What is it?
The ZDX is a new luxury four-door sedan with a coupe-like profile like the Mercedes-Benz CLS and Volkswagen Passat CC. But it also has SUV elements like the BMW X6, including all-wheel drive and a hatchback design with folding rear seats for greater versatility and cargo capacity. Rear door handles are concealed to enhance the coupe-like stying, and the ZDX has both a panoramic glass roof and tailgate for an airy interior feel. Acura promises sporty handling and performance for the V6-powered ZDX, along with a host of electronic and luxury features. Pricing has not been announced, but a spokesman said the ZDX will slot in above the MDX SUV in the Acura lineup and the concept is reportedly quite close to how the production version will look.
What is new or notable? Safety features will include Acura's first lane departure warning system, and a multi-view rear camera.
CR's take: At first glance, the ZDX looks a lot smaller than it is. Like Toyota is claiming with its Venza, Acura pitches the ZDX to buyers who don't need the utility or bulk of their current SUVs. Honda/Acura has been late to the six-speed automatic game, but the ZDX remedies that by mating one to the likely 3.7-liter engine. Pricing will start in the mid-$40K range, where upscale choices get really crowded.
