The 2024 Acura ZDX Type S is a heavy, all-electric crossover that was surprisingly fun to drive.
Let me get this out of the way: if you have an issue with General Motors-supplied parts, nothing I’m about to say will convince you that the 2024 Acura ZDX Type S is worth your time. It shares its platform, powertrain and a fair bit of its switchgear with other GM products like the Chevy Blazer EV. By extension, its mainstream Honda Prologue cousin is on the same boat.
That said, the 2024 Acura ZDX Type S was far more enjoyable to drive than I expected. So go, in fact, that I took it down PCH, to Topanga Canyon. This combination of roads is best exploited by lightweight, sporty cars with lots of grip. A long wheelbase, 6,000-pound SUV would not be my first choice. Oddly, the whole drive was far more enjoyable than I expected — and that is thanks to Acura, not GM’s suspension tuning.
The 2024 Acura ZDX Type S ain’t slow.
Using GM’s EV battery platform (formerly branded as ‘Ultium’ until recently), the ZDX comes with the same 102.0-kWh battery pack as the Cadillac Lyriq. Being that my tester was a Type S, it gets the all-wheel drive treatment, thanks to two electric motors. Combined, it makes 499 horsepower and 544 lb-ft of torque. It feels like the power is rear-biased when you push it, especially when squirting out of corners in Sport mode. The Type S can run from 0 to 60 in 4.3 seconds. With its beefy battery, cooling and energy management, I drove it hard all the way down to 10-percent, and it never faded.
With the Type S’ power combination, you get the lowest range. The Type S is rated at 278 miles per charge. Mind you: I was able go slightly above that average, thanks to remaining on many roads that required a lot of regenerative braking. Power is less chest deforming than other sporty EVs, but it pours it on like a drum solo – power intensifies like a drum roll. It’s fun.
Fast charging speed is quick(ish). At 190 kW, it’s mid-pack at best. That’s especially true considering the massive battery. Knowing that, as we all know, ALL fast charging is subjective.
Its adaptive air suspension tuning sets the ZDX apart
So far, most of the straight-line performance is in line with the Lyriq, but that changes when you pilot a ZDX Type S through corners. It’s no Lotus Emira (hell, it weighs about twice as much), but it still impresses. Sure, steering feedback is based on your imagination and the heft of the vehicle can be felt when you’re scything from corner to corner, but the thing stays put. The AWD system, along with the stability programming seems to know when you’re driving like a fool. I was stunned at how tossable it was, and how easy it was to drive aggressively.
Once on the flat tarmac, and on the highways, the long wheelbase appears to help iron out bumps, and the suspension soaks up a surprising amount of vibration. I say that because it’s riding on ridiculously large 22-inch wheels. Bottom line: it’s a pleasure to drive.
Yes, I say it’s “Goth” in terms of design, and I mean it.
Sure, design is subjective, but I was the guy driving it – and I wan’t a fan of the new ZDX the first time I saw it. I prefered its cousin (the Honda Prologue) for its smooth design, and subtle styling cues. Still, when I got the white and black roof combo, I immediately thought of older rock groups like Bauhaus, Sisters of Mercy, The Cure and so-on. Why? Because the exterior looked like a futuristic hearse – in a cool way. In addition, the red-trimmed interior, with dark main materials felt like a nod to that whole romantic-victorian-vampire style theme.
Sorry, not sorry. That’s what it felt like to me. In addition, it was comfortable, and rather familiar thanks to the judicious use of GM components. Fortunately, unlike other GM vehicles, this one allows for wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto. Oh, and the BANG & OLUFSEN sound system kills with 18-speakers, which is great for Bowie fans too.
It’s a fine place to spend time, and there’s good space for your friends too.
So…what’s the overall verdict?
Is it worth about $75,000? Considering it’s about 10K more expensive than the A Spec, and is priced competitively with the Tesla Model S… no. As much as I liked driving this vehicle, I know that there are (on paper) more compelling choices. With that being said: I think the interior layout and quality is better than Tesla.
Check out this video and see what you think, but I recommend doing it after listening to a lot of Fields Of The Nephilim.
