A few days after teasing a preview image of an upcoming concept, Acura has officially unveiled the “Performance EV” during its global debut at Monterey Car Week. This SUV concept offers a glimpse into what consumers can expect from a future production model, set to be manufactured in the US by Honda, and powered by a new EV platform developed by Acura’s parent company.

As a frequent reader, you’re likely familiar with Acura—Honda’s luxury and performance sub-brand. Historically, we haven’t covered Acura much due to its lack of battery electric vehicles (BEVs). However, that changed with the introduction of its first all-electric model, the ZDX.

We had the opportunity to test drive the ZDX, an electric SUV that we found to be a promising initial foray into the BEV market by the Japanese automaker. However, while the ZDX was marketed as a “performance model,” it felt more like an entry-level BEV to us.

Nevertheless, Acura and Honda are now fully embracing electric vehicles, aiming to establish their presence in the market with new models based on cutting-edge platform technology.

Although the design of Acura’s next production EV remains under wraps, the brand has offered a sneak peek at some of its design elements with the new Performance EV Concept, which made its world premiere this week at Monterey Car Week.

During the event, Acura officially showcased the Performance EV Concept—a new SUV that the company describes as “the evolution of Acura’s performance-focused design direction and the brand’s next all-electric model.” This concept SUV, which has not yet been given a name, was created by the Acura Design Studio and serves as a sneak peek at the brand’s next all-electric production car.

Acura has announced that the new model is slated to enter production in late 2025, marking the first BEV to be built on a new in-house EV platform developed by Honda. It will also be the first EV manufactured at Honda’s EV Hub in Marysville, Ohio, using a mix of domestic and globally sourced parts.

Drawing inspiration from hydrofoil superyachts, the Performance EV Concept features a sleek front fascia. Additional design highlights include a “coupe-like silhouette” and a teardrop-shaped cabin. The concept showcases a “Moonlit White Pearl” paint with a semi-matte finish, which extends to the SUV’s four-piston calipers. The exterior is further enhanced by 23-inch wheels and performance tires, with “Acura” displayed across the tailgate in a new font.

Dave Marek, Acura’s design executive, emphasized the concept’s focus on performance aesthetics. The Acura Performance EV Concept will make its world debut this Friday, August 16, at The Quail, with a press event scheduled for 10:36 AM PT.