The Fastest Acura SUV Ever Built
The all-new 2024 ZDX is the first electric Acura and, as Quincy Tam, Acura product planner, says, it is “for their customers that are ready to take that next step into electrification.” Tam went on to say: “over the past decade, we have been tracking our customers, many of which have moved over to Tesla, so this speaks loudly they are ready for this transition.”
Co-developed with General Motors, the midsize ZDX rides on the Ultium platform that is also shared with the Cadillac Lyriq, Chevrolet Blazer and Equinox EVs. But that platform is where Acura strongly says the similarities ends as Acura has added performance bits-and-pieces to the ZDX that makes it unique from those models.
The ZDX comes in a base A-Spec and a performance model called Type S. In Acura-speak, Type S is the performance division (like BMW has M, Hyundai has N, Mercedes-Benz has AMG and so on).
Acura brought the automotive media to Santa Barbara to experience the ZDX S Type, which we drove through mountains and vineyards, testing the ride, handling and performance. This Flash Drive is an introduction to the ZDX Type S, with Clean Fleet Report doing a more detailed ZDX review when we have had more seat time.
Power and Range
There are three ZDX configurations, each with their own all-electric driving range (AER.)
A-Spec Rear-Wheel Drive
358 horsepower (hp)
324 pound-feet of torque (lb.-ft.)
313 AER
A-Spec All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
490 hp
437 lb.-ft. torque
304 AER
Type S AWD
500 hp
544 lb.-ft. torque
278 AER
Acura’s Performance EV
Marketed as a performance SUV, the ZDX Type S is civil enough to handle all daily driving needs while at the same time being the fastest Acura SUV ever built. Acura has not released official performance numbers, but with when in Sport Mode it should turn 0 – 60 times in the high 4-second range.
Tam, the Acura product planner, told us: “The ZDX Type S falls within the line-up of performance EVs that has the capability of driving dynamics. Many manufacturers are shooting for the 0-60 data, but that’s not all we are. For Acura, performance is about how it maneuvers, the braking system, the air suspension, making up the full package of what performance means.”
Going fast in itself is fun, but add-in the Acura-designed air adaptive suspension and torque vectoring, and handling gets interesting when attacking the twisties. The AWD ZDX Type S, weighing-in at 6,052 pounds, is planted solidly to the ground with the batteries placed below the floor to deliver a low center of gravity and 50:50 weight distribution. Ask any race car engineer the importance of getting the weight low to the ground and evenly distributed.
Compared to the base ZDX A-Spec that comes in both rear wheel drive and all-wheel drive, the performance pieces found on the ZDX Type S AWD versus the ZDX A-Spec AWD make all the difference. All models have selectable drive modes: Normal, Individual, Snow, Lift and Sport.
Performance-tuned dual motors
Horsepower increases 499 from 490
Torque rises to 544 from 437 lb.-ft.
Dedicated sports suspension with electronically controlled dampers
Height adjustable air suspension
Performance-tuned adaptive dampers
Brembo 6-piston brakes
Larger front discs: 15.6” from 13.5”
Rear brakes: 13.5” for both models
Larger front and rear stabilizer bars
275/40 Continental Premium Contact 6 summer tires on 22” alloy wheels
Behind The Wheel
As with all EVs, acceleration is smooth, instant and linear, with the ZDX Type S strong enough to push you back in your seat. At slower speeds there is a pleasant sci-fi whirring sound to alert pedestrians an EV is approaching.
The regenerative braking and one pedal driving has paddles to set the force, which we had in the most aggressive level so when slowing or coasting, it didn’t require applying the brake in most situations. Whether around town or seeking-out curves like we did, this is the most convenient and fun way to drive the ZDX Type S.
The torque vectoring provided the needed power to whichever wheel had the most demand when cornering. The electric power steering made for sharp and precise turning and the Brembo brakes, with ABS featured ventilated front and rear solid discs. Also helping were electronic stability control, electronic brake-pressure distribution and brake assist.
Welcoming Interior
The two-tone ebony/red or ebony/orchid interior with chrome trim, brushed aluminum and piano black are part of the Type S Sport appearance package, as are soft touch materials on the dash, doors, and the center console, which has a handy lower storage area.
The flat floor provides ample leg, shoulder and head room for five occupants; six footers are easily accommodated. The driver and passenger in the ZDX S Type get 16-way adjustable heated and ventilated seats, with two memory settings each, covered in perforated Milano leather with microsuede and an embossed Type S Logo in the headrest.
The thick grip, leather-covered, flat-bottom heated steering wheel has switches for the cruise control, radio volume and channels and a button to activate voice recognition. The ZDX A-Spec models get 12-way power front seats and the same leather with microsuede coverings.
