#NYIAS Good news from the Acura press conference in New York: Not only is the 2010 Acura ZDX vastly better-looking than the TL, it's also better-looking than the BMW X6 and, as crossover-ish SUVs go, it borders on downright attractive, assuming you're OK with the Acura corporate face.
The stance is lower than we'd expected -- the ZDX is more of a peer to the BMW 5 Series GT than the X6 or Infiniti FX35. The curvy character line down the length of the ZDX is also a welcome departure from the excessive straight edges on recent Acura sedans.
More product details, photos and video after the jump.
"That line could have been straight," says Acura designer Michelle Christensen, who penned the original sketches as her first assignment after graduating from Pasadena's Art Center College of Design, "but we added the curve to emphasize the vehicle's wide stance."
We've already reported that the 2010 Acura ZDX will be priced directly above the MDX (its platform mate).
Today we learned some details on how it will be equipped. Although the stark black-and-white interior color scheme is just for the auto show circuit, the hand-stitched leather dash and pillar trim will survive to the production car and will be standard to boot. Additionally, 20-inch wheels are under consideration for production, too, though the ones you see here are just for the show. -- Erin Riches, Senior Editor
Update: The glass panoramic roof will also make it to the production ZDX as standard fare. New photos added below.
ctpax says:
12:23 PM, 04/ 8/09
wow that car is pretty useless indeed.
HassanK says:
12:53 PM, 04/ 8/09
I don't know about this... I'm not feeling it. Both purpose and design wise. Something is not quite right.
g8gtnorth says:
12:56 PM, 04/ 8/09
@ctpax - Yep, but being the most attractive thing in their line-up it might actually sell.
I know around here the X6 is selling, and Acura has a loyal following... we'll see
1487 says:
12:59 PM, 04/ 8/09
this is NOT better looking than the X6. Seems like a lot of excuses are being made for this odd looking crossover.
altimadude00 says:
01:44 PM, 04/ 8/09
If you back into something in the exact center, it will pop the clips on both sides and you'll have to replace the entire bumper cover. Good design there.
kingkhalas says:
02:01 PM, 04/ 8/09
Still has the ugly bucktooth design.
Wish Acura would make a good looking 3 series competitor.
ddkk10 says:
02:13 PM, 04/ 8/09
I can't say that the ZDX is better looking than the X6 but I can say it's not any worse looking. However pointless this car may be I'm excited by it. Finally Acura has designed a vehicle that actually has some dynamic, semi unique, unhonda-like styling that from at least some angles looks pretty good. The new corporate grille will always make you wince when you look at it but I think this is the best incorporation of the grille in any of the new acura designs so far. but then again, it might be just the silver paint job that allows the grille to sort of blend in with the rest of the car. If it were painted black there's a chance we would all be permanently blinded by it.
willbuyan09 says:
03:26 PM, 04/ 8/09
Wow! I am surprised I actually like this vehicle. I have been waiting patiently for the CTS sportwagon to come out, (I'll take a look at the SRX as well). I planned on picking between them and the Q5. However, I think I need to see this one too!!
Husband has an MDX, so I wasn't going to consider another Acura. Don't get me wrong-he loves it. Just didn't want 2 in the garage. But this is so differnt, that I wouldn't mind.
I agree w/ ddkk10---the grill is still ugly, but it is better on this vehicle than any of there others. The RL is hideous!!
I like the futuristic look. I feel that so many cars/CUV's on the road all look the same, which is why I didn't buy a vehicle yet. I want something that has utility, but still stands out.
The X6 is $60grand, so if the ZDX costs that much, it will be out of consideration.
albook says:
04:09 PM, 04/ 8/09
Oh my god it looks HORRIBLE. This was Acura's worse decision EVER. It won't sell. It wouldn't look all that bad if it was rwd, but since Acura's stubborn and won't develop rwd (Hyundai's even done it!!!) it looks awkward. I'm not the biggest fan of the X6, but that looks so much better. No one who looks at the X6 will even consider this.
ctpax says:
04:34 PM, 04/ 8/09
willbuyan09, if you buy this, you will have 0 utility. Go with X5. =P
cwc1 says:
05:14 PM, 04/ 8/09
Has Acura/Honda jumped the shark too?
ctpax says:
05:29 PM, 04/ 8/09
and what a dumb name too... zeedee X
giancarlo51 says:
09:11 PM, 04/ 8/09
Wow, this looks great! This was said before, but it deserves to be mentioned again: this is the best application of the corporate grille. This type of car doesn't really appeal to me, but it looks great and VASTLY better than the X6. The X6 has too much going on and the profile is hideous! If GM or Chrysler produced this, it would be useless, but since Honda isn't six feet under like GM/Chrysler, the gamble is worth it.
dougtheeng says:
06:47 AM, 04/ 9/09
Hideous. Makes the X6 look like a pretty sleek option.
carlisimo says:
11:55 AM, 04/ 9/09
What's the expected price range?
willbuyan09 says:
12:31 PM, 04/ 9/09
I have read that it will be priced above the MDX, so my guess is between $40 and $50k.
autoboy16 says:
08:46 AM, 04/10/09
This car is soo bad it makes the BMW x6 make PERFECT sense. A lightbulb just went off in my head.
I was hoping Acura was doing this as an April fools prank, but I guess not. I believe Acura should save the money on this one and use it to hire an exterior designer.
I hear Chris Bangle is looking for a job....