Lincoln was marketed as one of the leading luxury automobile brands in the United States by Ford, competing directly with General Motors’ Cadillac. It was the MKX that marked Lincoln's entrance into the midsize luxury SUV sector and was dubbed a CUV, which stood for a crossover utility vehicle. This tiny contrast also contributes to the MKX's ‘best-of-both-worlds’ marketing positioning: the optional all-wheel-drive mobility, which was optional and the comfort of an SUV combined with the handling and performance of a sedan. The vehicle also marked the next stage in the company's growth.
An athletic appearance was designed by combining clean flowing outer lines. Revolutionary new technology like the exclusive optional Vista Roof and bold styling like available adaptive headlights collaborated to uplift the driving experience to another level.
Lincoln MKX: A Sporty Utility Vehicle
The chrome grille covering the whole distance between the headlights was a striking design feature repeated with other Lincolns, including the Navigator and MKZ. The projector-beam headlights of the MKX were turned with the steering to illuminate up to 36 ft extra of the road when cornering. At the stroke of a switch, a massive 27.3 by 29.4-inch optional forward sunroof glided up entirely or tilted to vent, while a 15.75 by 31.3-inch fixed rear moon roof provided back-seat passengers the view of the sky. When required, dual power sunshades functioned concurrently to block off glare.
The MKX's handsome appearance began with a heritage Lincoln grille, integrated fog lamps, and a steeply-sloped windshield. The design also features blacked-out rocker panels along its high-shouldered, flare-fendered flanks and concludes with a fast-sloping rear window under an integrated roof spoiler, wraparound taillights connected by edge-to-edge LEDs across the liftgate, and sporty dual exhausts. The conventional 18-inch wheels were moved as far toward the corners as feasible to improve their stance and maximize inside space.
Lincoln MKX: A Comfortable And Practical Interior
The interior offered large, clear gauges and a well-organized center stack containing the audio and optional DVD navigation systems. Interior lighting was cool white with satin nickel accents or optional wood. The huge, deep console box has movable slots for CDs, handbags, or laptops. The second-row seat's 60/40 split gave enough space in all dimensions and can be pushed forward onto a flat floor or reclined up to 15 degrees with the same simple lever. The huge rear liftgate opened to provide 31.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the second row, or 68.7 cubic feet when folded.
Leather-wrapped rack-and-pinion power steering wheel with cruise and audio controls gave the cabin space a classy look. Besides, the dual air conditioning system with a particulate filter ensured passengers' comfort. Other features such as six-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel independent suspension, power heated mirrors, power windows and locks, remote keyless entry with keypad, premium MP3-capable audio with six-CD changer, and three 12-volt outlets were also made available by the carmaker.
The MKX also came with abundant optional features to match the tastes of its consumers, in addition to the previously mentioned basic interior amenities. Heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, three wood interior trim options, 14-speaker THX Certified audio system, and DVD navigation with voice technology that can read turn-by-turn directions in three languages were also among the features available. Lincoln provided an optional rear-seat DVD entertainment system with an eight-inch drop-down screen, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, an MP3 input port, and a fourth 12-volt outlet within the console box for iPod, cell phone, laptop, or PDA to make the vehicle a moving entertainment package.
Lincoln MKX: The Engine And Safety
The crossover was powerful and efficient due to an innovative aluminum 3.5L Duratec DOHC V6 engine that produced an output of 265 HP and 250 lb-ft of torque. Because of its class-exclusive swift-shifting six-speed automatic gearbox, it could use more power while consuming less gasoline, resulting in a smooth, dynamic journey with fewer stops at the pump. The V6 engine could accelerate the vehicle from 0 to 60 MPH in just 8.1 seconds, while it took 23.2 seconds to reach from 0 to 100 MPH and had a top speed of 111 MPH. This outstanding performance was coupled with splendid fuel economy, which stood at 16/24 MPG on city/highway.
As one would expect from a luxury SUV, the vehicle also came with a long list of standard safety features. Six airbags, including front-seat side-impact airbags and full-length side curtain airbags, were standard for traction and stability control with rollover mitigation technology. Standard features included antilock disc brakes and a tire-pressure monitor. Child Door Locks, Child Seat Anchors, Stability Control, and Rear Parking Sensors were also included.
The base price of the Lincoln MKX was $36,445, which was quite reasonable for a car of its stature. After adding up options provided by the company, the price shoots up to $43595 or more.
Sources: JD Power, Car And Driver, CNET