The Saratogian (Saratoga, NY)

The do-everything SUV: Acura’s MDX-PMC

- By Marc Grasso

In a January review of Acura’s TLX-PMC, we specifical­ly called out Acura, asking when the MDX-PMC would be coming to production?

Acura has answered the bell and created the long awaited MDX-PMC, andwe get to test it.

Acura, Honda’s luxury arm, loves to deliver the latest and greatest technology features, sporty options or maybe a twist of both. The MDX-PMC checks all of those boxes. An SUV bedecked with performanc­e, luxury, the greatest technology possible, a race car look ... whatmore could you ask for?

Acura’s PMC ( Performanc­e Manufactur­ing Center) footprint is specifical­ly designed around the NSX, its mid- engine supercar. The MDX-PMC is built by hand in the same plant as the Acura NSX sportscar. So what does that mean to you? Simple, a standard MDX optioned up with both the Aspec and Advanced package make the PMC edition, but with a gorgeous paint option that is exquisitel­y exclusive to only 330 end-users. Wow.

Our MDX-PMC comes in Valencia Red Pearl nano-pigment paint, one of its finest colors. Assembled in Marysville, Ohio, by the NSX team, this SUV still carries seven passengers and has all of the great features of the MDX. Jewel-eye LED headlights, heated and ventilated front seats, dual exhaust, and an array of exterior gloss accoutreme­nts.

Its 3.5- liter, direct- injected i-VTEC V6 engine is hands down my favorite engine in the Acura lineup. Its 290 horsepower and 267 ft.- lb. of torque is a great source of power and performanc­e all in one. The nine- speed automatic transmissi­on is smooth and the SH-AWD (Super Handling-All-Wheel Drive) system was great through the mountains of the Hudson Valley on the weekend test drive.

Safety, performanc­e, visual appeal and technology top the chart for the MDXPMC. It’s a legitimate contender for the top of the SUV class. Shout out to Ed, Jane and Jim: I now realize why you have owned so many, I think a total of 17 between the three of you. A great choice and make it a PMC; I guarantee you won’t see another one like it. And for you Marie, it will match your NSX perfectly, a musthave in the fleet.

Acura MDX-PMC

MSRP: $63,745

As tested: $63,745

MPG: 19 city, 25 highway, 22.9 as tested

 ?? MARC GRASSO — MEDIANEWS GROUP ?? The Acura MDX-PMC is an SUV that does everything, with a high-performanc­e 3.5-liter, direct-injected i-VTEC V6engine, luxury perks such as heated and ventilated front seats and visual appeal.
MARC GRASSO — MEDIANEWS GROUP The Acura MDX-PMC is an SUV that does everything, with a high-performanc­e 3.5-liter, direct-injected i-VTEC V6engine, luxury perks such as heated and ventilated front seats and visual appeal.

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