Acura MDX Sport Hybrid
03-15-17, 12:59 PM
#1
Lead Lap
Thread Starter
Acura MDX Sport Hybrid
Acura Electrifies SUV Lineup with Powerful and Efficient 2017 MDX Sport Hybrid - Acura News
Acura Electrifies SUV Lineup with Powerful and Efficient 2017 MDX Sport Hybrid
Mar 15, 2017 - TORRANCE, Calif.
The 2017 MDX Sport Hybrid is engineered for customers who desire the ultimate in driving refinement, technological sophistication and prestige in a 3-row Acura SUV. Taking full advantage of the immediate, high-torque performance of its 3 powerful electric motors, along with the always-on capabilities of electric torque vectoring, the MDX Sport Hybrid substantially expands dynamic performance and fuel efficiency for luxury SUV customer's everyday driving needs – all without sacrificing interior space or cargo volume.
Unique elements of the MDX Sport Hybrid's design and engineering versus its non-hybrid counterpart include the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® powertrain with 3 electric motors and 7-speed dual clutch transmission (7DCT), an advanced Electro Servo braking system, new and model-exclusive Active Damper technology, and an expanded-range Integrated Dynamics System with 4 distinct modes, including new SPORT+ mode.
The MDX Sport Hybrid's Integrated Dynamics System engages with 9 different dynamic systems within the vehicle, including its electric motors, throttle, steering, transmission and Active Dampers, to provide the driver with an expanded range of selectable performance characteristics to suit their varied driving needs and desires.
The MDX Sport Hybrid is offered in 2 sophisticated grades: the MDX with Technology Package and the MDX with Advance Package. Both grades have exclusive interior trim, stainless steel sport pedals and feature wood interior accents; wood trim accents are only available with the Advance Package for the other 2 MDX variants. The MDX Sport Hybrid with Technology Package includes versatile seating for 7 passengers, while the Advance Package features a 6-passenger interior with 2nd-row captain's chairs and large 2nd-row center console in place of a 3-person bench seat.
New Features
Powertrain
The MDX Sport Hybrid powertrain boasts a total system output of 321 horsepower3 and 289 lb.-ft. of torque, up 31 horsepower over the non-hybrid MDX, making it the most powerful Acura production SUV ever built. EPA fuel economy ratings of 26/27/27 mpg2 (city/highway/combined) are up 8/1/6 mpg over the non-hybrid variant.
A 3.0 liter, 24-valve, SOHC V-6 power plant with i-VTEC® valvetrain and selectable idle-stop capability provides primary motive force, with a peak output of 257 horsepower (SAE net) at 6,300 rpm and 218 lb.-ft. of torque (SAE net) at 5,000 rpm. 3 electric motors – a front motor built into the 7DCT, and a rear Twin Motor Unit (TMU) – provide instant torque for a more responsive and vivid driving experience.
An advanced 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (7DCT) is standard, a feature in common with the RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® sedan and in 9-speed form in the NSX. Unlike a conventional automatic transmission, the DCT offers ultra-quick gear changes and operates without a torque converter, improving efficiency. The 7DCT can operate in fully automatic mode, or it can be shifted manually via steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
The hybrid powertrain also features several advancements as part of the on-going development of Acura hybrid technology, including improvements in cooling and packaging of the IPU and PCU, as well as increased hybrid battery power density.
Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®)
The MDX Sport Hybrid employs groundbreaking technology offered in the Acura NSX supercar and RLX Sport Hybrid sedan. The MDX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® system is optimized to provide both outstanding performance and class-leading fuel efficiency. Depending on the driving mode (COMFORT, NORMAL, SPORT and SPORT+), the system utilizes the V-6 engine, 7DCT with built-in motor, TMU and battery pack to provide exhilarating and confidence-inspiring performance while maximizing efficiency.
