In the movie The Lincoln Lawyer, Matthew McConaughey gives the impression that the perfect lawyer car is a mobile office. I decided to apply this proposition to a review of Acura’s 2012 MDX. The result is Moving Violation’s inaugural comparison test.
Not the MDX vs. a Lincoln Towncar, McConaughey’s ride in the film. I mean the MDX compared to an actual lawyer’s office. How does the Acura measure up?
Let’s start with the interior. Like my office, the MDX has plenty of space. Unlike my office (with its two seats) the MDX lets you bring along six smallish clients (or three standard-sized clients). The MDX does well for storage space, too. Say you need to relocate banker’s boxes full of documents — the third row seats fold down to offer plenty of interior room.
Other interior features that distinguish the MDX from a typical lawyer’s office: its leather seats heat your bottom, or blow cool air on it, depending on your fancy. The car Acura lent me was equipped with Bluetooth technology and had excellent navigation and sound systems. In a nod to Osgoode Hall, the inside even had wood panelling (albeit simulated wood).
My office is beginning to look almost dowdy by comparison.
But things even out a bit when it comes to exterior styling. Both the MDX and my office tower share certain design features: sharp angles and crisp lines. Both are imposing, but not the biggest on the street. The styling of each is handsome, not breathtaking. It’s a tie in this category.
For driving performance the MDX beats my office hands-down. A 300 hp engine gets it from 0 to 60 mph in about seven seconds. On a quiet rural road, I satisfied myself that the MDX will easily out-hustle my stationary office. While undeniably an “SUV”, it handles better than an office tower, or similarly inert SUVs I’ve driven from other manufacturers.
My chief concern with the MDX (priced between $52,000 and $62,000) relates to fuel consumption. All-wheel drive, a powerful engine, and a hefty size are a recipe for bad fuel economy. The MDX measures up well against others in its category, but the driver will be spending many billable hours filling the tank.
Bottom line: the MDX proves itself a comfortable and capable car, and a capable and comfortable office. It may be the new place to hang your shingle.
Paul Rand is a Toronto-based in-house capital markets lawyer who loves cars. At the time of publication, he has no demerit points on his licence.
Image: Acura.com