Quietly impressive
Lincoln’s new MKX provides pleasing ride, advanced tech
incoln’s MKX, completely redesigned for the 2016 model year, is clearly much improved and introduces what Lincoln calls “quiet luxury” along with an optional turbo charged V6 engine, additional standard features and a long list of available amenities.
Built off the same underpinnings as the Ford Edge, the 2016 Lincoln MKX distances itself from its Ford sibling, offering powerful and distinctive exterior styling cues that are unmistakably true to the Lincoln brand.
Standard exterior features include 18- inch painted aluminum wheels, HID automatic headlamps with LED signature lamps, body- color dual power and heated side mirrors with integral LED turn signal indicators, LED taillamps and LED backup lamps.
Available exterior features include 20- or 21inch wheels, panoramic vista roof, adaptive LED headlamps and exclusive color and trim choices.
Under the hood of the new MKX is either a 303- horsepower, naturally aspirated 3.7- literV- 6 engine or a newly available 335- horsepower, twin- turbocharged 2.7- literV- 6 engine. The fuel requirement for either engine is regular unleaded.
Mated to eitherV- 6 engine is a standard six- speed automatic transmission that delivers smooth upshifts and downshifts. Regardless of whichV-6 you choose, the 2016 Lincoln MKX can be had with either FWD or AWD.
While the naturally aspirated 3.7- literV- 6 engine provides adequate acceleration, I recommend the twin- turbo 2.7- literV- 6 for its higher output, impressive responsiveness and slightly better fuel economy.
Slip inside the new MKX and you will find a Lincoln- themed cabin with all the luxuries you would expect at this level.
The list of standard interior features includes Lincoln soft- touch seating surfaces, heated 10way power front seats, full power accessories, dual- zone automatic climate control, premium sound system, active noise control, electronic parking brake, push- button shifting, 8- inch touch screen, SYNC with MyLincoln Touch, push- button starting, remote start and a nifty Auto Hold feature.
Auto Hold, when switched on, allows the driver to remove his or her foot from the brake pedal after coming to a complete stop. It keeps the brakes applied until the accelerator pedal is depressed. This helps reduce driver fatigue, especially in stop- and- go traffic.
Additional features include premium leather seating surfaces, wood trim, power tilt/ telescoping steering wheel, hands- free power liftgate, voice- activated navigation system, premium Revel audio system, park assist, adaptive cruise control, pre- collision assist with pedestrian detection and more.
The new MKX delivers a smooth, confident ride, and the cabin remains exceptionally quiet during hard acceleration and when cruising at highway speeds.
Pricing for the 2016 Lincoln MKX starts at $ 39,025. You do get a lot for your money with the new MKX. Four trim levels are offered: Premiere, Select, Reserve and Black Label. A fully- deckedout Black Label model is priced at $ 58,735.
The all- new MKX is very impressive. My only complaints are its reduced rear visibility due to large “D” pillars and barely adequate leg room up front. I am6- foot- 3, and I would have liked to have been able to move the driver’s seat back a fewmore inches.