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 a 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 North Shore Acura at (604) 929-6736 or drop by the showroom at 828 Automall Drive, North Vancouver