The MDX Sport Hybrid's electric SH-AWD® system operates independently of the gasoline engine as the 2 rear-mounted electric motors dynamically apportion both positive and negative torque directly to the rear wheels. This system provides for dynamic, immediate and always-on torque vectoring capabilities while eliminating the weight and energy losses associated with a conventional driveshaft and differential mechanism.
When cornering, the MDX Sport Hybrid delivers positive torque to the outside rear wheel, much like mechanical SH-AWD®, to create a yaw moment. In addition, the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® can simultaneously apply regenerative brake torque to the inside rear wheel during cornering to further enhance cornering control, a function unique to the Sport Hybrid powertrain. As the MDX Sport Hybrid doesn't rely on engine torque, the electrified SUV can create a larger torque difference between the left and right rear wheels, even during small throttle applications, at low engine speeds or when decelerating. This substantially magnifies the positive handling benefits of SH-AWD® across a much wider range of driving conditions.
Safety Performance
All 2017 Acura MDX models come equipped with the AcuraWatch™ suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies: Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with low-speed follow and Road Departure Mitigation (RDM). All models also come equipped with a multi-angle rearview camera, and the top grade adds blind spot information, front and rear parking sensors, Rear Cross Traffic Monitor and new Auto High Beam.
Combining AcuraWatch™ with Acura's next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, the 2017 MDX delivers intelligent safety and confident driving performance at the top of the competitive segment, and targets top safety ratings; a five-star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has already been achieved, and a TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is anticipated.
- The "Ultimate MDX" is the most powerful, refined, sophisticated and technologically advanced Acura SUV for everyday driving
- New Sport Hybrid system delivers decisive power and control, gaining instant torque, 31 horsepower, and resulted in a 45 percent higher EPA city fuel economy rating compared to the conventional MDX SH-AWD
- Model-exclusive active dampers deliver a superb blend of handling performance and ride quality
- MDX is the 3rd model to apply Acura's ground-breaking 3-motor Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) system, also found in the NSX and RLX
The 2017 MDX Sport Hybrid is engineered for customers who desire the ultimate in driving refinement, technological sophistication and prestige in a 3-row Acura SUV. Taking full advantage of the immediate, high-torque performance of its 3 powerful electric motors, along with the always-on capabilities of electric torque vectoring, the MDX Sport Hybrid substantially expands dynamic performance and fuel efficiency for luxury SUV customer's everyday driving needs – all without sacrificing interior space or cargo volume.
Unique elements of the MDX Sport Hybrid's design and engineering versus its non-hybrid counterpart include the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® powertrain with 3 electric motors and 7-speed dual clutch transmission (7DCT), an advanced Electro Servo braking system, new and model-exclusive Active Damper technology, and an expanded-range Integrated Dynamics System with 4 distinct modes, including new SPORT+ mode.
The MDX Sport Hybrid's Integrated Dynamics System engages with 9 different dynamic systems within the vehicle, including its electric motors, throttle, steering, transmission and Active Dampers, to provide the driver with an expanded range of selectable performance characteristics to suit their varied driving needs and desires.
The MDX Sport Hybrid is offered in 2 sophisticated grades: the MDX with Technology Package and the MDX with Advance Package. Both grades have exclusive interior trim, stainless steel sport pedals and feature wood interior accents; wood trim accents are only available with the Advance Package for the other 2 MDX variants. The MDX Sport Hybrid with Technology Package includes versatile seating for 7 passengers, while the Advance Package features a 6-passenger interior with 2nd-row captain's chairs and large 2nd-row center console in place of a 3-person bench seat.
New Features
- 3-motor Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® powertrain
- 3.0-liter, SOHC i-VTEC V-6 engine
- 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (7DCT)
- 4-mode Integrated Dynamics System with SPORT+ mode
- Active Dampers
- Electric Servo Brake System
- Exclusive interior trim
- Body-color lower side sills and front/rear skid garnishes
- SH-AWD® badge on rear and Hybrid badges on front fenders
Powertrain
The MDX Sport Hybrid powertrain boasts a total system output of 321 horsepower3 and 289 lb.-ft. of torque, up 31 horsepower over the non-hybrid MDX, making it the most powerful Acura production SUV ever built. EPA fuel economy ratings of 26/27/27 mpg2 (city/highway/combined) are up 8/1/6 mpg over the non-hybrid variant.
