By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com / Photos Lincoln Media
For 2016, the Lincoln Black Label MKC, introduces Quiet Luxury, a new standard that combines thoughtful and elegant design with a safe, effortless ride and a warm, tailored experience.
Exterior
The Lincoln Black Label MKC presents a sleek, sculpted body that helps it stand out among peers. Its high beltline and low shoulders create a sturdy, athletic presence, while features such as soft exterior lighting, pedestal side-view mirrors and an available panoramic, all-glass Vista Roof give the vehicle a luxurious, sophisticated personality.
All Black Label wheels feature a unique Lincoln insignia on the center of the rim. Unique badging at the rear serves as a subtle callout. A bold, high-gloss black with a chrome “C” distinguishes vehicles in the Black Label family.
Lincoln MKC Black Label models come standard with 19-inch painted aluminum wheels, in addition MKC buyers can upgrade to 20-inch polished multi-piece aluminum wheels with premium-painted pockets accented with bright chrome inserts.
Interior
The unique design also carries through to the interior, where craftsmanship and high-tech combine to offer a warm, luxurious environment. An architecturally unique instrument panel showcases Lincoln’s signature push-button gear shifter, which provides an open, inviting interior space.
Eagle Ottawa created Venetian leather specifically for use in Black Label vehicles. Venetian leather, unique for its lightly finished, fine-grained texture, is produced to reveal the natural characteristics of the hide. Its use in Black Label design themes signals a renewed emphasis on the hand-crafted elegance that has long defined the Lincoln brand.
Designer woods which appear on the instrument panel and doors with all Black Label themes, all were uniquely created for use in Black Label, with color accents and patterns that complement the design theme. Ziricote, used in Indulgence, is an exotic wood from South America featuring beautiful natural grain, pattern and coloration with no added dyes or stains. Open-pore American Walnut Burl has a natural authentic beauty that harmonizes with the soothing, tonal interior colors of Oasis.
The enhanced THX II Certified Audio System, an industry-first featuring THX-distributed bass technology and 14 right, center and left-slot speaker assemblies. The state-of-the art audio system delivers a rich, immersive surround sound experience that reproduces music as it was mixed in the studio.
SYNC with MyLincoln Touch enables drivers to personalize their MKC by using voice-activated commands or simple touch controls on the class-exclusive 8-inch touch screen. Knobs and buttons on the center console provide additional and easy access to control the air conditioning and sound system.
Performance and Technology
Under the hood is the 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, the MKC offers 285 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 305 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,000 rpm. Class-exclusive Active Grille Shutters are designed to help improve fuel efficiency at highway speeds
The Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system also includes continuously controlled damping. Drivers can use Lincoln Drive Control to select from sport, comfort and normal drive modes to cater to their driving mood. CCD constantly monitors the road; the suspension reacts on average within 20 milliseconds, providing a smooth ride with enhanced handling.
In addition, the MKC offers advanced technology such as collision warning with brake support, a Lane-Keeping System and driver assist to help drivers avoid common accidents. The collision warning system is designed to alert the driver if it detects a potential front-end crash. The system issues an audible alert in the cabin, a visual alert on the windshield and automatic brake assist sensitivity.
The MKC introduces available park-out assist technology, a class-exclusive feature that enhances the vehicle’s active park assist capabilities. Where active park assist helps guide drivers into tight parallel parking situations, park-out assist steers drivers out of tight parking spots.
Driver confidence and safety is furthered by the inclusion of seven standard airbags, including a class-exclusive driver’s knee airbag. In preparing MKC for the road, the vehicle was subjected to 5,000 virtual and real-world crash tests and a variety of conditions.
Summary
The Lincoln Black Label MKC further strengthens Lincoln’s position in the small luxury utility segment, personalized luxury, delivered through a suite of customer-focused enhancements, is at the heart of the all-new Lincoln MKC. Power matched with refinement, helpful technology that’s easy to use and beautiful, thoughtful design elevate Lincoln MKC to a whole new level.
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price starts at $48,950.00, the one I drove included the 2.3L Ecoboost Engine, THX Branded Audio System, 20 Inch Polished Aluminum Wheels, Cargo Area Protection, MKC Technology Package and MKC Climate Package, and it came in at $56,145.00 including destination & delivery charges. The EPA fuel economy estimates 18 MPG City and 26 MPG Highway.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com
