Acura ZDX Electric SUV Unveiled During Monterey Car Week

author: FutureCar Staff    

Honda and its premium brand, Acura, are gearing up to join the electric car revolution by introducing electric SUVs. Honda plans to 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 preparing for EV production at various facilities in Ohio.

Acura has recently unveiled its first battery electric offering, the ZDX, at Monterey Car Week 2023. The base trim, known as A-Spec, features a single rear motor with 340 horsepower and an estimated EPA range of 325 miles. The up-rated ZDX Type-S variant has dual motors with a combined output of 500 horsepower and an estimated EPA range of 288 miles. Both versions are equipped 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 at around $70,000. Acura has announced that there will be a dual motor option for the A-Spec car, with a slightly reduced EPA range compared to the single motor version. The Type-S variant will feature upgraded front brakes from Brembo and air suspension.

All Acura ZDX sales will be conducted through a new omni-channel digital sales process, allowing customers to have a simple and intuitive shopping experience from home or at an Acura dealership. Pre-sale activities for the ZDX will begin later this year, with the first deliveries scheduled for early 2024.

Acura emphasizes its commitment to a zero-emissions future and Precision Crafted Performance in the electrified era with the introduction of the ZDX. The exterior and interior styling of the ZDX was led by a team at the Acura Design Studio in Los Angeles, resulting in a sleek silhouette with a long wheelbase, high contrast surfacing, and distinctive design details.

The Acura ZDX will be the first Acura vehicle 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 a comprehensive charging network for the ZDX, with the capability to accept up to a 190 kilowatt DC charge. Drivers can search for 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. Acura is launching its Acura Home Electrification program to assist buyers in setting up home charging, potentially including the cost of installation in their purchase or lease payment.

The ZDX comes standard with AcuraWatch™, a suite of safety and driver assistive technologies. The ZDX Type-S introduces Hands Free Cruise driver assistance technology, enabling true hands-free driving on compatible roads. AcuraWatch™ 360+ includes the first Automatic Parking Assist system in an Acura, making parallel parking less stressful.

The Acura ZDX presents an appealing option for shoppers looking for an electric SUV. Acura's loyal customer base and the brand's reputation for reliability and performance will likely attract interest in the ZDX. The market's response to the most powerful Acura SUV ever offered remains to be seen.

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FutureCar Staff