Drive Time – 2024 Acura ZDX Type S EV
It truly appears electric vehicles (EV) are here to stay. If you’re old school like me, it took a while conceding the impending demise of petrol fuel rides. As they say, it’s best to adjust and survive rather than stubbornly hold onto dying technology. Every auto manufacturer has done so with varying degrees of success and acclaim.
Acura took its time before offering an EV. The brand continues unveiling attractive models, and their new ZDX Type S certainly qualifies as a head-turner. The ZDX delivers style, all-wheel-drive, comfort, tech goodies and a decent charge range. It is a luxurious step up from Honda’s Prologue EV.
The ZDX is a must-drive for those desiring plug-in powered technology, a handsome appearance, driving chops and cargo space with a price that won’t shock the budget.
The three models are the rear-wheel drive single motor, AWD dual motor A-Spec and S Type, with starting prices from $66,000 to $75,000.
Skin
Acura designers did themselves proud, as the ZDX Type S (the most premium of three ZDX offerings) provides a rakish gorgeous exterior with bold proportions and stylish lines. A definite head-turner in Cosmic Black. The long wheelbase, with massive, beautiful 22” Dynamic Multi-spoke Diamond Cut and Dark Android Finish wheels, performance rubber and huge yellow brake calipers, adds to the sporty exterior. The nose is handsome, with LED headlights, surrounding illuminated grille and long hood. However, there is no storage “frunk” like other EVs, due to housing a myriad of controls.
The side panels’ rear continues the striking appearance with the eye-catching hatch, diffuser and familiar Acura rear lights. Dark low-profile roof rails don’t diminish the streamlined silhouette.
Of course, the plug-in power eliminates any dual exhausts in the rear.
Performance
The mid-size ZDX SUV powertrain and dual motors deliver smooth starts and instantaneous acceleration (my passengers grinned in surprise) with a 0-60 in 4.3 seconds, thanks to the 499hp and 544 lb. ft. torque in Sport Mode. The ride is luxuriously smooth and confident, even with the 22” wheels, yet can whisk you like a high-end sports sedan when the mood strikes. Steering is precise but not jarring even in Sport Mode, as road imperfections are soaked up gracefully with adaptive dampers.
I didn’t notice a significant difference when scrolling through the four driving modes (Normal, Sport, Snow and Individual). Rest assured it’s very much a smooth operator during long cruises.
The ZDX’s 102-kilowatt lithium-ion Ultium battery pack can deliver about 260 miles of driving range in the AWD versions. Severe cold, heat or a heavy pedal will lessen the distance. Locating a DC fast charger will add about 80 miles of juice in 10 minutes. A 240-volt, 19.2-kilowatt AC home charger will fully replenish the battery in three hours. Important note: I’d strongly recommend installing a charger at home to bypass the long lines I encountered to recharge. The turning radius is tight.
Two adjustable regenerative braking settings are at your disposal, with the strongest setting bringing the ZDX to a complete stop and even hold it on a hill for genuine one-pedal driving (I was immediately smitten). Normal braking still halts the nearly three-ton ride in quick fashion. The one-pedal driving benefit significantly reduces speed without illuminating the brake lights to alert police when speeding over the posted limit.
The coolest function is the Hands-Free Cruise capability. Combined with Adaptive Cruise Control, the ZDX is capable of literal hands-free driving if you’re on the highway (no city driving at this time). Currently over 400,000 road miles are available in the U.S. and Canada. Auto lane changes using the turn signal is amazingly capable. Just know Super Cruise won’t engage in tunnels, on icy roads, construction zones or freeway offramps. However, the grin-inducing feature is quickly addictive for long stretches. I loved it.
Cabin
The luxurious roomy interior is a delight to the senses. Fit and finish are outstanding. Handsome perforated Milano leather seats with Microfiber are heated and cooled in front and heated in the rear. The tester’s red motif and brushed aluminum trim are wonderful. A squared-bottom and heated steering wheel feels quite sporty.
Acura evidently “borrowed” the convenient Mercedes-Benz’ gear shifter on the steering stalk to expand storage space in the console. Smart move. The driving mode button is somewhat hidden on the lower left dash above the left knee.
The modern floating center console allows for extra storage underneath. Programmable ambient lighting provides countless color combinations. The ZDX seats five comfortably. Storage with the rear seats up is 29.7 cubic feet and 62 when power-folded down. It appears larger due to the low floor and square shape. There’s a handy secret storage underneath the trunk floor, but no “frunk” storage in front like other EVs. The liftgate opens handsfree.
A generous panoramic roof (fixed) illuminates the interior with a power sunshade if a darker environment is desired. Wireless cellphone charging is standard.
Outward visibility is excellent, even with the sloping roof.
Tech check
Acura went all-out in the tech department. It features welcome individual buttons for temperature and volume rather than scrolling through a menu. The 11” instrument panel is good, along with the 11.3” infotainment touch screen. However, a Heads-Up display is optional.
Wireless AppleCar Play, Android Auto and the responsive Google Assistant are standard. A superb 18-speaker Bang & Olufsen Surround System delivers studio-quality audio.
Safety features abound, with automatic Forward Collision, Lane Departure, Blind Spot, Emergency Braking, Pedestrian Detection and Rear Cross Traffic warnings.
The 2024 Acura ZDX Type S EV is a desirable package of eye-candy, luxury and eye-popping technology (including Acura’s free maintenance for 24 months). Bottom line is the ZDX is worthy of your time when contemplating a cutting-edge plug-in SUV to cruise or eat up miles of asphalt in handsfree bliss.
SCORECARD
Golf Bags: At least four
Curb Appeal: A uniquely attractive head-turner
0-60: 4.3 seconds.
EV Range: 260 miles
Must-Haves: Can’t imagine needing anything else
Warranty & Free Maintenance: 48y/50,000-mile warranty; 2y/24 free maintenance.
Base Price: $74,500 (S Type)
Price as Tested: $76,450
Who Buys It? Those embracing the latest in electric power and capable storage
Finish Line: Alluring package of style, performance, luxury and technology
To test-drive the 2024 Acura ZDX Type S, contact James Comport at 972-964-6027 at Park Place Acura in Plano