Now Taking Orders: 2024 Acura ZDX Electric Performance SUV – Review

• The 2024 Acura ZDX makes a remarkable return, transitioning from its original blend of crossover and wagon to a fully electric crossover co-developed with General Motors.
• Built on the Honda Prologue foundation with GM's Ultium battery platform, the ZDX promises innovative electric performance, drawing inspiration from its upcoming GM-branded counterparts like the Blazer EV and Equinox EV.
• Acura's first all-electric model, the 2024 ZDX, and its high-performance variant, the ZDX Type S, deliver a memorable driving experience with an estimated 500 hp, showcasing Precision Crafted Performance and dynamic styling.
• From top-in-class home and public charging solutions to an omnichannel digital sales approach and exclusive benefits like the Acura Energy Key Card, the ZDX marks a significant leap into an electrified future with style, safety, and advanced technology.

The 2024 Acura ZDX is a comeback kid, though some may need a refresher on its original run. How sad. The crossover-wagon-styled ZDX had a fleeting existence between 2010 and 2013. Whether it was the futuristic design ahead of its time or the anomalous motoring experience it offered, we can’t tell what’s exactly to blame for the midsize luxury C-SUV’s tenuous market performance and short-lived existence. However, Acura isn’t new at resurrecting dead champs. Likewise, the ZDX is coming back, this time as a fully electric crossover developed collaboratively with General Motors.

This new ZDX borrows its underpinning from the Honda Prologue, which, itself, is based on GM's Ultium battery platform. This is also the foundation for the forthcoming Blazer EV and Equinox EV SUV models. So, while Acura has been rather secretive about the ZDX’s specifics, we could infer some crucial details from its GM-branded siblings. The 2024 Acura ZDX and its Type S performance-oriented sibling represent Acura’s foray into the all-electric bandwagon. 

The global unveiling took place in August 2023, impressing us with the single-motor A-Spec estimated to achieve 325 miles of zero-emissions travel. Now, Acura has kicked off reservations for the standard ZDX and high-performance ZDX Type S, touted as the most potent SUV in Acura's history. Here's the full lowdown on the 2024 ZDX. 

See also: Best Features Of The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class - #1 Luxury Midsize SUV For 2023/2024 

Quick Overview

Unveiled at the prestigious Monterey Car Week, the all-electric ZDX signifies a pivotal moment in Acura's swift transition to a fully electrified lineup.

Offering versatility, the ZDX A-Spec comes in both single-motor (rear-wheel-drive) and dual-motor (all-wheel-drive) configurations, with the 2024 A-Spec expected to begin at around $60,000 (N54.210 million at N903.50). 

Elevating performance, the ZDX Type S, Acura's most potent SUV yet, boasts a dual-motor AWD powertrain and is anticipated to start around $70,000 (N63.245 million). 

Acura has revolutionized its marketing model with an omni-channel digital process, enabling a seamless shopping journey online or at an Acura dealership. The automaker has just begun accepting orders this December, with the first customer deliveries scheduled for early 2024. 

2024 Acura ZDX: Power And Performance

Built on an advanced EV platform with a flexible battery architecture, low center of gravity, and near-perfect weight distribution, the all-electric ZDX marks a significant expansion in Acura's premium performance SUV lineup. 

The ZDX A-Spec, propelled by a rear-mounted single-motor generating around 340 horsepower, offers both single and dual-motor, all-wheel-drive configurations. 

Acura's engineers have meticulously tuned the ZDX's multi-link suspension for a premium driving experience, combining exhilarating performance with class-leading refinement. 

The ZDX Type S, adhering to Acura's high-performance Type S tradition, enhances every facet of the driving experience, including acceleration, braking, and turning. 

Boasting an estimated 500 horsepower, a height-adjustable air suspension, adaptive dampers, and impressive 15.6-inch Brembo™ front brakes with striking 6-piston yellow calipers, the ZDX Type S defines Acura's performance in the electrified era. Drivers can tailor their experience with various drive modes, including a Sport mode for maximum acceleration and response. 

The ZDX's athletic stance is further emphasized in the Type S model, thanks to 22-inch machine-finished wheels—the largest ever for an Acura model—and wider 275/40ZR22 self-sealing tires. 

Opting for high-performance summer tires with a gloss-black wheel enhances the Type S' already impressive capabilities. For quick and convenient on-the-go recharging, the ZDX supports DC Fast Charging at rates up to 190 kW. In just approximately 10 minutes, the ZDX A-Spec rear-wheel drive, equipped with a 102-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, can gain an estimated 81 miles of range. 

"The arrival of the new ZDX is an exciting moment for the Acura brand," said Emile Korkor, Assistant Vice President of Acura National Sales. "It signals our transition to a zero-emissions future and demonstrates our commitment to Precision Crafted Performance in the electrified era." 

New Acura ZDX Charging Solutions

The ZDX goes above and beyond with top-in-class home and public charging solutions for improved convenience. Acura simplifies the process by offering ZDX owners the choice to choose, order, and install an Acura charger in their homes. 

Additionally, locating and utilizing public chargers is easier and stress-free. The Acura Home Electrification (Acura HE) serves as an online marketplace dedicated to providing clients with an uncomplicated home charging solution. 

ZDX owners can connect with a network of pre-vetted local installers through Acura HE, supported by dedicated Expert Energy Advisors who assist in selecting the most fitting home charging solution. Details on ordering and installing Acura home energy solutions are accessible at Acura Home Electrification. 

For on-the-go charging, ZDX owners can utilize the Acura Smartphone App, allowing them to easily find and connect to charging stations nationwide, encompassing more than 90% of existing DC Fast Charge networks. The app seamlessly integrates payment processing at any supported charging network. 