A 3.0 liter, 24-valve, SOHC V-6 power plant with i-VTEC® valvetrain and selectable idle-stop capability provides primary motive force, with a peak output of 257 horsepower (SAE net) at 6,300 rpm and 218 lb.-ft. of torque (SAE net) at 5,000 rpm. 3 electric motors – a front motor built into the 7DCT, and a rear Twin Motor Unit (TMU) – provide instant torque for a more responsive and vivid driving experience.
An advanced 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (7DCT) is standard, a feature in common with the RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® sedan and in 9-speed form in the NSX. Unlike a conventional automatic transmission, the DCT offers ultra-quick gear changes and operates without a torque converter, improving efficiency. The 7DCT can operate in fully automatic mode, or it can be shifted manually via steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
The hybrid powertrain also features several advancements as part of the on-going development of Acura hybrid technology, including improvements in cooling and packaging of the IPU and PCU, as well as increased hybrid battery power density.
Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®)
The MDX Sport Hybrid employs groundbreaking technology offered in the Acura NSX supercar and RLX Sport Hybrid sedan. The MDX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® system is optimized to provide both outstanding performance and class-leading fuel efficiency. Depending on the driving mode (COMFORT, NORMAL, SPORT and SPORT+), the system utilizes the V-6 engine, 7DCT with built-in motor, TMU and battery pack to provide exhilarating and confidence-inspiring performance while maximizing efficiency.
The MDX Sport Hybrid's electric SH-AWD® system operates independently of the gasoline engine as the 2 rear-mounted electric motors dynamically apportion both positive and negative torque directly to the rear wheels. This system provides for dynamic, immediate and always-on torque vectoring capabilities while eliminating the weight and energy losses associated with a conventional driveshaft and differential mechanism.
When cornering, the MDX Sport Hybrid delivers positive torque to the outside rear wheel, much like mechanical SH-AWD®, to create a yaw moment. In addition, the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® can simultaneously apply regenerative brake torque to the inside rear wheel during cornering to further enhance cornering control, a function unique to the Sport Hybrid powertrain. As the MDX Sport Hybrid doesn't rely on engine torque, the electrified SUV can create a larger torque difference between the left and right rear wheels, even during small throttle applications, at low engine speeds or when decelerating. This substantially magnifies the positive handling benefits of SH-AWD® across a much wider range of driving conditions.
Safety Performance
All 2017 Acura MDX models come equipped with the AcuraWatch™ suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies: Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with low-speed follow and Road Departure Mitigation (RDM). All models also come equipped with a multi-angle rearview camera, and the top grade adds blind spot information, front and rear parking sensors, Rear Cross Traffic Monitor and new Auto High Beam.
Combining AcuraWatch™ with Acura's next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, the 2017 MDX delivers intelligent safety and confident driving performance at the top of the competitive segment, and targets top safety ratings; a five-star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has already been achieved, and a TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is anticipated.
03-15-17, 01:16 PM
#2
Lexus Champion
If I were to buy an MDX, this seems like a bit of a no-brainer at only $1500.
03-15-17, 07:00 PM
#4
The RX450h TSO is 311hp and EPA ratings of 31/28/30
The MDX Sport Hybrid powertrain boasts a total system output of 321 horsepower3 and 289 lb.-ft. of torque, up 31 horsepower over the non-hybrid MDX, making it the most powerful Acura production SUV ever built. EPA fuel economy ratings of 26/27/27 mpg2 (city/highway/combined) are up 8/1/6 mpg over the non-hybrid variant.
03-15-17, 11:06 PM
#5
Lexus Test Driver
Sharp styling, but I rather have the higher mpg's of the RX. Those who are buying hybrids are looking more for efficiency.
