NEW YORK AUTO SHOW: Which Design Is More Polarizing? Acura ZDX Or BMW X6?

Whether you like or hate the X6 (and I'm not getting into it, that topic has been beaten to death on here), it's better looking than the Prius-on-stilts ZDX. I don't think I've ever been so let down by a reveal.

BMW doesn't give a damn what Acura does and the X6 is an excellent SAV.

True...it is a Sh**** A** Vehicle

Geez . . . it's like trying to pick your favorite child; they're both ugly. At least the X6M can run fast: I think I'd choose that one.

hahaha... thats a good way to look at things... hahahaha

I'm going to have to go with the ZDX; it's just more appealing to me.

BMW looks waaaaaaaay better....The Acura looks like a car

I'm asking what vehicle has the more controversial DESIGN.

Not which design you prefer. We asked that question already.

Of course anyone in their right mind would love the performance of the X6M.

Do NOT take into account the DRIVE of the car, just the design.

And tell us which design effects the BRAND more negatively.

001

The BMW gets people into the showroom and the Acura scares people away.

The Acura is another drag on that brand.

Agent001,

You have a point. As no one has roadtested the ZDM, we can't compare the two cars' performances.

Chonnes is right. I feel like a mother with two ugly children who is forced to pick a favorite. Based on looks alone, the ZDM would be the more attractive of the two. (Ugh!)

However,001 wants the most polarizing design, and in that case the X6 wins hands down - great performance, but controversial "SAV design" and ugly looks.

Actually the X5M would be my choice over the X6M because the X5M would give you more interior room, and it matches the X6M in the performance and looks departments.

Oops - I meant "ZDX" rather than "ZDM". My bad.

As to which vehicle will affect its marque most adversely, the X6 would probably win in that regard too. Acura's sales are so meager right now that just having another vehicle type in its model lineup would help, even a wrong-headed SAV like the ZDX. People who would actually want a SAV would find the ZDX to be cheaper, more reliable and (ever so slightly) more attractive than the X6.

I saw this comment in the PC World forum (regarding the upcoming Zune HD):

If you can't innovate, imitate.

I guess this is what Acura has done here. ;)

As far as looks are concerned, IMO, the X6 looks more grown-up and mature. As if it's been in this game for quite some time etc etc..
The ZDX looks like a new-kid-on-the-block.

The X6 will effect BMW less negatively than the Acura. The Acura brand is toast as far as design goes, like someone said above, all they can do is imitate the already questionable X6 design. Acura has been driven into the ground in many many ways, and not in a good way... I still think the X6 is more polarizing since it is a surprise BMW so directly attacked the Infiniti FX. Acura needs to focus on their current lineup before expanding.

Acura's 28 year old ZDX Designer



It was the culmination of a dizzying ride for Ms. Christensen. Four years ago, she was hired by the company right out of the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, Calif.

Ms. Christensen is a 28-year-old exterior designer for Acura. Her baby was the ZDX, a sleek, genre-defying four-door crossover. It was the first unique product from Acura’s new, dedicated design studio in Torrance, Calif.

Her husband, Jason Wilbur, 33, is a Honda designer. He styled the FC Sport concept, unveiled at the 2008 Los Angeles auto show.

001

Can they both be shot!

I like the sketches, that profile looks good. Acura needs to go back and build what she drew, not what they built.

she is hot,i don't know about the car

I think the X6 is more polarizing. The Acura is a cleaner and safer design. The X6 is a bit more daring and more over the top. People will tend to either love it or hate it more than the Acura. With the Acura people will not really love it nor will they really hate it as much.

I think ZDX is more rational and beneficial for the Automaker. As ZDX would compete against Infiniti EX35, Audi Q5, MB GLK, Volvo XC60...etc and will also go against the upper category consist of FX35 and X6 xdrive35i, if it gets current top of the line Honda mechanicals. 300BHP V6, SH-AWD and all the technology.
So ZDX can possibly compete against two categories and also will not face competition from within the brand unlike X6 which only competes against FX, Cayenne and also RR sport(top sport SUV category) and faces competition from within as well. X5.

On design i think both are nearly equal to me but the X6M is slightly better and more rounded looking.

JUGNU

I'd have to go with the X6, that beak on the Acura reminds me of Bernie Madoff's nose.

On a different note, The world performance car of the year is...The Nissan GT-R. I'm certain Autospies will get around to posting that in about a week.

thanx but i will take the original BMW

I must say that the X6 looks like it will age much better than the ZDX.

I think that the Acura looks a little too "sharp" if you will, for a car that is trying to look rounded. I do not think that Acura's design will age that well.

I also think that the color they choose to unveil it with (Silver) makes the car look bad. It shows off too many angles that Acura could have disguised with darker colors.

to me the acura looks like a giant honda CRX from the side though

The X6 is much more normal looking

Acura should have kept their previous design language

Which vehicle is most polarizing, the X6, it was first. The ZDX is just a copy of a goofy design. Now which vehicle is more attractive, The AMC Eagle.

Curious, if not sexist statement, what do you think of the new Z4 also designed by a woman.

excellent point, theoptimisticpessimist, I happen to think the new Z4 is absolutely stunning. It will be mine. Oh yes, it will be mine.

I think I will step up and be the first person to answer the question this article poses. After reading many posts for both vehicles, the BMW X6 has by far the most polarizing design. There just doesn't seem to be a mid ground for people on it. People either just love it or hate it. The ZDX on the other hand is either hated or indifferent... with a couple people with hard ons for it.

“But you have to agree, whoever has been designing Acura’s, have really demasculized the brand.”

No I don’t agree. Acura’s design team is made up of men and women, the ZDX chief designer was a woman. I don’t thing their designs are emasculating, I think they are ugly. I believe Acura design teams have borrowed from passé and cliché styling cues and blended them into a sales sapping nightmare.

“The SLK and Z4 (Z3) have never really had any balls.”

You’re kidding right the first M-Roadster did had 332 bhp and 0-60 in 4.7 sec. the next gen z4 3.0 0-60 came up in 5.3, while its M-Roadster stable mate had 333 BHP and 0-6 in 4.6 sec. The next 3.5 has 300 bhp and will be a sub 5.0 sec 0-60 car. The Mercedes SLK55 AMG has 355 bhp and 0-60 in a mere 4.3 sec. call a chick car if you want but say these cars have “no balls” means you no nothing about these cars.

Definately the Acura!!!!!!! that is one of the ugliest cars EVER! honda definately needs to fire all of its damn designers!!!!!
ps i think the x6 is one of the greatest cars ever :)

I must say in terms of which one has the more controversial design, I'll have to go with the ZDX. No offense but the X6 essentially have a lot of the same lines that we've seen in BMW for a while like from the X5. The only difference is the coupe line roof and a couple of updated lines. The ZDX in terms of design is more different than anything we've seen from Acura b/c of the hidden rear door handles, a panoramic glass roof that leads into the rear lights, the monochromatic interface panel etc.

PS- I see that there are a lot of Acura haters on this forum and all they contribute is " ACURA SUCKS blah blah blah with no legitimate reason afterwards" so give the rest of us a break and at least if you're going to be a smart A** be a SMART one.

Acuras ZDX looks like a retarded humpback whale. BMW improved on the design. I'd pick MR.M

Haters,it isn't Acura,it is the ride,the advanced technology,the reliabily

I just would like to know what Advanced technology Acura is coming up with.. Anything that is still not in the Auto industry....I havn;t seen anything Acura is doing 1st. they are the last in bringing the stuff.