The ZDX Theroem

"IanZ - limited-slip indifferential" (ianz-limited) 10/14/2016 at 22:45 • Filed to: Acura ZDX, BMW X4, BMW X6, Mercedez Benz GLC, SUV Coupe

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ZDX in brown.  We’ll get to this later...

So we all know coupe-UVs are dumb. They combine the worst parts of the coupe and the SUV. They’re heavy, poor on fuel, impractical, and don’t handle well. The positive aspects of both have been sacrificed in the name of aesthetics . So for God’s sake at least make it pretty! And that’s where so many of these coupe-UVs fail.

But let’s go back to the beginning. The 2007 BMW X6.

I will say this. It’s not horrible. It’s bad, but not as bad as it could be. That little slit grille underneath the kidneys makes it look like a little dog with an underbite, which is cute, I guess. It’s a much simpler package than what it’s now morphed into.

UGH. It’s still got way too many grilles, the headlights are the wrong shape, those little chrome things in the lower fascia vents are like what? and the little faux trunk bump at the back is all wrong.

And the X4 is even worse. The wheels look comically small in those huge arches, and 6- 6! huge grilles dominate the fascia. Those three identical swooshes along the side of the body are awful. The headlights have way too many angles and the foglights are carelessly placed and look stupid.

The GLC is better, especially in this trim, from this angle. But from the side it looks downright bulbous.

So how does this all come around to the Acura ZDX? Well it’s the only SUV coupe in my eyes that has ever pulled off the look.

The biggest factor in the ZDX’s success is its simple, sleek styling. The BMWs tend to be overwrought, even baroque. And while the GLC is curvier and simpler, it’s got some finicky details and the shape isn’t right.

From the side it’s easy to see why it works. It’s long and low, and the hidden door handle in the D-pillar helps draw the eye across the muscular haunches.

I think I want a ZDX now.

PS9 > IanZ - limited-slip indifferential 10/14/2016 at 22:53

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Saying the ZDX is better than the X6 is like saying the common cold is better than syphilis. Even if it is better to have one than the other, I’d still just rather not get sick.

IanZ - limited-slip indifferential > PS9 10/14/2016 at 22:55

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You are wrong. You are Wrong , sir. I do not agree.

PS9 > IanZ - limited-slip indifferential 10/14/2016 at 23:05

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In order to not look bad, the ZDX has to be compared against other abominations. Try comparing it to cars that actually look good;

Admit it; the ZDX is hideous. It’s the tech gadget obsessed brother of the Honda crosstour, a car so ugly that photographing it should be a felony.

Wobbles the Mind > IanZ - limited-slip indifferential 10/14/2016 at 23:05

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What do you think of the 2003 Infiniti FX and other non-liftback styled sporty utilities? I actually feel like there are two forms of Coupe-UVs: The Sport Ute and the Liftback. Both have compromised space for seemingly no reason compared to the performance but the liftback seems to be controversial compared to the other style. I just find the shape interesting since they seem to ride the divide.

Probenja > IanZ - limited-slip indifferential 10/14/2016 at 23:06

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This is what I have been saying to myself for ever, the ZDX was the only one that pulled the look off. I got used to the X6's look and still find the X4 and the Mercedes ugly and I’m sure I will get used to their styling but the ZDX wasn’t that bad since day 1.

Probenja > Wobbles the Mind 10/14/2016 at 23:09

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There is also the CX-4 which is quite handsome too:

TheHondaBro > IanZ - limited-slip indifferential 10/14/2016 at 23:10

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The ZDX was the only Acura that worked with that beak grille because it was designed from the ground up with that design, instead of the TL and the RL which seemed like normal sedans with a gigantic metallic beak grafted on. The MDX was okay, but don’t even get me started on the RDX.

IanZ - limited-slip indifferential > PS9 10/14/2016 at 23:16

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I actually think the ZDX is an attractive vehicle on its own merits. And to dig myself even deeper, I don’t care for the Model S or the DBS.

IanZ - limited-slip indifferential > Wobbles the Mind 10/14/2016 at 23:19

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I guess you could call them rakish. They sacrifice a little utility for style but don’t go all the way into impracticality. I think the FX is gorgeous. The Macan has a lot of problems (the Porsche SUV corporate face), but overall is a pretty appealing package. The Evoque is handsome in a different spec than that red on black one. And the Levante looks good in any color but whire.

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > IanZ - limited-slip indifferential 10/14/2016 at 23:26

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In my opinion, the ZDX embodies everything that has been wrong with Acura styling. The pointy slopes and the beak on the front. Overall shape isn’t bad but the detail needs work.

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > IanZ - limited-slip indifferential 10/15/2016 at 11:12

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Only acceptable Coupe-UV.