Acura Automobiles: 2017 Acura MDX Press Kit

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Enhanced connectivity is made possible by the MDX’s next-generation AcuraLink® system, with thousands of media channels available with Pandora® and Aha™ mobile, all delivered via the owner’s internet-linked smartphone and data plan. There is also a host of available security and convenience features, including collision notification, remote unlocking, stolen vehicle tracking and more, all delivered via built-in cell technology. New for 2017, HD Traffic digital surface street and highway traffic information can be displayed on screen in MDX models equipped with the Acura Navigation System.  HD Traffic requires no subscription and is offered at no added cost to MDX owners.

With the expanded range of standard and available technology features, substantial engineering effort was put into making each feature in the MDX intuitive and easy to use. The focal point of the instrument panel is the standard 8-inch color audio/information screen that provides a range of useful information and access to an array of customizable features.

A 7-inch On-Demand Multi-Use Display positioned within easy reach of the driver and front passenger controls the audio system and many other features. Dynamic menus clearly display controls for each functional mode, reduce screen clutter, and help make operation simple. Audible and haptic feedback improves usability and control, and helps the driver keep their eyes on the road. Customizable shortcuts allow the MDX driver to set easy-to-access pre-sets for Places, Phone, Climate, and Audio functional categories.

Key connectivity and entertainment features:

  • AcuraLink with Aha™ mobile interface
  • Standard Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, Pandora interface, and SMS text messaging
  • Siri® Eyes Free
  • Standard 7-inch On Demand Multi-Use Display (ODMD)
  • Available Acura/ELS® Studio premium sound systems
  • Available 9-inch DVD Rear Entertainment System
  • Available ultra-wide 16.2-inch WVGA DVD Rear Entertainment System
  • Acura Navigation System with voice command capabilities

Acura 8-Speaker Audio System

The MDX comes standard with an 8-speaker, 432-watt Acura audio system with a single-disc CD player and AM/FM/SiriusXM radio bands. Along with a physical knob for power and volume, the full range of audio system controls can be accessed using the 7-inch On-Demand Multi-Use Display™ positioned within easy reach of the driver and front-seat passenger. Controls for key audio system functions are also positioned within fingertip reach on the MDX steering wheel.

The eight speakers are strategically located throughout the MDX cabin. Each front and rear door has a 17-cm full-range speaker. Separate 4-cm tweeters are positioned near the A-pillars, with an 8-cm speaker centered on the top of the instrument panel. A 20-cm subwoofer is mounted in a tuned 19-liter enclosure in the right sidewall of the cargo area.

Acura/ELS® Studio 10-Speaker Audio System (Technology Package)

The MDX with Technology Package features a 10-speaker, 501-watt Acura/ELS® Studio system that is engineered to offer impressive sound quality from a wide range of media formats. Taking the eight speakers found in the base MDX, two additional 8-cm speakers are added to the rear quarter pillar. Since this audio system is integrated with the Acura Navigation System, it features hard drive music storage and Song By Voice. The Acura/ELS Studio audio system offers the same intuitive touchscreen and steering-wheel mounted controls as the base MDX audio system, plus select audio system functions can also be accomplished via voice command.

Engineered specifically for the MDX, the system has a single-disc CD player, AM/FM/HD Radio/SiriusXM/HDD audio source options, and delivers detailed, well-balanced sound to all seating positions. The system gets its name from multi-Grammy® Award winning producer/engineer Elliot Scheiner’s recording industry-recognized moniker “ELS.” Scheiner’s goal in the development of this audio system was to reproduce music the way it is heard in the recording studio.

Acura/ELS Studio 11-Speaker Audio System (Technology and Entertainment Packages)
The MDX with Technology and Entertainment Packages features an upgraded 529-watt 11-speaker Acura/ELS Studio Audio System. An 8-cm roof speaker is added above the second-row seating.