03-16-17, 05:07 AM
#6
Super Moderator
Don't really see the 10% fuel economy gap vs. the RXh as being a major issue. At $3/gallon and 12k miles a year, that's a whopping $130 difference. Take into account the fact that the RXh is dramatically more expensive than the MDX ($2k more expensive at base, $10k more loaded vs. loaded) despite being smaller, and the MDX is still WAY cheaper no matter how long you keep it.
Last edited by geko29; 03-16-17 at 05:34 AM.
03-16-17, 05:45 AM
#7
Every segment evolves
hybrid started out as the save gas thing
we have seen it evolve into the performance hybrid space
I like my Q50S hybrid because it has really nice power with reasonable fuel economy
i really don't care about gas prices, I just like to be able to run on electrons some of the time
my new NSX is more of the same game
hybrid started out as the save gas thing
we have seen it evolve into the performance hybrid space
I like my Q50S hybrid because it has really nice power with reasonable fuel economy
i really don't care about gas prices, I just like to be able to run on electrons some of the time
my new NSX is more of the same game
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03-16-17, 12:08 PM
#8
Lead Lap
If you ask the hybrid forums about efficiency most care more about noiseless comfort and instant power over efficiency. Coupled with lower cost to entry, 7 passenger seating its hard to make a case for a 5 seater RXh. .
03-17-17, 10:31 AM
#9
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
seriously impressive package, taking the best of the nsx and putting it in the mdx, without cargo space loss, for only $1500. 
03-17-17, 10:50 AM
#10
Lexus Fanatic
03-30-17, 04:40 AM
#11
Lead Lap
Thread Starter
WardsAuto
New MDX Hybrid Acura Prices CUV Below Comps Engines content from WardsAutoAcura MDX Hybrid Set at Low End of Large-Luxury Scale
Mar 30, 2017 Christie Schweinsberg WardsAuto Comments0The new Acura hybrid CUV will undercut the Lexus RX 450h and Infiniti QX60, as well as plug-in hybrid CUVs from BMW, Mercedes and Volvo.
'18 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid on sale in April in U.S.
SEATTLE – Acura positions its forthcoming MDX Sport Hybrid as the lowest-price entrant in the U.S. large-luxury hybrid CUV segment, confident it can achieve the incremental volume it wants from the CUV.'18 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid on sale in April in U.S.
Acura expects the new hybrid to account for 5% of overall MDX sales. In recent years it has sold 55,000-60,000 units of the CUV annually in the U.S.
The 3-row MDX will start at $51,960 when it reaches U.S. Acura dealers next month, below the $53,035 and $53,500 starting prices of the Lexus RX 450h and Infiniti QX60 hybrid CUVs and well south of the plug-in hybrid trio of the BMW X5 Xdrive 40e, Mercedes GLE 550e and Volvo XC90 T8.
“We think we’ve established a strong winning position (with specifications and by undercutting the competition),” Gary Robinson, manager-Acura product planning, tells attendees here at an ’18 MDX Hybrid media event.
Acura calculates its advantage is $1,075 against the RX and up to $15,840 with the GLE. The 3 European PHEVs start in the $60,000 range, but often transact above $70,000, Robinson says.
MDX Sport Hybrid fuel economy comes in at 26/27 mpg (9.0-8.7 L/100 km) city/highway, falling shy of the 2-row Lexus RX’s 31/28 mpg (7.6-8.4 L/100 km) city/highway rating. However, Acura officials here emphasize the MDX provides more total horsepower with the MDX than the RX, 321 hp vs. 308 hp.
“This is our unique way to express our performance,” Jon Ikeda, vice president and general manager-Acuram says of using the NSX supercar’s 3-motor hybrid system under the hood of the MDX.
The 3-motor system has 2 36-hp motors, separated by a 1-way clutch to vector torque side-to-side between rear wheels, and a 47-hp front motor integrated to a 7-speed DCT powering the front wheels. The engine in the MDX hybrid is a 257-hp 3.0L SOHC V-6.
