By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com / Photos Lincoln Media
For 2016, the all new Lincoln MKX, introduces Quiet Luxury, a new standard that combines thoughtful and elegant design with a safe, effortless ride and a warm, tailored 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.
Four Lincoln Black Label themes are available. Two are new, The Muse and Thoroughbred. Modern Heritage and Indulgence also will be available.
Interior
The interior offers a warm and tailored experience, 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.
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 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.
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; the 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.
Another nice touch is the available panoramic Vista Roof that provides an invigorating open-air travel and a sky-high view of the passing scenery for all passengers.
Technology and Performance
The available features and technologies have been orchestrated to provide a seamless experience. The front camera, for example, sits behind the Lincoln Star badge. When in Drive, Park or Neutral and when the button is pushed, the Lincoln Star badge moves out about 1 inch and tilts up to deploy the available front camera; The system also offers a 180-degree split view, which can be helpful in looking out in cross-traffic situations. The 360-degree view shows up to 7 feet all around the vehicle, helping to make parking easier.
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.
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 $55,810.00, the one I drove included the Chroma Quartz Silver Metallic Paint, 2.7L V6 EcoBoost Engine, Black Label Muse, 22-Way Power Driver Seat, Enhanced Security, and the following packages: Cargo Utility, Climate, Technology and Driver Assistance, and it came in at $67,020.00 including destination & delivery charges. The EPA fuel economy estimates 17 MPG City and 24 MPG Highway.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com
