REVIEW: 2007 Acura MDX reviewed by Edmunds.com

This MDX outdoes the styling of the old MDX as well as the X5, Cayenne, and ML.

Definitely a bold statement for Acura. Even though we still don't offer a V8, it will be class leading among V6 competitors. I sell these vehicles, and we are very excited about the new MDX. On the 18th, we're going to a "ride and drive" to experience it in person. We've already received many orders already.

Acura is on a Lexus like warpath, though a bit less aggressive. I don't see them being seriously ready to play with the big boys until they finally release their V-8(and V-10) which are in the works. And also when the costs come down enough to where they can put their SH-AWD in the TL and possibly TSX. When they finally do get these 2 things in order, look out.
I think Acura tends to follow in the steps of Lexus, though they were the first Japanese Luxury car company. Just look at the previous RL, it looks exactly like a Lexus LS430. And Acura was very conservative until Lexus started to get aggressive about producing a supercar, totally redoing their LS flagship(it's now rumored that Acura is developing a V-8 powered sedan which will slot above the RL), and now producing an BMW M3 fighter.
I think this was good for Acura that Lexus started to think big. We who like Acura products wanted badly for Acura to go more upscale, which it seems like they are now doing.