New Acura ZDX Will Share Something With Bentley, Aston Martin, And Lamborghini

Jul. 11, 2023 9:00 AM ET byKarl Furlong Technology /3 Comments

Acura ZDX customers are in for a high-end music listening experience.

Acura has announced an official partnership with Danish luxury audio brand Bang & Olufsen, beginning with the all-electricZDXbefore expanding across the entire lineup. Bang & Olufsenalready has multiple automotive partners, including Aston Martin, Audi, Bentley, and Lamborghini, so Acura is in good company.

Although the audio brand didn't make our list of thebest in-car sound systemslast year, that doesn't mean we haven't been impressed by specific sound system installations from the brand, including one we experienced in the Audi S5 Cabriolet. The ZDX and ZDX Type S will be the first Acura models with the new audio system "designed and engineered expressly for Acura."

Acura

The sound system is the second component of the ZDX's infotainment interface that we already know about, following confirmation that the crossover will come with Google built-in, butnot at the expense of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While we haven't seen the ZDX's interior yet, Acura shared one picture of a Bang & Olufsen speaker in the A-pillar with a sporty red lighting element in the door and across the dash. Details about the sound system's power and speaker count were not shared, but we assume a variety of options will be available.

"As we take the Acura brand and our products to the next level, we want to make sure the audio experience also delivers on our concept of being a 'destination brand,'" said Emile Korkor, assistant vice president of Acura National Sales. "This new collaboration with Bang & Olufsen will achieve exactly that, further exciting our clients as Acura enters the electrified era starting with the ZDX."

Acura

Up until now, Acura's high-end sound system has been the ELS Studio 3D Premium setup found in models like theMDX. We found it to have superb bass and clarity, so if the Bang & Olufsen system improves on this, it'll be worth the wait.

"Acura and Bang & Olufsen are equally driven to deliver unparalleled performance and memorable experiences, and we're excited to kick off our new long-term partnership that will set a new precedent for in-vehicle audio and technology for years to come as we collaborate on future Acura products," said Tom Rivers, VP of Global Marketing at Harman.

Based on the BEV3 platform (an Ultium-based platform) from GM, shared with the Cadillac Lyriq, the ZDX is expected to go on sale next year, with a reveal of both the standard andType S derivativesto come before year's end.