Lincoln’s MKX 2016 model raises the bar significantly both in terms of style and substance. On the outside its curvy sheet metal enhances the design giving the crossover a distinct styling. Seating inside, the first thing that strikes you is the class leading technological features. The MKX boasts of 36 new features and technologies compared to its predecessor, with several of these being industry or segment exclusive. To cite a few – the MKX introduces a 10-year exclusive partnership with Revel by Harman into Lincoln’s Portfolio. Revel Audio was founded in 1996 with one vision, making the world’s finest loud speaker. The marque brand has taken that vision with Revel and engineered it into its vehicles to provide a second to none audio experience. Revel, Harman International’s most exclusive loudspeaker brand, worked with Lincoln engineers and designers to craft the Revel Ultima system. It features 19 speakers engineered featuring point source architecture for unequalled musical accuracy Patented Clari-Fi™ technology offering advanced, real-time music reconstruction for compressed audio sources; 20-channel high-voltage hybrid amplifier for class-leading dynamics and optimised transparency. Another exclusive feature is the 22-way seat that can adapt to more body types and habits than any other seat in the segment, in addition to providing a massage along the way.
The MKX negotiates road bumps and curves pretty effortlessly thanks to a Drive Control which includes a CCD Suspension, Active Noise Control and Electronic Power Steering. Another point of pride for the Lincoln team is the MKX’s ride/handling balance, which delivers best-in-class smooth, supple cushioning of major bumps and ruts while tensing up just enough to deliver laudable body-motion control when the road gets curvy and the brawny 2.7-liter, twin-turbo EcoBoost V-6 starts connecting those curves quickly. The ride quality and lack of drama give the MKX a refreshing stealth agility that may take drivers by surprise. Much of the credit goes to the continuously variable damping system that Lincoln bundles with AWD on any MKX. Whether you want to feel and hear a sports drive or whether you have had a difficult day and want nothing but quiet comfort, Lincoln Drive Control can deliver all this and more. Parking was a breeze with the Park In/Park Out, which makes parking the vehicle in or out, parallel or perpendicular an effortless experience. Overall, the vehicle combines luxury, safety and utility, enhancing the human experience.
The interior of the MKX gives one a feel of luxurious adventure, blending function with flowing forms. The push-button gear shift enables true flow-through from the instrument to the centre console. Speeding on the highway, one can rest assured about the safety of the car, as it comes loaded with advanced features. 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. 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. Also available to seamlessly assist the driver are: Adaptive cruise control; Lane-Keeping System with Lane-Keeping Alert and Lane-Keeping Aid; Blind Spot Information System, or BLIS and Cross-traffic alert.
Lincoln takes ‘quite luxury’ to another level with the introduction of ingenious 360-degree camera technology in the all-new MKX crossover. This feature is a first-in-class for the medium premium utility segment. In addition to the 360-degree bird’s-eye view, the camera system offers a 180-degree split view, which is particularly helpful in assisting in difficult parking situations. The available features and technologies have been orchestrated to provide a seamless experience. The front camera, for example, sits behind the Lincoln Star badge in the middle of the split-wing grille. When in Drive, Park or Neutral and the button is pushed, the Lincoln Star badge moves out about one inch and tilts up to deploy the available front camera.
The combination of front-camera deployment, and how the lens is cleaned via a built-in automatic washer, is also an industry first. The 360-degree camera system – which shows up to seven feet all around the vehicle – looks out for objects and perspectives not easily seen, stitching images from the front, rear and both sides to create a composite view of the area directly surrounding the vehicle.
In the final analysis, the new Lincoln MKX offers everything that one would desire for in a crossover – class leading luxury features combined with an unmatched driving experience.