The MDX with Technology and Entertainment Package includes a factory-installed Acura DVD Rear Entertainment System (RES) for rear passengers with a 9-inch wide-screen LCD display that flips down from the ceiling for easy viewing. The WVGA display natively provides 800 pixels horizontally and 480 pixels vertically. User-selectable aspect ratios include normal, wide and zoom. The extended capabilities of the system allow for either DVD, CD, radio, SiriusXM® Radio and auxiliary accessories (such as certain video game consoles, DVD players or cameras) to be played in the rear seating areas through headphones while the front passengers listen to a different audio source.

The DVD player can be conveniently controlled from three sources — the front audio-system controls, the integrated wireless remote control (that is stored in the ceiling near the LCD screen), or through voice activation from the driver. Additional audio and video input jacks allow for a wide variety of additional equipment to be attached to the system. The system comes complete with two infrared (IR) wireless headphones and a wireless remote control as standard equipment. For convenient night use, the remote control is illuminated.

Two wireless headphones are included, each with a volume knob. A safety feature on the wireless headphone system prevents front-row passengers from using the headphones. The wireless headphones are automatically activated when the ear pieces are turned approximately 90 degrees (to be put on) and deactivated when the headphones are turned 90 degrees (when taken off). The automatic on/off system reduces the possibility that the AAA battery-powered headphones could be accidentally left on. A 110-volt power outlet rated for devices up to 150 watts, such as a gaming console or laptop, is included.

Acura/ELS Studio 12-Speaker Audio System
The MDX with Advance and Entertainment Packages features a 546-watt Acura/ELS® Studio Audio System with 12-speakers. This Elliot Scheiner-engineered system is designed to recreate the emotional experience you feel when you enjoy a live performance, regardless of where you are seated in the MDX’s spacious interior.

The system has a total of 12 speakers. Each front and rear door has a 17cm full-range speaker. Separate 4 cm tweeters are positioned near the A-pillars, with an 8-cm speaker centered on the top of the instrument panel. At the rear of the MDX, there are two 8-cm speakers on the rear pillars and a 20-cm subwoofer mounted in a tuned enclosure in the right sidewall of the cargo area. For improved surround sound imaging, there are two additional 8-cm speakers mounted in the headliner, over the second row of seating as a part of the RES System.

Acura Ultra-Wide DVD Rear Entertainment System (MDX with Advance and Entertainment Packages)
The state-of-the-art, factory-integrated Rear Entertainment System (RES) features a 16.2-inch wide display, the largest ever offered in an Acura. The WVGA display natively provides 1,600 pixels horizontally and 480 pixels vertically. User-selectable aspect ratios include normal (640×480), full (850×480), super full (1,300×480), ultra full (1,600×480), super zoom (1,300×640) and ultra zoom (1600×640). The system can simultaneously show two different sources of programming side-by-side, such as a video game and a movie. The two programs being played can be easily switched from side to side using a button near the screen.

The 605-watt audio system provides 5.1 channel surround sound capability. The dual-source wireless headphones supplied with this system can be tuned to either input source as desired using a button on each set of headphones. The system includes a High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) port for attaching high-definition players and certain gaming consoles, along with standard composite and audio inputs. A 110-volt power outlet rated for devices up to 150 watts is positioned in the front center console.

SiriusXM Radio
A new generation 2.0/3.0 version of SiriusXM Radio is a standard feature in all MDX models, and it provides more than 165 channels of digital programming with near CD-quality sound. The SiriusXM signal is beamed from two broadcast satellites positioned in geostationary orbit above Earth. The beams from these two broadcast satellites combine to span the entire continental United States and some of Canada.

SiriusXM® Radio programming includes channels devoted to music, sports, talk, traffic, weather, children’s programming and entertainment. When the audio system plays SiriusXM Radio, the audio system displays the current category, station, song title or artist’s name.

