This redesign looks to entice younger drivers
Sleek styling and luxury interior have major appeal — but at a price
MONTREAL— You’ve likely seen those cryptic television ads featuring Hollywood star Matthew McConaughey, sitting broodingly behind the wheel of a new Lincoln, narrating his deep thoughts to viewers in an effort to draw attention to the American luxury carmaker. His ramblings, instead, drew the attention of other entertainers, who quickly produced parodies of those somewhat eccentric TV spots.
The folks at Lincoln must have taken offence to these satirical offshoots, because in a trio of newly released commercials featuring the new Lincoln MKX, McConaughey is still behind the wheel but he remains completely silent. This tacit approach might be more effective because the 2016 Lincoln MKX speaks volumes in terms of luxury.
Following in the footsteps of its Ford Edge cousin, which was redesigned last year, the Lincoln MKX has been completely redesigned for 2016. It’s longer and lower (2.5 cm longer wheelbase; 2.3 cm lower roofline) and now sports a much more streamlined silhouette. It retains the characteristic Lincoln split grille, but it is shorter top to bottom, which gives the fascia a sportier profile. The headlights are now active full LEDs, which change in intensity and focus depending on speed.
Interior space has benefited from the added external dimensions and storage space behind the second-row seat has increased by 140 litres to 1,055 litres. If you must carry additional cargo, the rear seat backs fold down to expose 1,948 litres of storage, and the MKX can tow up to 3,500 lb., which is unchanged. Passenger space remains the same as on the outgoing model, though there’s ample room for four adults, with a fifth possibly cramping up rear elbow room.
Interior-finish quality is exceptional, if not quite on par with the latest offerings from Germany, and one item I find somewhat tacky is the bright, multicoloured LEDs identifying the climate control functions; they seem out of place and a tad gimmicky on a premium mid-size crossover.
My test vehicle is equipped with every conceivable options package, which added a slew of convenience features, like 22-way adjustable seats with heat, cooling and a massage setting, heated steering wheel and rear seats, dual-zone climate control and automatic wipers and a powerful 19speaker Revel audio system (one of two optional Revel packages), among other items.
The cockpit features a wraparound dash that flows into the centre console, which includes a colour touch- screen, tactile climate controls and a couple of easily accessible yet relatively discreet storage spaces. Gear selection is via a row of buttons to the left of the screen, which takes getting accustomed to.
The previously available 303- horsepower, 3.7-litre V6 returns, though it is now the base engine, for it is joined by a 2.7-litre EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 that pumps out 335 horsepower (the EcoBoost package adds a whopping $8,000 to the $45,890 base price). It also boasts a higher peak torque, at 380 lb-ft, compared to the 3.7-litre’s 278 lb-ft. The EcoBoost is also more fuel efficient, claiming 9.7L/100-kilometre highway, compared to 10.4 for the larger engine.
There is only one transmission available, a six-speed automatic, but it is a very slick-shifting and smooth unit. My ruby-red ($700 option) MKX is equipped with the optional engine, which provides seamless yet forceful, seat-compressing acceleration. Active noise control, laminated glass and increased noise suppressing materials assure an ultraquiet cabin, even with the gas pedal pushed hard while passing.
Selectable drive modes (Normal, Comfort and Sport) alter suspension settings and transmission shift points and alter the noise suppression a tad for a more engaging driving experience. I select Comfort mode, enjoying a serene and plush, yet wellcontrolled ride.
The MKX has a very refined overall feel, managing the bumpy Quebecois pavement surrounding the province’s eastern townships with fussfree compliance. Even in the firmer suspension settings within Sport mode, the MKX is devoid of harshness and is on par with its German counterparts in ride quality.
My test vehicle is also equipped with a multitude of optional driver aids, including active cruise control, lane-keeping assist, active park assist, blind-spot alert, cross-traffic alert, as well as a 360-degree overhead camera view. A new Auto Hold feature, activated by a centre-stack-mounted button, holds the vehicle at a stop without having to continuously press on the brake pedal, designed to allow a driver to reach around for something while at a stop, or maybe just to make the tedious rush-hour commute a bit more tolerable. The car starts rolling again as soon as the gas pedal is depressed.
Lincoln has been around for almost a century, and the name is synonymous with luxury. At dealers now, the 2016 Lincoln MKX’s new-found balance of performance, sleek styling and quiet, cosy interior should speak to the younger audience that the American carmaker is hoping to entice. Freelance writer Costa Mouzouris is a regular contributor to Toronto Star Wheels. To reach him, email wheels@thestar.ca and put his name in the subject line.