New 2019 Acura MDX A-Spec adds sporting edge to popular SUV

Sporty new styling and larger alloy wheels enhance MDX look and feel

Acura has always been respected as much for strong performance as reliable luxury, and the seven-passenger MDX is no exception despite its large mid-size proportions and family hauling capability. Still, a little more performance is always welcome.

Responding to that sentiment is the all-new 2019 Acura MDX A-Spec, a special performance-oriented version of Canada's most popular seven-passenger luxury SUV that features unique exterior styling elements including black lower body cladding, larger alloy wheels wrapped in grippier tires, and sportier interior styling.

"This MDX A-Spec adds a dimension of sporty, aggressive and youthful appeal that will attract new buyers to the best-selling three-row luxury SUV of all time," said Henio Arcangeli, Jr., senior vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

The 2019 MDX A-Spec will only be available with Acura's torque vectoring Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) models, although this won't be an issue in Canada where SH-AWD comes standard with all MDX trims.

Sporty new styling upgrades improve exterior and interior design

MDX A-Spec features include a more aggressive front fascia design, body-colour lower side sills, larger-diameter exhaust finishers, plus gloss-black and dark-chrome detailing for the grille, headlamps, window surrounds, and rear tailgate spoiler, while 265-series tires wrap around exclusive 20-inch 10-spoke Shark Grey alloy wheels.

Inside, a unique A-Spec primary gauge cluster joins a set of sport pedals, special carbon-look console trim, a thicker-rimmed A-Spec-badged steering wheel with paddle shifters, an exclusive A-Spec door step garnish, and sport seats upholstered in "rich red" or black leather with black suede-like Alcantara inserts plus high-contrast stitching.

Safety is always first with Acura

As with all Canadian-spec MDX trims, the new A-Spec model will include the AcuraWatch suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies standard, including Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS), plus Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with low-speed follow and Road Departure Mitigation (RDM).

Simplifying and enhancing smartphone integration will include standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the new A-Spec trim line promises an impressive load of additional standard features to be announced closer to launch.

2019 MDX A-Spec to arrive this summer

The 2019 MDX A-Spec debuted March 28th at the 2018 New York International Auto Show, and will arrive at Acura dealers across Canada this summer. The addition of A-Spec trim to the MDX line means that every Acura model will be available with the performance-oriented upgrade, including the ILX A-Spec, TLX A-Spec and the all-new 2019 Acura RDX A-Spec.

To find out more about the 2019 MDX A-Spec or any other Acura A-Spec model, contact Burrard Acura by phone at 888-237-4935 or drop by the showroom at 730 Terminal Avenue, Vancouver.

Story credits: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press
Photo credits: Acura
Copyright: Canadian Auto Press Inc.