Furthermore, as part of a seven-member-strong joint venture of major automakers, Acura EV clients will gain access to a high-speed, brand-neutral charging network in the United States and Canada starting in 2024. This innovative network, catering to EVs from any automaker, promises to be one of the largest in North America, with a target of at least 30,000 high-powered charge points by 2030. 

The first stations are anticipated to open in the United States in the summer of 2024, followed by Canada at a later stage, facilitating enjoyable long-distance journeys for Acura customers. 

2024 ZDX: Exterior Design

Acura Executive Creative Director  Dave Marek said,

"As Acura moves into an exhilarating, electrified future, we will continue to push the forward-thinking design and proportions of our products as we take full advantage of the increased styling and packaging freedom EVs offer. Embracing that creative liberation, our team was energized designing ZDX, Acura's new modern expression of performance." 

The ZDX’s exterior and interior styling were spearheaded by the Acura Design Studio in Los Angeles, marking the production debut of Acura's exterior design direction initially showcased on the Acura Precision EV Concept at last year's Monterey Car Week. 

With a low and wide profile, sleek silhouette, extended wheelbase, and bold contrast surfacing, the ZDX seems all out in reinventing itself as a modern SUV you can’t ignore. 

Striking design elements include the evolved Acura signature front fascia, featuring the iconic Chicane DRLs, Jewel Eye™ LED headlights, and a beautiful Diamond Pentagon adorned with a 3-D embossed diamond pattern and illuminated surround. 

Bridging the gap between concept and production, the ZDX Type S introduces a brand-new Acura color - Double Apex Blue Pearl, previously previewed on the Acura Precision EV Concept. 

Additionally, the ZDX will be offered in the Type S signature Tiger Eye Pearl, a hue also available on Acura TLX Type S, MDX Type S, and Integra Type S, further enhancing the model's aesthetic appeal. 

Interior Design, Infotainment, And Driver-Assist Technology

The new ZDX’s driver-centric cockpit defines the cabin’s premium materials, upscale features, and expansive, user-friendly technologies. 

Notably, Acura is bringing Google integration for the first time for seamless on-the-go connectivity. Standard across the ZDX lineup, applications such as Google Assistant, Google Maps, and additional offerings on Google Play contribute to a connected, personalized, and streamlined driving experience. 

The ZDX boasts a combined 22 inches of high-definition digital screen real estate, featuring a standard Precision Cockpit Driver Information Cluster (11 inches) and a Center Information Screen (11.3 inches). The system's intuitive touchscreen interface supports wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility. 

Through the ZDX's integrated Google system, Google Maps displays on either screen, offering sophisticated route planning with recommended charging stations for optimized travel time. 

Impressively, Google Maps also estimates the charging time required to reach the destination and can initiate EV battery preconditioning when the destination is a DC Fast charging station, reducing charge times and ensuring a swift return to the road. 

In terms of safety, the 2024 ZDX comes with AcuraWatch™ comprehensive suite of safety and driver-assist technologies. Notably, the SUV will pioneer Acura's first Rear Cross Traffic Braking and Blind Zone Steering Assist applications. 

The ZDX Type S takes safety a step further with the innovative AcuraWatch™ 360+ system. This introduces Hands-Free Cruise driver assistance technology to the Acura lineup, allowing true hands-free driving on up to 400,000 miles of compatible roads. 

The AcuraWatch™ 360+ in the ZDX Type S also debuts Acura's first Automatic Parking Assist system, alleviating the stress of parallel parking and further elevating the vehicle's safe motoring capabilities. 

Bang & Olufsen Luxury Audio

The new Acura ZDX takes the lead as the first Acura model to feature the immersive luxury audio experience of Bang & Olufsen, an iconic brand renowned for innovative audio systems in both home and automotive applications. 

Standard across all ZDX models, this bespoke system, exclusively engineered for the ZDX’s tech-rich cabin of, boasts 18 speakers, including four in the headliner, 14 channels of amplification, and a subwoofer. 

The brushed aluminum speaker grilles, laser-etched with the Bang & Olufsen logo, further enhance the SUV's premium cabin design. Acura's collaboration with Bang & Olufsen elevates the in-vehicle audio experience, promising advanced audio performance not only for the new 2024 Acura ZDX but for the entire Acura lineup in the years to come. 

Both the ZDX and ZDX Type S feature Bang & Olufsen's latest 3D Sound Control, exclusive Beosonic feature, and Acoustic Lens Technology. The intuitive Beosonic one-touch sound control interface empowers Acura clients to personalize their in-car audio experience with four distinct audio moods: Bright, Energetic, Warm, and Relaxed. 

Bang & Olufsen's proprietary Acoustic Lens Technology uniformly disperses high frequencies horizontally 180 degrees, minimizing vertical reflections to enhance the overall sense of space and realism for all passengers, ensuring passengers catch every note and nuanced sound. 

Now Accepting Reservations Ahead Of 2024

As of December 18, 2023, Acura enthusiasts can build and reserve their upcoming ZDX at www.acura.com/reservezdx, anticipating initial customer deliveries in early 2024. Customers with a ZDX reservation will receive an Acura Energy Key Card, unlocking exclusive benefits such as discounts for Acura entertainment partners and special events. 

As discussed above, the automaker’s innovative omnichannel digital sales approach ensures a straightforward and intuitive shopping experience—from the comfort of home or at an Acura dealership. 

The exclusive Acura Energy Key Card grants access to premium national Acura-sponsored events, including the 2024 Sundance Film Festival and the 2024 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. Owners enjoy VIP access to Acura Owner spaces and exclusive programming. 

Available both physically and digitally, the key card also offers discounts from notable entertainment and audio partners like Topgolf and Bang & Olufsen.