MDX

Make
Acura
Segment
SUV

With rival brands introducing electric luxury SUVs left, right, and center, Acura has decided to take a step in the same direction. Meet the elegant Acura Precision EV, a concept vehicle inspired by the glamorous world of Italian power boats that previews the styling direction of the brand's electric future.

Let's start off with the styling. Yes, SUVs aren't traditionally beautiful vehicles, but the Precision EV comes very close, at least from some angles.

It's equal parts athletic and tasteful, with flowing lines and gorgeous detailing. The matte Double Apex Blue paintwork is particularly eye-catching and works well with the design, which Acura describes as sharp and expressive. The Precision EV boasts a de rigeur "theatrical lighting approach" that previews an electric powertrain through the illuminated Diamond Pentagon grille.

A rather neat party trick comes in the form of the "Particle Glitch" lighting, seen here on the front and rear bumpers. The subtle yet intricate design lends the Precision EV extra character, with this particular theme repeated in the 23-inch wheels. There's a hint of contemporary Acura (there's plenty of MDX in the front facia), but it's been modernized appealingly.

We can expect future EVs from the marque to draw inspiration from this concept. "[It] is a look into our future direction and continues Acura's Precision Crafted Performance design language with a modern expression of performance," said the company's executive creative director, Dave Marek. "[This] will be our North Star as we move into an exciting electrified future, and you will see these design cues translate over to future production models."

While the exterior derives inspiration from pricey watercraft, the interior borrows from the world of motorsport. Acura notes the cabin has been modeled on the cockpit of a Formula 1 race car. There's a sporty, low-slung driving position, a yoke-style steering wheel, and "performance driver sightlines."

Despite the motorsport theme, the Acura Precision EV is anything but spartan inside. Acura notes the concept boasts dual experiences; an Instinctive mode for spirited stints behind the wheel and a Spiritual Lounge mode used for autonomous operation. Curious nomenclature aside, the former is said to elevate the "dynamic connection" with racier digital gauges, aided by red ambient lighting.

While there's plenty of talk around the Precision EV being a performance-minded SUV, Acura is yet to provide any details surrounding the electric powertrain.

When in autonomous mode, occupants can enjoy a serene journey thanks to the Spiritual Lounge mode. As the interior transforms into a relaxed environment, the steering wheel quietly folds away. In this setting, a soothing scent slowly wafts into the cabin, while a visual "underwater" projection aims to relax the driver and passengers.

This idea reminds us of Lincoln's very own electric SUV design, the Star Concept. Like the Acura, there's a strong emphasis on providing occupants with a peaceful cocoon that is both luxurious and relaxing. As a car of the future, Acura has sourced sustainable materials to craft the cabin. The upholstery, for example, is 100% biomass leather, while many of the trim pieces have been fashioned out of marbled recycled plastic.

The traditional wood trim has been ethically harvested from responsibly managed forests, and even the aluminum finishes were made from recycled bits. "We want to provide exhilarating performance driving control with a sophisticated and invigorating lounge environment that immerses the driver's senses," explained senior interior designer, Simon Yu.

The Precision EV also gives us a glimpse into the automaker's new HMI infotainment system. The transparent look is gorgeous to look at and should prove easy to use, thanks to a haptic touch response. The curved display feeds on the "Particle Glitch" theme, with a unique start-up sequence mirroring the design cue.

Moreover, onboard technology should be able to identify the driver's emotional state and match it with a specific driver setting.

The Precision EV Concept won't enter production. Instead, it will influence all future models, much like the 2016 Precision Concept influenced the current brand DNA and models like the TLX.

If you're attending the motoring festivities in Monterey this week, you'll be able to get a glimpse of the Precision EV on the Concours d'Elegance Concept Lawn. Elsewhere, Acura recently introduced the ARX-06, a striking LMDh racer with a 670-horsepower hybridized V6. If these two serve as inspiration for coming performance and luxury vehicles, Acura's future looks very exciting.