This latest generation of SiriusXM includes many all-new features, including pause, fast forward and rewind. There is also an instant replay feature and the ability to hear all songs from the beginning on preset channels. The Sports Flash feature lets you listen to your favorite (non-sports) programming, and if your favorite team makes a big play in a live game that is being broadcast on SiriusXM, you will receive an on-screen alert. With a touch of a soft-key you can hear up to 30 seconds of audio before and including the big play.

HD Radio™ (Technology Package and Advance Package) 
MDX models with the Technology Package and above feature standard HD Radio. HD Radio provides advanced audio and data features that enhance the listening experience. Sound quality is improved with HD Radio and there is no subscription fee.

Instead of sending out one analog signal, HD Radio stations send out a bundled signal — both analog and digital. Because it is digital, textual data such as song titles can be sent out as well. Unlike conventional radio, HD Radio stations broadcast extra channels, which are called HD2/HD3. These added channels offer MDX owners a universe of additional choices.

Song By Voice®
MDX models with the Technology and Advance Packages are also equipped with the Song by Voice® feature. With so much audio content potentially available on the HDD or from an iPod or compatible smartphone, MDX engineers set out to make it easy to find content. The driver can simply press the TALK button on the steering wheel and using voice commands, can search all available content on the HDD and connected iPod and compatible smartphone, and automatically begin playback. Song by Voice also lets the driver choose music by artist, album, track name, genre, playlist and even composer.
 
Pandora Compatibility
The MDX incorporates a wide range of media features to accommodate the ever-changing preferences of customers. All MDX models are designed to provide a convenient interface for Pandora. Pandora is a free music service that allows users to open an account online and create up to 100 personalized Internet “radio stations” that are based on favorite songs or artists. Users can choose among their stations and listen via computer, and can also download a free smartphone Pandora® app, which allows users listen to the same list of personalized stations via their compatible phone. Although Pandora is free, phone data charges apply.

An iPhone or compatible Android phones can be connected to the MDX wirelessly, using Bluetooth HandsFreeLink (iPhone is also supported via the Pandora Audio USB interface). To use Pandora, a compatible phone is connected (via USB or wirelessly, as appropriate) and the vehicle’s audio source is set to Pandora to launch the app. The audio/information screen (or navigation display in vehicles with navigation) and On-Demand Multi-Use Display show Pandora information and album art, and the audio controls allow listeners to choose from among existing stations, pause, resume, skip forward, and mark a track with “Like” or “Dislike” ratings. To simplify driver use, some functionality of the Pandora® app is locked out when using the MDX’s Pandora interface.

AcuraLink Connectivity System
The MDX offers the next generation of AcuraLink, Acura’s cloud-based connected car system. AcuraLink is the center point for owners for hands-free access to cloud-based services, audio and information, and is designed to keep MDX drivers informed and connected while on the go.

The connectivity required for AcuraLink’s various features is distributed between the MDX’s embedded system (for some of the fee-based features, with Technology Package and above) and the owner’s compatible smartphone and data package (for free features, in all MDX models). AcuraLink works with the owner’s compatible smartphone and data package to connect the MDX with music and information resources, internet apps, and more. Aha by Harman is a key AcuraLink resource.

Aha organizes the MDX owner’s favorite content from the web into personalized on-demand radio stations in the vehicle. Aha is a comprehensive, cloud-based platform optimized for the automotive environment that provides a simple integration point for AcuraLink equipped vehicles to bring a wide range of current and future applications into the audio system head unit. This capability allows users to access their favorite podcasts, internet and terrestrial radio, on-demand music, restaurant recommendations via Yelp, and even audio updates from Facebook and Twitter. Owners can use the AcuraLink website and smartphone apps to access information or change preferences.

AcuraLink Service Levels
AcuraLink has three available levels of services for Technology Package MDX and up. The Standard Package comes enabled on all MDX with navigation, and includes services such as surface-street and freeway traffic (free for the first three years of ownership). The subscription based Connect Package adds a wide range of capabilities, including automated crash notification and an in-vehicle Assist System that connects you with a live Operator with the push of an overhead button. The Premium Package, which also requires a subscription, adds Live Concierge operator assistance via the MDX’s embedded cell phone. The Concierge service can send destination information directly to the MDX navigation system, make reservations on their behalf, update the user on weather, stocks and much more.

