Powerful and posh
2016 MKX worthy of Lincoln’s brand makeover
One of the storied North American marques is making a comeback with a fresh approach, new technologies and a 330- horsepower EcoBoost engine.
The Lincoln has been many things during the past century, including a luxury car, a successful racing car and the vehicle of choice for the United States Secret Service.
But most people think of the horrible decades — the ’ 70s, ’ 80s and ‘ 90s that saw opera windows and fake landau roofs and owners who were well past retirement. Fortunately, Lincoln made it through Ford’s reorganization a few years ago and there is a definite new vigour in the name, with two sedans and four SUVs.
I spent some time in the 2016 MKX, a mid- size SUV, and I was curious to see if it would be a true Lincoln or a high- end Ford in its driving experience.
The “all- new” MKX is based on Ford’s CD4 platform, found in other Lincoln SUVs and Ford’s Taurus, Flex and Explorer. Lincoln may share the underpinnings with Ford but from there on, it is a distinct marque with its own designers and engineers.
Now we have the second generation MKX coming into dealerships with new exterior styling and an additional engine choice. The 2.7- litre, twin- turbocharged EcoBoost V6 ( a $ 2,950 option) is smaller in displacement but at higher rpms it packs more horsepower and torque than the still-available 3.7- L engine: 330 hp and more than 370 pound- feet of torque, versus 303 hp and 278 lb.ft. in the 3.7- L. The combined fuel ratings of each engine are about equal, but the greater torque of the 2.7- L at lower engine speeds makes a big difference.
The exterior styling is all new for 2016 but the split- wings grille is retained, framed by new allLED headlight clusters included as part of the $ 5,500 Luxury Package. The lights change intensity and focus depending on the speed; they are wide and low at slower speeds, brighter and narrower on the highway.
The body lines are a pleasing blend of elegance and sporty aggressiveness, with flowing curves and bolder fenders. Inside, the 22- way adjustable, heated and cooled front seats — both with a massage function — were swaddled in Terracotta Brown perforated leather.
The fully equipped Premium model sees a plethora of technology, from the Revel II audio system with 19 speakers, to active noise cancelling, acoustic glass, active cruise control, lane- departure warning, active parking assist with front, rear and side cameras for 360- degree views, and a collision warning that will apply the brakes if needed. And the MKX can park itself, in both parallel and perpendicular spots.
The centre console is a handy, flying- buttress arrangement replete with storage cubbies, some with power points. And lighting welcomes the driver on the approach outside and on inside starting with footwells and moving on up.
The SUV is softly sprung and can get a bit wobbly in a series of corners if you dip into the ample horsepower of the EcoBoost twin turbos. The power from the EcoBoost engine was a pleasant surprise, and it would be my choice, though it sips premium fuel.
The MSRP of $ 45,890 ( which includes a delivery charge of $ 1,800) increased to $ 65,090 after adding $ 19,200 worth of options. They included the climate package ($ 5,100), technology package ($ 1,100), luxury package ($ 5,500), and driver’s assistance package ($ 1,950).
I think it’s safe to say that Lincoln has brought back the unique mix of horsepower, performance, style and luxury that made it a legend in the automotive world.