Acura Develops XL Flagship Hybrid SUV for 2029 Launch

Acura is developing a new full-size, three-row flagship hybrid SUV, internally referred to as the XL, to compete with luxury models including the Lexus TX, BMW X7, and Mercedes-Benz GLS. Production is scheduled to begin in September 2029 at a Honda assembly plant in Lincoln, Alabama, with a projected annual volume of 40,000 units.

The vehicle will sit above the MDX in the lineup, offering increased interior space and a higher price point to appeal to families. It is expected to utilize a new large SUV platform and a hybrid powertrain potentially featuring a V6 designed for towing. This development aligns with a broader strategy by Honda Motor Company to shift away from battery-electric vehicles toward hybrid technology.

This expansion comes as the brand seeks to revitalize a shrinking product lineup following the discontinuation of several models and the cancellation of the electric RSX. The project is part of a wider corporate goal to launch 15 new models by the end of the decade. While reports from Automotive News detailed these plans, an Acura representative stated that the company does not comment on future products and that the reports are not based on official announcements.