What beak? Acura brings a fresh-faced MDX to New York (pictures)

This isn't a whole new generation of MDX -- it's just a mid-lifecycle refresh.

The rear end features significantly fewer updates than the front does.

The most notable change is the removal of Acura's much-maligned "beak" grille.

The side profile remains relatively the same.

Out back, there are new integrated tailpipes and some slight aesthetic adjustments.

But there's another big update -- one you can't actually see.

The MDX now features a sport-oriented hybrid setup.

The hybrid drivetrain mates a 3.0-liter V-6 and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission to electric motors.

Not only does this make it a hybrid, it also grants the car all-wheel drive.

The hybrid's net output is 325 horsepower, up from the non-hybrid's 290.

Sadly, the complicated hybrid system does add some weight to the equation.

Thankfully, fuel economy is still higher than the gas-powered MDX, despite the additional heft.

Acura believes its hybrid will improve fuel economy by 7 mpg over the gas model, to 25 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.

Gratuitous tailpipe shot!

If you're a fan of safety systems, you're going to love the MDX.

Instead of charging you some insane amount of money for safety systems, every MDX comes standard with Acura's entire suite.

The now-standard AcuraWatch includes forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist and adaptive cruise control.

That's a whole lot of safety, and it's all baked into the window's sticker price!

The door handles are as shiny as ever.

Do you know what MDX stands for? Because we don't.

Hell, Acura probably doesn't know what MDX stands for.

Need to shift? All you need to do is press a button.

Speaking of buttons, the steering wheel is lousy with 'em.

Acura's two-tier infotainment system, half of which is touch-capable, isn't going anywhere.

Interior material quality looks nice, and it feels quite nice, as well.

That's some very fancy wood grain, right there.

Here's proof that its rear doors are functional.

And here's proof that its rear seats exist and look quite comfortable!

There's plenty of trunk space for whatever you need to shove back there.

Golf clubs, suitcases, corpses -- they'll all fit, maybe not at the same time, though.

And, like every other Acura, there's plenty of chrome scattered about.

Tailpipes, tailgate...anything with tail in the name has some chrome.

Except the taillights, because chrome taillights would be a bit much.

There's a new wheel design available, as well, because that's probably one of the easiest things to change.

All in all, the MDX is a fair bit more attractive than it was before.

You won't be missed, beak.

What you see here is the future of Acura's design language.