On March 27, 1986, Honda launched its luxury brand, Acura, which quickly became one of the best-selling luxury marques in the United States, surpassing established names like BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Despite facing a decline in sales in the late 1990s, Acura made a comeback in the early 2000s through redesigns and the introduction of new models.
Now, Acura is entering a new phase with the upcoming release of its first electric vehicle, the Acura ZDX, scheduled to launch next year. Co-developed with General Motors, the Acura ZDX will utilize the Ultium battery platform. A notable feature of the vehicle is its integration of Google services, including Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play, as standard.
Less scrolling. More performance.
Gear up for our first EV, the #AcuraZDX with Google built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, revolutionizing the Acura driving experience.https://t.co/mMTPtaQd5e pic.twitter.com/6iBWtZSesN
— Acura (@Acura) June 6, 2023
The Acura ZDX will offer an enhanced version of Google Maps tailored specifically for electric vehicle drivers. This feature will provide optimized route planning for recharging and help locate charging stations along the way to minimize travel time. Additionally, the integration with Google Maps will allow drivers to instruct the vehicle to precondition the battery for the fastest possible charging times when approaching a DC fast charger.
With Google Assistant, Acura ZDX owners will have hands-free control over various functions, such as making calls, sending texts, adjusting temperature, and navigating to destinations. Google Play will provide access to a wide range of third-party apps for music, podcasts, and audiobooks, similar to smartphone functionality.
The Acura ZDX will also feature a digital driver instrumentation display, a large center touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and Acura’s first pocket-type wireless smartphone charger. Additionally, the vehicle will benefit from over-the-air software updates, enabling continuous improvements and enhancements.
Raj Manakkal, Assistant Vice President of Digital Services Development for American Honda Motor Co., expressed excitement about the partnership with Google, stating, “As Acura moves rapidly toward the electrified and digital future, we’re pleased to offer customers a choice of technology partners by combining embedded Google apps and services with our in-vehicle connectivity to advance the fun and productive ownership experience.”
With the Acura ZDX, Acura aims to blend luxury, precision, and advanced technology to deliver an exceptional electric vehicle driving experience. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, Acura is positioning itself at the forefront of electrification and connectivity, ready to meet the demands of the modern market.
