Lincoln Motor Company as they like to be called continues to distance their newest generation of products from the Ford’s on which they are based. The latest example is the all new 2016 Lincoln MKX luxury crossover unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show.
A platform twin to the also all new 2016 Ford Edge, Lincoln made strides to separate their own version visually with bolder styling that’s more than just a headlight, grille and tail lamp tuck. The new MKX, unlike the old one, gets its own unique sheet metal on every square inch.
Bolder creases and curves flow front to back with accented fenders and a more elegant roof line. The latest interpretation of Lincoln’s facial DNA is highlighted with available LED headlamps which can automatically adjust high and low beams.
The overall look while evolutionary shows that Lincoln is making an effort here in recreating their place in the most mainstream of vehicle classes, the mid-size luxury crossover. That notion continues with the cabin.
Designers were given a free pen here too, bringing the 2016 Lincoln MKX its own unique dash, console and door panels designs that can be had with rich hides, genuine wood grains and metal accent trims.
New for this year is a new high-end Revel audio system which Lincoln will aim to compete with the likes of the Mark Levinson, Bang and Olufsen, and Harmann Kardon systems found on the option sheets of its competition.
For those really wanting something special, Lincoln will later offer their Black Label limited-edition designer series interiors which bring decidedly rich if not outlandish palettes of leathers, woods and metals that venture into boutique fashion status.
Powertrain offerings will further separate the Lincoln MKX from its Ford Edge sibling. Standard is a 3.7 liter V6 with 300 horsepower, an engine not available in the Ford Edge. Optional will be the all-new 2.7 liter EcoBoost V6 with more than 330 horsepower.
The same EcoBoost V6 is optional in the Edge, but the tune here in the MKX will likely net a few more horsepower for bragging rights. Both engines will come mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters.
Also available is Lincoln’s new “Drive Control”, which gives drivers a selection of drive modes of Normal, Sport and Comfort. The MKX will come standard with front-wheel drive and can be optioned with all-wheel drive.
It will also be the first Lincoln to offer the new adaptive steering system which places a gear-motor in the steering wheel which can add or subtract to your steering inputs. This can speed up your steering for parking and tight maneuvers, and slow it down for highway speeds.
A host of high-tech drivers aids available including a 360-degree camera monitor, a dozen radar sensors for a full range of park-assist programs and a pre-collision crash prevention system.
You will be the ones to decide, but it appears Lincoln is now on a path to the luxury status the brand has always meant to be on. The all-new 2016 Lincoln MKX goes on sale first in the United States this fall, followed by other global markets in later on.
