After being officially revealed for the 2010 model year, the Acura ZDX enters the 2011 model year offering the same level of luxury and performance. The 2011 ZDX will be offered in three trim levels: ZDX ($45,645), ZDX with Technology Package ($50,145), and ZDX with Advance Package ($56,195).

Designed as a competitor for the BMW X6, the ZDX features exquisite design elements consisting of a panoramic glass roof, hidden rear door handles, and bold fender flares. It is powered by a V6 engine that delivers 300 HP and comes standard with a Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission.

"The ZDX is like nothing you have ever seen before from Acura," said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura->ke10 sales. "It combines the best attributes of a coupe, a sedan and a sport utility – all wrapped in a beautifully sculpted package – that will attract an entirely new luxury customer to the Acura brand."

Hit the jump to read more about the 2011 Acura ZDX.

2011 Acura ZDX

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2011 Acura ZDX
  • Engine/Motor: V6
  • Horsepower: 300 @ 6,300
  • Torque: 270 @ 4,500
  • Transmission: 6-speed automatic
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior and Interior

With the ZDX, Acura wanted to obtain a distinctive, modern personal "sports coupe" body, but at the same time provide adequate ground clearance and favorable approach and departure angles that allow off-highway use. The ZDX features a distinctive grille shape, sharply flared front fenders, dramatically rising character lines sloping rearward along the sides and an artfully sloping rear deck. Another distinctive feature of the ZDX are the bi-functional High-Intensity Dischargelow and high beam headlights. The advantages of HID headlamps include greater lighting power, daylight type lighting temperature, and reduced power consumption.

The interior gets high quality leather, LED interior lighting, and a striking center instrument panel that blacks out when not in use. The list of standard equipment includes, among other things, a dual-zone, dual-mode, automatic climate control system with automatic humidity control and rear seat vents to help keep the entire passenger cabin comfortable.

The Engine

Under the hood Acura has placed a 3.7 liter V6 engine that delivers a total of 300 HP and 270 lb-ft of torque. The engine uses a more rigid cylinder block, high-strength crankshaft, heavy-duty connecting rods, high compression-ratio pistons, cylinder heads with improved cooling, exclusive camshaft specs, a 2-rocker arm design VTEC valvetrain system, heavy-duty intake valve springs, a unique EGR system, special long-reach spark plugs, a large throttle body, and much more to get the job done.

The ZDX comes standard with a Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission along with a special multi-clutch lock-up torque converter. The transmission offers two automatic shift modes, or can be operated manually via racing-inspired steering wheel paddle shifters.

The Competition

The Acura ZDX's greatest competitors are the BMW X6 xDrive35i->ke2396 and the Infiniti FX35. The X6 xDrive35i is powered by a 3.0-liter, 6-cylinder engine with TwinPower Turbo technology that delivers a total of 300 HP and is priced at $57,000. The Infiniti FX, on the other hand, is priced at a reasonable and much cheaper $41,600. Sacrificing power won't be necessary either as the FX is powered by a 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 engine with 303 HP and 262 lb-ft of torque.

When Can I Buy One?

The 2011 Acura ZDX is now on sale at local dealers. Customers will have to choose from three trim levels: ZDX $45,645, ZDX with Technology Package ($50,145), and ZDX with Advance Package ($56,195).