Acura's ZDX midsize crossover is the premium brand's first electric vehicle and offers buyers a sporty design, luxurious interior, robust range and fast charging times.
The ZDX is built on General Motor's Ultium battery-electric platform, but its design and performance are the work of Acura teams in California, Michigan, Ohio and Japan.
Its exterior design closely aligns with the Precision EV concept that ushered in Acura's electrified era. Its sleek silhouette, long wheelbase and strong character lines add to the extreme proportions that Acura says express its focus on performance.
The ZDX also features the next evolution of Acura's front fascia, including a seamless diamond pentagon grille and illuminated surround.
Acura loaded the electric vehicle with the latest in technology, connectivity and sound. Here are eight notable things about the Acura ZDX:
The ZDX arrived in dealerships this week with a starting price of $65,850, including shipping. All ZDXs are eligible for the $7,500 federal tax credit because they are assembled at General Motors' factory in Spring Hill, Tennessee. The incentive reduces the starting price of the ZDX to $58,350. After credit, the price of the ZDX Type S drops to just under $60,000, including shipping.
The ZDX can be purchased 100 percent online. Acura's digital retail platform aims to give buyers the flexibility to shop at home, at the dealership, or both. The platform relies on Acura's dealer network to make sales, whether online or in person. A mobile app is available to enable purchasing, choose the dealer, track delivery status and connect with an Acura concierge via live chat, email or phone.
The ZDX dual-motor powertrain gets 499 hp and can deliver up to 544 lb-ft of torque in Type S models when in Sport mode. That's more than the 492 pound-feet of torque in Acura's 602-hp NSX Type S hybrid-electric supercar.
The ZDX's four modes showcase their different capabilities and are simplified from what is offered in Acura's gasoline-powered vehicles. In Normal mode, the ZDX gets maximum range, which varies by model. The rear-drive A-Spec is the most efficient with 313 miles of range. The A-Spec with all-wheel drive offers 304 miles of range, and the Type S, which is offered only with all-wheel drive, has 278.
In Snow mode, the ZDX's air suspension adds an inch of ground clearance for easier maneuvering in bad weather. Sport mode maximizes torque and lowers ride height by just over half an inch. Individual mode allows the driver to adjust the settings according to their preferences.
In a ZDX Type S, with its 544 pound-feet of torque, Sport mode provides more precise acceleration and braking response, reduces steering assist for a more direct feel, and improves the sound of the electric motor. Sport mode also increases the overall damping force of the Type S's unique shock absorbers that are otherwise tuned to optimize comfort.
The ZDX Type S features huge Brembo front brakes with bright yellow six-piston front calipers. The striking color replaces the typical red of the Type S and matches the brakes of the Precision EV concept. The brakes also feature 15.6-inch front rotors and 13.6-inch rear rotors. The ZDX's 22-inch wheels are the largest ever offered on an Acura and come standard with Michelin high-performance all-season tires. Continental summer tires are available.
With 102.2 cubic feet of space and 39.4 inches of rear legroom, the ZDX seats five passengers easily. A standard panoramic sunroof increases the feeling of spaciousness.
The seats are upholstered in Milano leather and genuine stitching with contrasting colors on the dashboard, door trim and console. It also has aluminum trim, chrome details and sports pedals with metal inserts.
The Type S adds unique badging to the front headrests, steering wheel and door sill plates, as well as distinctive contrast piping and stitching. It also has climate control, heated seats and sunshades in the rear, as well as a 7.3-inch head-up display. Standard on all ZDX models is a Bang & Olufsen audio system with 18 speakers, 14 channels of amplification and 3D sound technology.
The lighting system is a constellation that covers the upper and lower parts of the cabin, including the dashboard, doors, cupholders, door handles, center console and underbody. The driver can choose from 26 colors and link lighting schemes to each driving mode.