Wide second row access leads to a comfortable, 60:40 split, heated rear seats that fold nearly-flat to provide additional cargo space. There is no front trunk (frunk) for stashing small items. Standard on all ZDX models are rear side window shades, a panoramic power slide and tilt moonroof (with a power shade) and power tailgate that on the S Type is hands-free.
The low-slung dash has an adjustable 11-inch digital instrument display, and an 11.3-inch horizontal color touchscreen display that houses the 18-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium audio system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
There is Bluetooth for streaming audio, a color configurable head-up display and wireless phone charging. The front occupants get a 12V power outlet and USB-C ports front and rear. The AcuraLink app connects your phone and the ZDX with several convenient features, such as a stolen vehicle locator, remote start and stop and remote door lock and unlock.
Safety
The ZDX Type S comes with an extensive list of standard safety features, beginning with front, side impact, side knee, and side curtain airbags. The advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), include lane keeping assist, blind spot, forward collision, and rear cross-traffic alert and braking. Other safety features are hill start assist, surround and blind view monitor with parking sensors, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with hands-free driving and a tire pressure monitoring system.
Charging
Acura gives new ZDX owners three options: a home or portable charging unit, or charging credits through EVgo or Electrify America. Go here for the details.
The ZDX can be plugged into a 120V common wall plug, but expect replenish times to be long and slow. The best bet for owners will be to install a Level 2 240V home charger that will deliver 29.4 miles per hour of charging. The fastest way will be with DC fast charging delivering a 20-to-80% battery state of charge boost in 42 minutes.
Warranties
Battery – Eight years/100,000 miles
Powertrain – Four years/50,000 mile
Anti-perforation – Five years/Unlimited miles
Roadside Assistance – Four years/50,000 miles
Maintenance Program – One year/12,000 miles
Pricing
The 2024 ZDX comes in four trim levels, with these base prices, including the mandatory $1,350 destination and handling charge.
A-Spec RWD $65,850
A-Spec AWD $69,850
Type S AWD $74,850
Type S AWD $75,850* (*With the Performance Wheel and Tire Package)
The ZDX is built in Spring Hill, Tennessee, meaning it will qualify for federal and state tax credits. In some state it may also get the coveted HOV lane sticker.
Final Thoughts: 2024 Acura ZDX Type S
The performance 2024 Acura ZDX Type S will appeal to those wanting more from their daily driver who have the ability to test the car’s limits. As Tam told us: 0-to-60 times aren’t what Acura performance is all about. But consumers shopping for a performance EV, like it or not, this sprint speed just may be their pacing item for what to buy.
In comparison, the ZDX Type S does quite well and is respectable stacked up against its competition in this area.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 N at 3.1 seconds;
Porsche Taycan GTS at 3.4 seconds;
Ford Mustang Mach-E GT Performance 3.5 at seconds,
Kia EV6 GT at 3.6 seconds; and
Tesla Model Y in 4.7 seconds.
Some may be a bit quicker, but the difference between the fastest of this lot and the ZDX Type S is negligible and would be unnoticeable to the driver.
While the ZDX will continue to be produced by General Motors, Acura plans to launch additional EV models starting in 2026 based on its own global e:Architecture.
Styled at the Acura Design Studio in Los Angeles, the ZDX and future Acura EVs will be tailored for American drivers who want comfort, style, performance and all-electric efficiency.
We have not driven the ZDX A-Spec RWD or AWD, but we suspect the performance will still be quite good, and the all-electric driving range will be longer.
The 2024 ZDX A-Spec and ZDX Type S are on-sale now at Acura dealers in all 50 states. Go check it out!
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Story and photos by John Faulkner.
[See image gallery at cleanfleetreport.com]
The Competitive Set:
Ford Mustang Mach-E GT Performance
Disclosure:
Clean Fleet Report is loaned free test vehicles from automakers to evaluate, typically for a week at a time. Our road tests are based on this one-week drive of a new vehicle. Because of this we don’t address issues such as long-term reliability or total cost of ownership. In addition, we are often invited to manufacturer events highlighting new vehicles or technology. As part of these events we may be offered free transportation, lodging or meals. We do our best to present our unvarnished evaluations of vehicles and news irrespective of these inducements.
Our focus is on vehicles that offer the best fuel economy in their class, which leads us to emphasize electric cars, plug-in hybrids, hybrids and diesels. We also feature those efficient gas-powered vehicles that are among the top mpg vehicles in their class. In addition, we aim to offer reviews and news on advanced technology and the alternative fuel vehicle market. We welcome any feedback from vehicle owners and are dedicated to providing a forum for alternative viewpoints. Please let us know your views at publisher@cleanfleetreport.com.
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