2016 Lincoln MKX AWD

By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com / Photos Lincoln Media

For 2016, the all-new Lincoln MKX introduces Quiet Luxury by providing an effortless ride, a warm, tailored experience and a thoughtful and elegant design.

The midsize crossover reflects the brand’s focus to deliver engaging and refined luxury vehicles with innovative technologies that allow clients to seamlessly personalize their experience.

Exterior
The exterior blends function with flowing forms to inspire a sense of luxurious adventure. Proud, wide shoulders, dynamic side undercuts and belt lines and clever touches such as the integrated antenna underscore a sophisticated and powerful appearance.

Lincoln MKX greets the driver when the key fob, is within approximately 9 feet. The lower LED daytime running lights gently brighten, while a welcome mat is projected on the ground from the folded mirrors. Door handles are illuminated, too, tuned to the exterior color.

The available full-LED front headlamps are subtly executed as blades, rather than projectors, aligned with the horizontal execution of the Lincoln split wing grille; a power dome integrated into the rear spoiler houses the radio antenna. The signature full width tail lamp employs a filter to help the lamp read as one piece, rather than disparate dots of light.

Additionally, the available hands free power lift gate can be opened by kicking your foot under the rear bumper when you have the access key. The lift gate can be closed the same way or by pushing a button, and the height can be adjusted.

Interior
The interior blends function with flowing forms to inspire a sense of luxurious adventure. It is both open and cocoon-like, stunning yet quiet.

The push-button gear shift enables true flow through from the instrument to the center console. This execution creates a dramatic open suspension bridge that flows from the instrument panel to the center console, providing two tiers of open space. An implied flow extends from the instrument panel to the doors. The overall effect creates visual width and a feeling of openness. Rich materials and exquisite detailing add to the experience.

The available 22-way multicontour front seats with Active Motion can ease muscle fatigue and can be tailored for preference and comfort. A patented Active Motion function is a slight continuous movement in the seat cushion, which helps reduce potential back pain by provoking a change in the muscular activation of the pelvic area. This feature is especially beneficial on long trips or while waiting in traffic.

The seat contour and fit for both driver and passenger can be adjusted to personalize the seat, further adjustments can be made through the four-way power head restraint and the power cushion thigh extender.

Interior sequential lighting begins at the bottom of the cabin, then illuminates the cup-holders, pass-through, instrument panel, front door handles, front map pockets and rear doors. The lighting goes off in reverse order.

Safer and more effortless ride
Available semi-autonomous features include the first Lincoln implementation of technology that may help avoid or lessen the severity of some frontal crashes: Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection. If no corrective action is taken and the system detects a collision is imminent, the brakes are automatically applied.

Furthermore, the all-new Lincoln MKX offers adaptive steering, this system adjusts the ratio between a driver’s steering input and the steering angle of the front wheels. In traditional steering systems, this is a fixed steering ratio. With this new solution, the steering ratio continually changes with vehicle speed, optimizing steering response in all situations.

The new Auto Hold feature relieves the driver from having to press the brake pedal continuously to keep the vehicle stationary in traffic. Auto Hold releases the brakes when the accelerator pedal is pressed.

In addition, the available Lincoln Drive Control, a suite of ride-enhancing technologies that customize the driving experience and optimize performance, orchestrates available continuously controlled damping, electric power-assisted steering and active noise control.

Drivers can select among normal, sport and comfort modes. Active noise control enhances overall sound quality by cancelling unwanted noises, resulting in a comfortable cabin and a better environment for music listening and in-car telephone conversation.

Engines
Leading the engine choices for the all-new Lincoln MKX is the available advanced 2.7-liter twin turbocharged Ti-VCT EcoBoost V6, which is SAE-rated at 335 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 380 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,000 rpm on premium fuel. The standard 3.7-liter V6 is SAE-rated at 303 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 278 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm.

Both engines are mated to a six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission with push-button shift. Front-wheel drive is standard, Intelligent All-Wheel Drive optional.

Summary
The all-new Lincoln MKX further strengthens Lincoln’s position in the midsize luxury utility segment, personalized luxury, delivered through a suite of customer-focused enhancements, is at the heart of the all-new Lincoln MKX. Power matched with refinement, helpful technology that’s easy to use and beautiful, thoughtful design elevate Lincoln MKX to a whole new level.

The manufacturer’s suggested retail price starts at $47,650.00, the one I drove included the 22-Way Power Driver Seat, 2.7L V6 EcoBoost Engine, and the following packages: Class II Trailer, Climate, Technology, Driver Assistance, and Luxury, and it came in at $61,750.00 including destination & delivery charges. The EPA fuel economy estimates 17 MPG City and 24 MPG Highway.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com

Posted in CAR REVIEWS, Lincoln.

Emilio Lezcano

Journalist - Editor - Photographer
Professional Race Car Driver

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