2024 Acura ZDX Spy Shots: GM Ultium-Based Electric SUV Coming Soon

Acura announced in August that it would be bringing back the ZDX name for its next electric SUV, and now the first prototype has been spotted.

The latest ZDX will be Acura's first electric vehicle, but it has a contract to use General Motors' Ultium platform and batteries instead of its own platform. GM will also build the ZDX for Acura. GM has a similar contract for Honda's next electric SUV, the Prologue. and has signed a similar deal for Honda's next electric SUV, the Prologue. Both electric SUVs are scheduled for a 2024 model year.

Prototypes suggest that the ZDX will be a mid-size SUV sharing elements with the 2023 Cadillac Lyric (also an Ultium-based mid-size SUV) The A-, B-, and C-pillar designs appear to be common to both vehicles, but the D-pillar is unique.

In August, Acura revealed the Precision EV Concept at the 2022 Monterey Car Week, previewing the ZDX's design. The concept's design was significantly toned down for the production model, but elements such as the shark-nose grille, sculpted hood, and distinctive D-pillars were retained.

A glimpse of the interior reveals what appears to be a single panel that integrates both the digital meter cluster and infotainment screen. The same design is used in the Precision EV Concept.

Acura has not mentioned powertrain specs. The Ultium platform will support a 200 kwh battery and 1,000 hp electric motor, but the ZDX should offer similar performance to the Lyric, which would mean a battery capacity of approximately 100 kwh and 340 hp. More power is expected from the planned ZDX Type S model. Range should start around 300 miles.

Production of the ZDX is expected to take place at GM's Spring Hill Manufacturing plant in Spring Hill, Tennessee, where GM produces the Lyric.

The Honda Prologue, a design similar to the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV, is said to begin production at GM's plant in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico, where the Blazer EV and the smaller 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV are built.

Honda and Acura will rely on their own proprietary technology for future EVs. In April, Honda announced a broad strategy to invest more than $60 billion in R&D over the next decade, with the bulk of the money to be spent on EVs and software development. Under this strategy, Honda plans to launch 30 EVs worldwide by 2030 under the Honda and Acura brands, two of which will be sporty models and one of which is believed to be a redesign of the NSX supercar.