Standard (free service)

  • AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic™ with HD digital freeway traffic and surface street traffic (complimentary)
  • Acura vehicle feature guide
  • Bluetooth HandsFreeLink mobile phone connectivity
  • SMS text message function
  • Email function
  • Pandora interface
  • Aha: Internet radio, personalized music, news, podcasts, audio books, Facebook and Twitter
  • SiriusXM Radio (standard in all MDX trims)
  • Automated service appointments

Connect Package (subscription fee)
Includes Standard services and adds:

  • Automated crash notification and location
  • Assist Call
  • Enhanced roadside assistance
  • Alarm notification
  • Car finder
  • Remote door lock/unlock
  • Stolen vehicle tracking
  • Link call information
  • Local search
  • Destination search using Interactive Voice Response (IVR)
  • Send to car
  • Virtual dashboard
  • Remote diagnostics

Premium Package (subscription fee)
Includes Connect Package services and adds:

  • Live Concierge operator assistance (24 hours a day, seven days a week)

AcuraLink Smartphone App/Website
With an active Connect or Premium Package, the AcuraLink system gives the owner a range of features they can control or monitor remotely, via the AcuraLink Connect smartphone app or AcuraLink website.

AcuraLink remote features:

  • Door lock/unlock
  • Stolen vehicle tracking
  • Vehicle finder (sounds horn and flashes lights)
  • Security alarm notification
  • Send destination to MDX
  • Virtual dashboard
    • Odometer
    • Fuel level
    • Fuel range
    • Door lock status
    • Hood status
    • Tire pressure

Aha by Harman
A feature called Aha is accessed via AcuraLink by utilizing the owner’s compatible smart phone. Aha organizes the MDX owner’s favorite content from the web into personalized on-demand radio stations in the vehicle. Aha is a comprehensive, cloud-based platform optimized for the automotive environment that provides a simple integration point for AcuraLink equipped vehicles to bring a wide range of current and future applications into the audio system head unit. This new capability allows users to access their favorite podcasts, internet radio, on-demand music, restaurant recommendations, and even audio updates from Facebook and Twitter.

Aha key features:

  • Voice-based interface
  • Free service with wide content choice
  • Enables flexible personalization and station management
  • Content updated automatically throughout vehicle life

Aha content categories:

  • On-demand news and weather
  • Personalized music including Slacker
  • Internet Radio
  • On-demand podcasts
  • Audio Books
  • Local Search: Restaurants, fuel, ATM, parking, etc.
  • Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, etc. via audio

•    Custom Interactive OEM Channels: Direct communication to and from vehicle owners

Siri Eyes Free
All MDX models integrate Apple’s Siri Eyes Free mode. Compatible iPhone® users will be able to operate Siri through familiar voice commands by pressing and holding the TALK button on the steering wheel when their iPhone is paired via Bluetooth. Using Eyes Free mode, Siri takes hands-free functionality even further and helps to minimize potential distractions by keeping the iOS device’s screen from lighting up.

Owners can direct Siri to perform a number of specific tasks while they keep their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel. Capabilities include:

  • Send text messages and e-mails
  • Read incoming text messages and emails
  • Set up calendar entries, reminders, and alarms
  • Check the weather
  • Turn-by-turn voice navigation (when the audio system is set to Bluetooth® Audio or iPod mode)
  • Sports scores and stock quotes

SMS Text Messaging
All MDX models have a standard SMS text message function that can read incoming texts aloud over the audio system, and allow the driver to reply with any of six factory preset messages. The system works with SMS-capable cell phones that have an active data plan and the Message Access Profile (MAP), such as the Blackberry, Droid X and others. Apple iPhone models do not support this feature, but Siri Eyes Free Mode (iPhone 5 and 6 at time of launch) offers the ability to initiate, hear and respond to text messages via voice commands.
 
