The Acura ZDX is a brand-new electric SUV that marks the beginning of a new era for Acura. It combines electrified performance, elevated design, and exhilarating power to provide an intuitive, driver-focused experience. The ZDX is a joint venture with General Motors, using the latter company’s Ultium battery platform and electric vehicle architecture. In this article, we will explore the features and options of the 2024 Acura ZDX, and compare it with some of its competitors in the electric SUV market.

Design and Styling

The ZDX is the first production model to feature many of the styling themes of the new Acura design direction introduced with the Acura Precision EV Concept. Some of the distinctive design elements of the ZDX are:

• A sleek and futuristic look, with a floating roof, smooth body sides, and a faux grille with a light-up border.
• The largest wheels of any Acura model, with 22-inch machine-finished wheels as standard.
• Two trims: the ZDX A-Spec and the ZDX Type S. The ZDX A-Spec has a sporty and elegant appearance, while the ZDX Type S has a more aggressive and performance-oriented look, with exclusive paint colors, larger Brembo brakes, and high-performance summer tires.

Performance and Range

The ZDX is powered by GM’s Ultium batteries, which are designed to offer high energy density, fast charging, and low cost. The ZDX has two powertrain options: a single-motor rear-wheel drive configuration, and a dual-motor all-wheel drive configuration. The table below shows the performance and range specifications of each option.

The ZDX can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under 5 seconds, making it one of the fastest SUVs on the market. The ZDX Type S also has an air suspension system with adaptive dampers, and different drive modes, including a Sport mode for maximum performance. The ZDX can tow up to 3,500 pounds, and can charge at a maximum of 190 kW on a public DC Fast charger, gaining 81 miles in 10 minutes.

Technology and Features

The ZDX is the first Acura model to feature built-in Google, providing a connected and personalized driving experience. The ZDX has a high-resolution 11-inch Precision Cockpit Digital Instrument Cluster and an 11.3-inch Color Touchscreen, which can be customized for the driver’s preferences. Some of the other intuitive technologies and features of the ZDX are:

• An enhanced version of Google Maps for EV drivers, which will optimize route plans for recharging, find charging stations, and estimate charging times required to reach the destination.
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Google Assistant, and a wireless smartphone charger.
• The first Acura model to feature Bang & Olufsen premium audio, a Danish luxury audio brand that will offer an immersive sound experience in the ZDX.
• AcuraWatch, a suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies, such as a collision mitigation braking system, lane keeping assist system, adaptive cruise control, blind spot information system, and more.

Pricing and Availability

The ZDX will start at $64,500 for the ZDX A-Spec single-motor configuration, and go up to $73,500 for the ZDX Type S dual-motor configuration. Acura will also offer a ZDX Type S Performance package, which will add summer tires and a gloss-black finish to the wheels, for an extra $1,000. The ZDX will begin rolling out in the US in the spring of 2024, and customers can reserve their ZDX online or at their local Acura dealer. Acura will also offer three different charging packages, which will include various charging equipment, public charging credits, and installation credits.

Comparison with Other Electric SUVs

The ZDX will face some tough competition in the electric SUV market, as many other models offer similar or better features and performance. Here are some of the main competitors of the ZDX, and how they compare with it.

• Audi Q8 E-Tron: The Q8 E-Tron is a luxury electric SUV that will debut in 2024, and will have a range of 300 miles, a power output of 469 hp, and a 0-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds. The Q8 E-Tron will also have a spacious and elegant interior, with a dual-screen infotainment system, a digital instrument cluster, and a head-up display. The Q8 E-Tron will likely be more expensive than the ZDX, as the current Q8 starts at $69,200.
• Cadillac Lyriq: The Lyriq is a luxury electric SUV that will launch in 2024, and will have a range of 314 miles, a power output of 340 hp, and a 0-60 mph time of 5.0 seconds. The Lyriq will also have a futuristic and sophisticated design, with a 33-inch curved LED display, a 19-speaker AKG sound system, and a Super Cruise driver assistance system. The Lyriq will be cheaper than the ZDX, as it will start at $59,990.
• Lexus RZ: The RZ is a luxury electric SUV that will debut in 2023, and will have a range of 220 miles, a power output of 313 hp, and a 0-60 mph time of 5.0 seconds. The RZ will also have a unique and innovative design, with a wireless yoke steering wheel, a 14-inch touchscreen, and a panoramic sunroof. The RZ will be slightly cheaper than the ZDX, as it will start at $59,650.
• Tesla Model Y: The Model Y is a popular electric SUV that is already available, and has a range of 326 miles, a power output of 384 hp, and a 0-60 mph time of 4.8 seconds. The Model Y also has a minimalist and modern design, with a 15-inch touchscreen, a glass roof, and a full self-driving capability. The Model Y is the cheapest among the competitors, as it starts at $53,990.

The ZDX is a bold and exciting move for Acura, as it marks the brand’s entry into the electric vehicle market. The ZDX will offer a range of features and options that will make it a compelling choice for both Acura fans and EV enthusiasts. However, the ZDX will also have to compete with some of the best electric SUVs in the market and will have to prove its worth in terms of performance, range, technology, and design. The ZDX is a new era of precision-crafted performance from Acura.

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