower and an estimated range of 325 miles, while the up-rated Type-S version has dual motors with 500 horsepower and a range of 288 miles. Both versions feature a 102 kWh battery and a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. Prices start at around $60,000 for the A-Spec and $70,000 for the Type-S.

FutureCar Staff Aug 21, 2023 4:35 PM PT

Acura ZDX Electric SUV Unveiled During Monterey Car Week

Honda and its premium brand, Acura, are preparing to join the electric car revolution by introducing electric SUVs. Honda will build its first electric cars at GM's factory in Spring Hill, Tennessee, using GM's Ultium EV platform. Additionally, Honda is constructing its own battery factories and planning for EV production at various facilities in Ohio.

Acura has unveiled its first battery electric offering, the ZDX, at Monterey Car Week 2023. The base trim, called A-Spec, features a single rear motor with 340 horsepower and an estimated EPA range of 325 miles. The up-rated ZDX Type-S 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 3,500-pound towing capacity.

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. Acura has announced that all ZDX sales will take place through a new omni-channel digital sales process, providing a simple and intuitive shopping experience. Pre-sale activities for the ZDX will begin later this year, with first client deliveries scheduled for early 2024.

The exterior and interior styling of the ZDX was led by a team at the Acura Design Studio in Los Angeles. The car features a sleek silhouette, long wheelbase, and high contrast surfacing, showcasing Acura's focus on performance. The ZDX also incorporates 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 11-inch digital instrument cluster and 11.3-inch main touchscreen. The software integrates Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play Store as the primary infotainment system. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are also supported with wireless connectivity. A collaboration with Bang & Olufsen brings a premium audio system to the ZDX's cabin.

Acura ensures an extensive and reliable charging network for the ZDX. All models will accept up to a 190 kW DC charge, adding around 81 miles of range in just 10 minutes. Drivers can search for charging stations on nationwide DC fast charging networks and pay for charging sessions through an Acura smartphone app. The ZDX will also gain access to a high-speed CCS charging network launching in the US and Canada in 2024, with plans for expansion to 30,000 charge points by 2030.

Acura is launching its Acura Home Electrification program alongside the ZDX, connecting buyers with local installers for home charging setup. This service 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 and Blind Zone Steering Assist. The ZDX Type-S introduces Hands Free Cruise driver assistance technology, enabling true hands-free driving on compatible roads.

The Acura ZDX presents an appealing option for electric SUV shoppers, especially for loyal Honda and Acura customers. The ZDX's familiarity and performance make it a strong contender in the market. However, the market's response to the most powerful Acura SUV ever offered remains to be seen.

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