Acura unveils the prototype of its new MDX

Acura today unveils a rather successful prototype of what will be the next fourth generation MDX.

By completed is meant here that it is a prototype which seems essentially ready for marketing. So this is what the new Acura MDX will look like.

Similar styling, revised interior

When you take the time to observe this new MDX, at first glance, it looks a lot like the old one. However, when you pay attention, you can see that just about every stylistic element has been changed. We guess the next-generation MDX is sportier, more angular and more aggressive.

Inside the cabin, the update certainly won’t hurt. The old-generation MDX was not doing enough “premium”, especially when compared to the German competition like the BMW X5, the Mercedes-Benz GLE or the Audi Q7. Now it has the same big screen as in the Acura RDX. In all likelihood, it will also have the same infotainment system, the controls of which have been talked about a lot in the past, being not very intuitive.

An MDX Type S on the menu

Acura wants to make the MDX, its best seller, a vehicle without compromise. Thus, the front suspension has been completely redesigned. It now offers a double wishbone design, like what is found on a sport sedan.

The MDX will be powered by the Acura 3.5-liter V6, which we are already familiar with. Acura has yet to reveal performance figures, but we can expect just over 300 horsepower.

Nice little surprise, there will be a Type S version of the MDX. Under the hood of this sporty version, you’ll be treated to the same turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 as in the TLX Type S, developing 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. It really won’t be enough to compete with a Mercedes-AMG GLC 63, let alone a GLE 63, but hey, Acura’s customer base isn’t the same as those who pounce on those overpowered German SUVs.

For now, there is no ecological version announced. We remember that the current generation of the MDX offered a hybrid variant, but it was discontinued last year.

The production version of the next-generation Acura MDX is expected in early 2021. The Type S version will arrive later this summer.

In video: our souvenir test drive of the 2010 Acura MDX