Press Release
SEATING
In keeping with its 4+3 seating arrangement, the MDX offers two types of seating. To provide a blend of sporting support and comfort for four passengers, the MDX has deeply-bolstered sport sedan seating in front and in the outboard second-row positions. For the less frequently used second row middle position and the two third-row positions, comfort and versatility are the goals.
The front bucket seats and outboard rear seats have pronounced side bolsters to provide lateral support for aggressive cornering, along with abundant comfort for long drives. On the Sport Package, the front seats feature a new type of seat base foam that improves damping of small vibrations for improved comfort. Redesigned seat frames and power adjustment mechanisms reduce flex for a more solid feel. The driver's seat is 10-way power adjustable and includes a power-adjustable lumbar support mechanism. The driver's seat is part of a 2-driver automatic memory system that includes the exterior mirrors, climate control, and electronic presets. The front passenger seat is 8-way power adjustable. Both front seats are heated.
For easy access to the third row of seats, the passenger-side second-row seat slides forward and the seatbacks flip forward. The MDX's seating surfaces are wrapped in special leather using a new soft and flexible tanning system, solid embossing and color coating. The result is a softer, richer feel coupled with excellent durability.
In terms of seating dimensions, the MDX is similar in size when compared to its predecessor. It has gained second-row leg room, front headroom, shoulder room in the first two rows, and has more hip room in the second row.
SEATING SURFACES
All MDX models feature high quality perforated leather seating surfaces as standard equipment for the first and second row seats. In addition, the special premium leather included in the Sport Package is the softest leather ever offered in an Acura. This full grain leather has not been corrected or altered and shows the natural leather grain. A soft, flexible coating system provides maximum softness while retaining excellent abrasion resistance. Breathable perforated inserts in the first two rows add to passenger comfort. With the premium leather, leather application is increased to the second row center passenger area.
INTERIOR CONVENIENCE AND UTILITY
Thoughtful features abound in the MDX interior. The front center console has individual armrests for driver and passenger to allow for storage access without disturbing the other armrest. A pocket in the passenger side of the console provides room for small items. In the second row, the flip-down padded center console features pullout dual cup holders. All four doors offer storage pockets, and storage for sunglasses is provided in the front overhead console. Storage pockets and cupholders add convenience to the third row seating area. Under-floor storage, grocery bag hooks and cargo tie-down points boost cargo area usefulness.
CARGO CARRYING VERSATILITY
The MDX easily adapts to a variety of missions. In all, there are six possible configurations for the MDX's three rows of seating. Behind the rear seats, there are 15 cubic feet of storage that's easily accessible though the flip-up rear hatch (power-operated in the Entertainment Package). With the 50/50 third row seats folded flat (the headrests can be left in place), the capacity jumps to 42.9 cubic feet. For the maximum cargo volume of 83.5 cubic feet, the 60/40 split-folding second row seats can also be folded down, producing a flat load floor in the rear.
INTERIOR LIGHTING
Significant engineering went into the MDX's interior lighting, to provide clear visibility, the right ambience and optimized illumination levels regardless of ambient lighting. The analog instruments are LED backlit, with high-contrast markings and a subdued blue accent hue. Transparent illuminated pointers provide clarity and a high-end look. Auto Interior Dimming automatically and progressively adjusts the instrument and navigation system (if so equipped) illumination to suit the ambient lighting conditions. The sensitivity is owner-adjustable to one of five different levels, or interior dimming may be switched off entirely.
The MDX has a progressive self-illuminating gauge package. When the door is first opened, the instrument lighting comes to life, and then brightens progressively when the ignition is switched on. The illuminated instrument needles and enunciator lights then come alive, indicating that the MDX is ready to drive. When the key is switched off, the instrument lighting dims progressively.
For easy location in the dark, all of the MDX's switches are illuminated, including those on all four doors and the steering wheel. Blue low-level LED ambient lighting in the ceiling illuminates the front center console and map lights are provided for the two front seats and the two outboard second row seats. A dome light is provided above the third-row seats. All four doors have courtesy lights that are illuminated when the doors are open; the rear tailgate has a light that illuminates the area immediately behind the vehicle for easier cargo loading. The MDX has interior lights featuring "theater dimming," which can be set by the driver to any of three dimming times, via the Multi-Information Display (MID).
TRI-ZONE AUTOMATIC CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM
To maximize passenger comfort, the MDX has standard Tri-Zone automatic climate control that allows the driver, front passenger and rear zone to be set to different temperatures. Rear zone controls are conveniently positioned on the rear of the center console. With the touch of a button, the driver can synchronize the rear temperature with that of the driver area at any time.
When equipped with the Technology Package, the climate control benefits from GPS-linked, solar-sensing. Based on its continuously updated vehicle position information, the navigation system determines the position of the sun relative to the driver and passenger. When in AUTO mode, this information is combined with input from the solar sensor located on top of the instrument panel to automatically adjust the temperature from side to side as needed to compensate for asymmetrical solar heating.
Humidity Control System
To help avoid window fogging situations, the MDX's automatic climate control system has a cabin humidity control system. This new control system provides greater passenger comfort and minimizes the time the air conditioning runs. When set to operate in AUTO mode, a temperature and humidity sensor located in the front of the passenger cabin monitors the interior climate. If the system determines that there is a low probability of window fogging, it maintains a comfortable humidity level of around 20%. The more natural humidity level compared to the previous MDX makes for greater skin comfort, reduces fatigue and dehydration and improves passenger alertness.
If the system determines that potential window fogging conditions exist, it changes the climate control parameters to help keep the windows clear. In these situations, the air conditioning system is set to MAX, the air outlet mode is switched to HEAT/DEF and the fan speed is gradually increased to reduce the chances of window fogging.
MULTI-INFORMATION DISPLAY (MID)
A LCD Multi-Information Display (MID) positioned in the instrument cluster provides important vehicle information to the MDX driver. An illuminated control on the instrument panel lets the driver cycle through various screens, including vehicle mileage and trip mileage and trip computer functions including average and instantaneous fuel economy. The Maintenance Minder System also alerts the driver of upcoming maintenance needs via the MID. The MDX has controls positioned near the steering wheel hub that allow the driver to cycle the display through multiple screens of information while keeping both hands on the wheel.
OVERHEAD CONSOLE
The overhead console incorporates a variety of useful features. Controls for the standard HomeLink(R) system are positioned here within easy reach. This latest generation of HomeLink(R) is simpler to program. Other overhead console features include sunglasses storage, controls for interior lighting and the power tilt/slide moonroof.
