#PRODUCTWATCH: 2024 ACURA ZDX TYPE S

I’ll admit it. I’ve been slow to embrace electric vehicles, because the unknown is always scary. After getting a chance to test drive the 2024 ACURA ZDX TYPE S in a striking Double Apex Blue Pearl, the dial has definitely been moved for me in understanding the technology and accepting it. The advantages obviously are the environmental impacts and cost savings, and above this the SUV is constructed like a powerful machine.

The main disadvantage is the lack of charging stations available and the time required to charge the SUV. This is however, simply a growing pain as electical vehicles become increasingly popular, and we should start seeing an increase in access to these stations. I mean, who wouldn’t just want to fill their car with fuel and be on with their day, instead of allotting time in the day to sit at a charging station for what could be hours?

My week was filled wth engagements. Spring time means event season and tons of premieres, events and launches took place around the City. We were so grateful for the luxury of this magnificent ride getting us to and from so safely and efficiently.

Let’s highlight the essentials for you with the sizy 2024 ACURA ZDX TYPE S. It operates at an incredible 499 horsepower with AWD and feels it every bit of the way. It also has102 Battery Capacity (kWh), and also a comprehensive 8 year battery warranty. Owners also benefit from perks of the ACURA MAINTENANCE PROGRAM. The ZDX comes with four driving options: Snow / Normal / Sport / Individual Drive Modes, tailored for Canadian driving, plus a very responsive Brembo® Front 6-Piston Braking System.

In terms of charging specifics, which is something new to consider for me, here are some numbers, which of course vary depending on the charging station type:

•29.4 240-Volt AC Charge Time – Level 2 (Miles Per Hour of charging)
•72 DC Fast Charger (Miles in 10 mins of charging)
•42 DC DC Fast Charge Time (20% to 80% state of charge, mins)

Everything about the ZDX Type S is elevated. We were so impressed that it came with a Premium BANG & OLUFSEN® Sound System with count ’em, 18 speakers! It’s ready for SiriusXM® Satellite Radio, comes with a unique standup Wireless Phone Charger, positioned beside the cupholders (be careful not to put objects in there!), Bluetooth® Streaming Audio, USB Audio Interface with Charging Port, USB Audio Interface with Charging Port, Front Console (2 port), USB-C Charging Port – Rear (2 port), Front Console with 11-inch Digital Instrument Cluster, plus an amazing 11.3-inch Color Touchscreen Display with Volume Knob, mixing a bit of new school and old school. And yes, it’s Wireless Apple CarPlay®/Android Auto™ ready as well.

The Driver gets lots to work with including Front 16-Way Power Seats with Power Lumbar Support, Thigh Extension and Side Bolsters (!), Perforated Milano Premium Leather-Trimmed with Embossed Type S Logo Heated Front Seats, Ventilated Front Seats, Driver Seat Memory (2 Positions), Heated Rear Seats (Outboard Positions), Front Passenger Seat Memory (2 Positions).

The SUV exemplifies a true concern for the comfort of the Passenger, not just the Driver. This is extended also to Climate Control where its Tri-Zone Automatic Climate Control with Humidity Control and Air Filtration make drives that little bit more pleasant. Those in the back also get a Rear HVAC Control Panel because we all have different preferences for temperature.

We got several looks from onlookers when pulling up this past week, and these were looks of admiration! We can’t blame them. The ZDX Type S is flashy, with its oversized Panoramic Moonroof with Tilt and Slide Function, Power Lift Tailgate with Hands Free Access, Jewel Eye® LED Headlights, Chicane™ Daytime Running Lights (DRL), Chicane™ LED Taillights. And how about its 22 x 9.5 Berlina Black w/Machined Face Aluminum-Alloy Wheels? You’re encourage to dream big and drive big here!

Adding to the aesthetics are an illuminated Seamless Pentagon Grille, Gloss Black Roof, Roof Rails, Rear Privacy Glass (our dear beanie appreciates her discretion!). We felt like Batman arrving at our destinations in Ambient LED Cabin Lighting, and the SUV broadcasting around it with light projections that this masterpiece was made by Acura!

The SUV‘s rear and front cameras are incredibly sophisticated, giving you an overhead view as you are backing out or in close proximity of pedestrians, just for added visibility. And we cannot deny that Rear Seat Reminders are so helpful when you have things in the backseat. Milk will never get spoiled again because you forgot it in the car!

I will say that I did wish the ZDX Type S came with Proximity Entry. I am exactly that person who fumbles for their keys and gets flustered trying to find the button on the remote key with full hands. Having this would have taken the experience up another notch.

As the SUV is quite wide, parking in those tight spots downtown or at the mall can be a little more challenging. It benefits from Side Mirrors with power Power-Folding, Reverse Gear Tilt-Down, and a huge benefit is its LED Side Mirror-integrated Directional Signals which ensure you’re very aware of blind spots and movement happening in them.

Let’s talk safety. And there is no shortage of features which protect Driver and Passenger, including: Forward Collision Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian Braking, Lane Keep Assist,
Adaptive Cruise Control, Traffic Sign Recognition, Reverse Automatic Braking, Side Blind Zone Alert,
Lane Change Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Braking, Auto High-Beam, AcuraWatch™ 360+, Parking Sensors (4 Front & 4 Rear), and Blind Zone Steering Assist.

In terms of passive safety features, the ZDX Type S comes with: Dual-Stage Multiple-Threshold Front Airbags (SRS), Front Side Airbags Side Curtain Airbags, Front Knee Airbags, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Child Seat (LATCH), 4-Wheel Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with Tire Fill Assist (!) and Location and Pressure Indicators , Theft-Deterrent System with Electronic Immobilizer, and Self-Sealing Tires. The latter automatically seals punctures in the tread up to 5mm in diameter. Now that’s technology! And we’d expect no less of Acura.

Highlights from our Test Drive:

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The 2024 Acura ZDX Type S starts at $87,216. More here.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)