Once a compatible phone is paired with the MDX ‘s Bluetooth HandsFreeLink system, the text messaging function is enabled. When the phone receives a text message, an alert appears on the audio touchscreen. Using the touchscreen, the driver can choose to have the message read aloud, can select among the preset reply choices, or can call the sender — all without touching the phone.
 
To minimize the potential for driver distraction, the text of the incoming message is not displayed on screen unless the transmission is in Park.
 
Available factory preset text replies:

  • Talk to you later, I’m driving.
  • I’m on my way.
  • I’m running late.
  • OK
  • Yes
  • No

Bluetooth HandsFreeLink
The Bluetooth HandsFreeLink interface is designed to offer hands-free operation for many Bluetooth-enabled mobile telephones. Standard on all MDX models, the system wirelessly connects the driver’s cell phone to the vehicle’s audio system. This allows the driver to make or answer cell phone calls without removing hands from the steering wheel. The system is compatible with Bluetooth-enabled cell phones that have the Hands Free Profile (HFP). A list of compatible phones can be found at handsfreelink.com or Acura .com. 

Bluetooth HandsFreeLink enables audio files to be played through the vehicle’s audio system wirelessly with a feature called Bluetooth Audio. If an audio compatible device is paired it will be added as an auxiliary source on the audio screen. This allows the Bluetooth device’s media to be played wirelessly by the audio system. Cell phone devices that support the Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) and Audio Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP) 1.3 allow the display of metadata for artist, album and track name on the audio screen. The vehicle’s audio controls for “skip forward” and “skip backward” allow for navigation from track to track.

Bluetooth HandsFreeLink is designed for easy use. After the driver completes a simple one-time “pairing” process to link the cell phone with the vehicle, Bluetooth HandsFreeLink can communicate wirelessly and securely with the driver’s cell phone when the phone is within about 33 feet of the vehicle. Once the driver enters the vehicle, the phone can be stored in a pocket, briefcase, purse or a storage bin inside the vehicle’s cabin as the call transfers information through the wireless telephone interface. Certain compatible cell phones can also transfer the cellular phonebook into the vehicle through the Bluetooth HandsFreeLink system. After the cellular phonebook is transferred, calls can be made by making selections from the registered phonebook on the MDX ‘s display screen.

  • Pressing the steering wheel-mounted “Pick up” button answers the call and mutes the audio system
  • The caller is heard through the audio-system speakers
  • An overhead microphone picks up the driver’s voice while minimizing background noise and echoing
  • Numbers with voice tags may be stored in the system’s memory
  • To make a hands-free call, the driver first activates the system using the steering wheel-mounted fingertip controls, then speaks a preset voice tag
  • Numbers can also be dialed by speaking the telephone number
  • Automatic import of phone book and call history with compatible phones
  • Up to six different compatible mobile phones can be paired with the Bluetooth HandsFreeLink system

Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition
MDX models with the Technology Package and above feature the Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition (available in all 50 United States as well as Puerto Rico, Canada and Mexico).

Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition features summary:

  • WVGA 8-inch color screen for convenient viewing
  • 100 gigabytes hard disk drive (HDD)
  • Navigation coverage includes the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and Mexico
  • Fast route calculation time
  • Fast Point Of Interest (POI) search time
  • HD digital surface street and highway traffic (complimentary)
  • Voice recognition function with over minimizes the need for manual character entry
  • Voice recognition system recognizes city and street names as spoken words
  • Voice recognition operates common audio and climate control functions
  • Highly directional array microphone
  • Selectable 3D map view
  • Simple system operation with clear visual prompts to guide voice navigation
  • Interface Dial simplifies control of the system and is accessible to driver and front seat passenger
  • Audio system automatically fades down for turn-by-turn voice guidance (voice guidance can be turned off at any time)
  • On-screen picture of highway interchanges indicates which lane(s) to use to stay on route
  • Three languages for North American markets (English, French and Spanish)
  • Destination memory recalls current trip addresses, previous destinations and user address books
  • Split-screen mode features simultaneous “map view” and selective route visualization
  • Trip routing can avoid user-selected areas
  • Telephone calls to on-screen points of interest with Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®
  • Destinations can be sent directly to the vehicle by the AcuraLink Concierge operator (Premium Package fee applies) or via the AcuraLink App or website (Connect Package fee applies)
  • Auto screen brightness
  • Navigation system database is updateable

