Acura previews the new MDX prototype

The unveiling of the Acura MDX Prototype previews the fourth generation of the class-defining Acura MDX, the all-time best-selling three-row luxury SUV in the U.S.A. The new MDX will assume a flagship role in the Acura lineup as the most premium, performance-focused and technologically sophisticated SUV in Acura history.

Twenty years after the launch of the first generation model, the bold new design and sumptuously appointed interior of the new MDX will be bolstered by an arsenal of new Acura technologies, an all new performance-focused platform with MDX's first-ever double wishbone front suspension, and the first application of the Type S high-performance moniker to an Acura SUV.

The MDX has a three-dimensional Diamond Pentagon grille flanked by LED head lights and daytime running lights, inspired by the Acura ARX-05 race car

Enveloped in striking matte finish, the MDX Prototype makes a bold statement with its more dynamic and muscular design. The upright grille and long, sculpted bonnet convey power and presence and are anchored to an even lower and wider body with bulging shoulders and a greenhouse set further back, enabling a 150mm increase in dash-to-axle dimension.

Signature elements of Acura's next generation design language are elegantly integrated with the new more premium and athletic form of MDX, including a three-dimensional Diamond Pentagon grille flanked by LED head lights with LED daytime running lights.

The front fascia has been sculpted to highlight the wide grille, integrating fog light housings under side vents that further emphasise the new MDX's wider track.

The MDX Prototype's wheelbase is almost 75mm longer than before, aiding ride quality and providing more seating space, as well as a larger boot

In profile view, the 21-inch wheels have been pushed to the corners, giving the MDX Prototype a nearly 75mm longer wheelbase, aiding both ride quality and allowing more spacious seating in all three rows, as well as increased boot space. A sharply sculpted beltline connects the front and rear, where the LED taillights echo the head light treatment in front.

Befitting its new flagship status, the MDX Prototype showcases the production model's more premium and sophisticated cabin design, with a cleaner and more upright instrument panel taking on a wide structural motif. High-grade materials trim the interior, including open-pore wood with infused metallic flake, polished aluminium and soft-touch Milano leather.

An elegant mix of Ebony and Light Orchid leather graces the instrument panel and steering wheel with French stitched detailing. Next-generation Acura sport seats offer a more sculpted form with curvilinear quilting in all three rows, gradient perforation, and high-contrast stitching and piping.

The new MDX gains the latest generation of Acura's intuitive and driver-focused True Touchpad Interface with a 12.3-inch, full-HD centre display

The MDX's wider body design enables comfortable seating with more legroom in all three rows, and notably more headroom for front and third-row occupants. An ultra-wide panoramic moonroof opens the cabin up to provide natural light to all three rows.

Featuring a myriad of leading-edge Acura technologies, the MDX Prototype debuts Acura's all-digital Precision Cockpit, replacing physical gauges with a customisable 12.3-inch instrument screen. The new MDX also gains a 12.3-inch, full-HD centre display.

The premium audio system from ELS Studio in the MDX Prototype sets a new standard for concert-quality in-vehicle audio with more than 1000W of power, 22 discrete channels and 25 speakers, this is the most advanced and powerful audio system ever offered in an Acura vehicle.

The 'Signature Edition' ELS Studio 3D premium audio system has 25 speakers and 1000W of power, setting a new standard for in-vehicle audio

Elevated safety technologies include the latest generation of Acura's Advanced Compatibility Engineering Body Structure, with enhanced occupant and pedestrian collision protection capabilities.

This is bolstered by an expanded suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies, including enhanced Road Departure Mitigation, new Traffic Jam Assist and new Low Speed Braking Control. Acura's next-generation front passenger airbag technology offers improved occupant protection in a wider variety of frontal collision scenarios and will come as standard equipment.

The fourth-generation MDX is the most rigid Acura SUV body to date, and is engineered to support high levels of performance as well as advanced collision and pedestrian safety, and also providing an athletic handling, refined ride comfort and exceptional cabin quietness.

Anchored to the ultra-rigid new body is a new performance-focused chassis featuring MDX's first-ever double wishbone front suspension, delivering sharp and sporty handling with improved road holding and ride comfort.

The interior is lined with open-pore wood and Milano leather, combined with gradient perforation and high-contrast stitching and piping

Further aiding handling and all-weather performance is Acura's available fourth-generation Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, the only dynamic torque vectoring technology in its class, extracting maximum grip and cornering precision from the all-new chassis.

Superior stopping performance is enabled with Brembo four-piston brake calipers at all four corners.

Drivers can customise the ride, handling, steering, suspension and powertrain performance characteristics using the MDX's Intelligent Dynamics System (IDS). The IDS unlocks a wider range of personalised driving experiences through pre-set modes as well as giving drivers the ability to customise an individual driving mode.

Powering the fourth-generation MDX will be one of two new powertrains. Standard power will come from Acura's 3.5-litre V6 with i-VTEC valvetrain, connected to an incredibly responsive and refined 10-speed automatic transmission.

The upcoming MDX Type S will feature a Type S-exclusive 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 producing an estimated 350bhp and 480Nm of torque, the most powerful engine ever offered in an Acura SUV. All Type S MDXs will come standard with Acura's all-wheel drive system.