A Deeper Look into the 2019 Acura MDX A-Spec: A Fine Blend of Luxury and Sportiness
The 2019 Acura MDX A-Spec, an intriguing blend of luxury, performance and Acura's characteristic styling, made its unanticipated debut at the 2018 New York International Auto Show. With this mid-year launch, the MDX A-Spec completes Acura's introduction of A-Spec variants for its core model lineup, injecting an athletic and youth-oriented element into the renowned luxury brand.
Design and Features: A Distinct A-Spec Character
The 2019 MDX A-Spec showcases a distinctive sporty aesthetic that aligns with Acura's A-Spec design philosophy. It flaunts larger 10-spoke, 20-inch Shark Grey alloy wheels and low profile 265-series tires, presenting a more commanding stance. A revamped front fascia, larger exhaust finishers, and a combination of gloss-black and dark chrome decoration for various exterior features, differentiate the MDX A-Spec from its counterparts. It is a tasteful marriage of luxury and sportiness, executed in a way that broadens the MDX's appeal without straying from its roots.
The interior is equally impressive, featuring sports seats clad in either red or black leather with black Alcantara inserts, creating a luxurious yet sporty atmosphere. Carbon-look console trim, a thicker-rimmed A-Spec-badged steering wheel with paddle shifters, and an exclusive A-Spec door step garnish further enhance the athletic character of the three-row SUV. It's clear that Acura has endeavored to make the A-Spec version a unique and appealing proposition within the MDX lineup.
Performance and Safety: All-Wheel Fun with AcuraWatch™
The MDX A-Spec is powered exclusively by Acura's torque vectoring Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®), promising an engaging drive. It's noteworthy that the V6-powered TLX A-Spec, launched in the previous year, has proved quite popular among younger and affluent buyers, which Acura undoubtedly hopes to replicate with the MDX A-Spec.
As with all MDX models, Acura includes the AcuraWatch™ suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies as standard equipment on the A-Spec. The suite features a host of capabilities including Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with low-speed follow, among others. Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ integration come standard too, providing an up-to-date and user-friendly infotainment experience.
Production and Future Outlook
The 2019 Acura MDX A-Spec is set to be produced at Honda's East Liberty Plant in Ohio. More specifics about the model will be revealed in the coming months, providing potential buyers and enthusiasts alike with additional insight into this intriguing blend of sportiness and luxury.
In conjunction with the introduction of the A-Spec variants, Acura also renewed its commitment to bringing back the vaunted Type-S performance variant in the future. The reintroduction of the Type-S, coupled with a dedicated turbocharged V6 engine in development, certainly portrays Acura's commitment to delivering performance-focused offerings. It's an interesting time for the brand, and the automotive world will be watching with keen interest.
A Glimpse into Acura's Dynamic Future
Overall, the introduction of the 2019 Acura MDX A-Spec is a significant milestone for Acura, serving as a testament to its dedication to performance and innovation. While it is clear that Acura is dedicated to preserving the luxury that the MDX nameplate is known for, the brand is also demonstrating a willingness to incorporate sportier, more youthful elements into its offerings. This delicate balancing act between luxury and sportiness might just be the blueprint for Acura's dynamic future.