The variant wears many of the same styling cues as Acura’s non-hybrid MDX, which was refreshed last year for ’17 with the brand’s new diamond pentagon grille and higher-quality interior materials such as open-pore wood. The slight styling differences for the hybrid include a lower aero kit, body-color side sills and stainless-steel pedals.
Acura claims the MDX is the No.1 premium 3-row CUV purchased by those under 35 years old and it sees a similarly young buyer for the MDX hybrid, noting those buying large luxury hybrid CUVs tend to be younger than large luxury non-hybrid CUV buyers due to the need for seating for young families. They also have a keen interest in technology and eco-friendly attributes.
The brand sees the typical MDX hybrid buyer as a Millennial or on the younger end of Generation X and making $250,000 or more in annual household income. “It sounds like kind a little bit of a unicorn, but those people are out there and interested in this type of vehicle,” Robinson says.
The MDX Sport Hybrid will be assembled at the MDX’s new home in East Liberty, OH. Some MDX production is continuing Honda’s Lincoln, AL, plant as East Liberty ramps up.
This week, the Japanese automaker announced it was investing $85 million in Lincoln, also home to 3 Honda-brand models (Odyssey minivan, Pilot large CUV, Ridgeline midsize pickup) to increase the plant’s flexibility. Phase 1 of the project calls for an expansion of vehicle-assembly Line 1, slated for completion in 2018.cschweinsberg@wardsauto.com
03-31-17, 08:13 AM
#12
Pole Position
Acura already has the best selling premium hybrid sedan in the country, which is RLX btw believe it or not, and now they will have the best selling premium hybrid SUV. Pricing it right could do wonders to hybrid sales, that is if manufacturer really wants make sales of hybrids. Until recently Lexus didn't want to have anything with hybrids in US they were all more of a showcase for the brand but that is changing with upcoming LC and LS. Both LC and LS hybrids will be priced competitively to their gasoline counters.
03-31-17, 09:04 AM
#13
Super Moderator
The RLX hybrid might not even be the best selling premium hybrid at any given Acura dealer--that honor probably goes to either used ES or MKZ hybrids.
Given the total sales volumes, most of the 273 Acura dealers have never sold a single RLX hybrid....EVER.RXh has sold 338,500 worldwide, 167,000 of those in the US. That's a VERY high bar, even considering that the MDX is an order of magnitude more competitive in its segment compared to the RLX.
http://newsroom.toyota.co.jp/en/detail/12077091
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-relea...300385631.html
http://www.autoblog.com/2016/06/03/m...een-car-sales/
Last edited by geko29; 03-31-17 at 09:20 AM.
03-31-17, 09:47 AM
#14
Lexus Champion
Acura already has the best selling premium hybrid sedan in the country, which is RLX btw believe it or not, and now they will have the best selling premium hybrid SUV. Pricing it right could do wonders to hybrid sales, that is if manufacturer really wants make sales of hybrids. Until recently Lexus didn't want to have anything with hybrids in US they were all more of a showcase for the brand but that is changing with upcoming LC and LS. Both LC and LS hybrids will be priced competitively to their gasoline counters.
Anecdotally -- just going by what I see on the roads here, in this area of Southern Ontario, one of the richest areas of Canada -- I would not know that Acura produced a sedan model named "RLX". I never see them.
03-31-17, 10:21 AM
#15
Lead Lap
Thread Starter
HybridCars
HybridCars.Com has monthly sales breakdowns for the US. Here is last month's: http://www.hybridcars.com/february-2016-dashboard/
The RLX is outsold by entry level luxury hybrids like the ES450h, MKZ, Q50 etc etc but it has outsold its competition in the mid-level luxury sedan segment. Here are the #s for 2016 (it is a very very very small segment):
RLX 235 -6%
Q70 118 -33%
GS450h 70 -23.1%
535ih 18 -28%
E400h 14 -73.6%