Acura appreciates applying the ZDX name to its most trial models. The first was the effectively forgotten coupe-like hybrid that appeared in the late aughts. Albeit that body style would go into vogue about 10 years after the fact, the first ZDX was relatively radical, didn’t sell well, and vanished after just four model years. Acura has restored that moniker and applied it to another examination, this time with General Engines as its lab accomplice. The subsequent 2024 Acura ZDX addresses the automaker’s most memorable electric vehicle and first electric Sort S execution variation.
Written by a Los Angeles-based plan group, the new ZDX’s attractive appearance consolidates Acura trademarks, such as “Gem Eye” headlights and a pentagonal grille that is a debossed board with an enlightened framework. Underneath its beautiful bodywork is GM’s particular Ultium stage that provisions a battery with 102.0 kilowatt-long stretches of usable limit and back and all-wheel-drive powertrains. The last option is standard on the top-spec, 499-hp ZDX Type S, which is what Acura carried us to California to drive interestingly.
Anybody acquainted with Acura’s dialect realizes that its Sort S identification gets fastened to a model’s sportiest variation. The ZDX is clearly a result of identification designing, however, the Sort S has a bunch of go-quick treats that aren’t found in semi-kin like the Honda Preface, clarifying that Acura attempted to guarantee the EV satisfies that exhibition marking. Alongside 544 pound-feet of force — more than the crossover NSX supercar — the ZDX Type S alone offers a versatile air suspension and yellow-painted Brembo six-cylinder front brake calipers squeezing immense 15.3-inch rotors. Hell, grippier summer tires are even accessible as a $1000 choice — something not tracked down on Acura’s other Kind S SUVs.
Let free on California’s U.S. Highway 101 and curvier Roadway 154, we released the mightiest ZDX’s strong speed increase, which shows up in a momentary rush of push — even though truth be told, that is standard for the EV course. With Game drive mode initiated, squeezing the right pedal likewise presents a manufactured soundtrack that, to our ears, looks like a robot attempting to submerge motor clamors. While it’s required in Game mode, it tends to be switched off utilizing the adaptable Individual setting on the off chance that you’d prefer quite the sideshow.
Individual mode additionally allows drivers to change the brake reaction, damper solidness, and guiding exertion. Notwithstanding, it’s somewhat of a bear to make due, requiring a fingertip tap dance through different submenus on a generally direct 11.3-inch touchscreen that runs Google worked in programming and incorporates both remote Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. We invested a large portion of our energy driving the ZDX in the Game — not just because it didn’t feel radical not the same as the default Typical setting, but additionally because it was irritating to change modes, as the button is situated in an abnormal spot on the lower left-hand side of the scramble. That made us miss Acura’s particular rotating drive-mode selector from its gas-taken care of armada, including the TLX sports car and the three-line MDX SUV.
Out-of-place mode trading wasn’t the main thing out of order on our most memorable date with the ZDX Type S. Likewise with any growing relationship, character matters. Had we been compelled to re-cause a situation from Bird Box and drive blindfolded, we’d commend the ZDX’s inside quietness and how skillfully the Acura takes a different path absent a lot of body roll, yet we’d be unable to separate it from other “energetic” EVs. A large portion of them likewise offers very fast departures and surefooted low-focal point of gravity taking care of, meaning it’s trickier to make a presentation disapproved of model stick out. We’ve seen this kind of existential limbo previously, and we expect it won’t be the last time we get on it by the same token.
Certainly, the ZDX has weighty control that suggests energy, yet it doesn’t send a lot if any, substantial input. The brake pedal is wonderfully firm and answers normally regardless of the two different recovery settings, yet there’s nothing on the 11.0-inch computerized measure group that plainly demonstrates what regen mode is presently chosen. All things being equal, you should pass judgment on it by the “charge” meter or your own harmony. Comparatively and similarly baffling, the dynamic drive mode isn’t displayed on the instrument board, similar to how it is on most new vehicles.
Aside from wishing the ZDX Type S was more captivating from in the driver’s seat, our other minor issue don’t counterbalance the Acura’s many saving graces. Despite our vehicle’s huge 22-inch haggles profile tires, it had an extravagance grade ride, most likely helped by the standard-level customizable air springs. We partook in the ZDX’s driving position as well, which benefits from amazing outward permeability and crested front bumpers that assist with wheel situations around sharp corners. The secondary lounge is palatial for two grown-ups, and the level floor makes it livable for three.
We additionally inspected Hands-Free Voyage, Acura’s variant of GM’s Super Journey without hands-driving tech. With consistent path situating and consistent programmed path changes on a bustling Roadway 101, the framework is a unique advantage for everyday workers in clogged regions. Hands-Free Voyage is just presented on the Kind S, alongside other positive elements, for example, computerized stopping help, an advanced rearview reflection, a head-up show, warmed back seats, and a third environment zone with back air conditioning controls, which all add to the top model’s $74,7850 beginning cost. The Sort S is qualified for the $7500 government tax break, however, so are the back and all-wheel-drive A-Spec models that begin at $65,850 and $69,850.
Acura says the A-Spec will be the volume dealer, yet tragically we didn’t have the potential chance to drive one. That is a pity because the 490-hp AWD model strikes us as the perfect balance in the ZDX setup. We’d presumably likewise be less frustrated with how it drives, contrasted with our better standards for anything with a Kind S identification. Furthermore, the A-Spec AWD offers an additional 26 miles of EPA-assessed driving reach (304 versus the Sort S’s 278). Each ZDX has an 11.5-kW installed charger and a DC quick charging rate that tops at a respectable however not-marvelous 190 kilowatts, which Acura figures is really great for a 20 to 80 percent juice-up shortly.