Enhanced database:

  • Point Of Interest (POI) database includes over 10 million locations
  • Fuzzy logic POI and address searching simplifies and speeds searches
  • Business and recreation directory of virtually all of the continental United States complete with telephone numbers
  • ZIP code entry speeds address input
  • Directory categories include restaurants (searchable by type of cuisine), lodging, shopping, airports, hospitals, recreation areas and much more
  • Zagat Survey™ restaurant guide provides information and reviews on restaurants in database, which can be read on-screen or heard over the audio system
  • Scenic Route drive route listings categorized by individual state
  • Exact addressing locates approximately 80-percent of addresses at their actual GPS coordinates (instead of estimating location based on linear street number)

System Operation
The MDX’s available Acura Satellite-Linked Navigation System uses GPS technology and a 100 GB hard disk drive-based (HDD) system to provide drivers with turn-by-turn guidance to their chosen destination. New for 2017, the system includes HD Traffic data and provides coverage in many areas within the U.S., allowing the driver to choose faster, less congested routes. HD Traffic info requires no subscription and is offered at no added cost. The system offers a high level of convenience with the new generation of AcuraLink. Owners can send a destination to the vehicle in advance of a trip using AcuraLink (with the available Connect Package), or while on the road via the AcuraLink Concierge operator (with the optional Premium Package) or the interactive voice response system (with the AcuraLink Connect Package).

The MDX navigation system utilizes the 8-inch high-resolution WVGA (800×480 pixel) backlit color display. The system can be controlled by voice, or with a convenient interface dial. The voice-activated system responds to casual command phrases that require less user familiarization, in addition to the capability of being able to understand spoken city and street names.

The audio system is automatically muted when the “Talk” button is pressed. The voice-recognition technology allows the driver to simply speak city and street names aloud, and the system responds by displaying the matches available in the database. Points of interest on the map (such as restaurants or grocery stores) can be displayed with brand logo icons, or the system can provide turn-by-turn navigation — all by voice command. The point-of-interest (POI) database, with more than 10 million points, includes telephone numbers that can be dialed by using the Bluetooth HandsFreeLink system when the driver’s cellular telephone is connected to the system.

The MDX’s navigation screen can display regularly updated HD Traffic information including traffic flow, incidents and construction on freeways, and on surface streets. When traffic congestion or road incidents are detected along the selected drive route, the system will automatically recalculate a “detour” route and display a pop-up box signifying the route change. Alternately, the driver can recalculate a route in manual mode simply by selecting “TRAFFIC INCIDENTS” from the Map Info menu followed by selecting the “AVOID” command relevant to an incident.

The navigation system can also suggest scenic routes based on the National Scenic Byways and All-American Roads guide.

USB Ports and Power Outlets

All MDX models have two 12-volt power outlets, one positioned in the center console and another positioned near the center armrest. In addition to traditional source inputs, the MDX is fitted with three USB ports in the front center console that allow for easy connectivity to items such as an iPod® or iPhone®, or a removable flash drive storage device containing WMA, MP3 or AAC format music. Two of the center console USB ports are 2.5 amp for data and charging. The third USB port is 1.0-amp data port. Two more 2.5-amp USB ports are positioned in the rear of the front center console for use by the second row passengers. In Advance Package models, two additional USB ports are positioned in the rear of the second-row console for use by the third-row passengers.

Audio/Connectivity/Video Feature Summary