Lincoln enters a hotly contested market with a cool new crossover
By Sue Mead
|
February 21, 2007
Introduction
Lincoln MKX -- First Drive: The all-new 2007 Lincoln MKX crossover suv made its strongest impression in the dark. The misty neon blue interior illumination was an unexpected surprise as we drove through a series of daylight-challenged tunnels and through fog and rain along the high-elevation Blue Ridge Parkway. It’s a small thing, but in a field packed with stiff competition, small things matter. The market is packed with crossovers like the MKX, which offer car-like ride and handling to consumers who need a large, all-weather multipurpose vehicle, but don’t want the truck-like feel and thirsty engines in traditional SUVs. The MKX brings classy styling and a solid dose of modern luxury at competitive price for today’s business-class market.
The Basics: Origins
Ford and its Lincoln division are banking heavily on the rapidly expanding crossover utility segment, which the company predicts will represent some 3 million vehicles by 2010. The 2007 Lincoln MKX is aimed at the heart of the luxury end of this growing marketplace. It is a derivative of the Ford Fusion platform, which itself is derived from the current Mazda6 sedan. This vehicle architecture was designed to accommodate both front- and all-wheel-drive configurations. Not surprisingly, the MKX offers upmarket style and trim compared to the Ford Edge – essentially the same vehicle in a non-luxury version – and is designed as a competitor against vehicles like the Lexus RX 350 and other luxury crossovers.
The Basics: Model Mix
The 2007 Lincoln MKX comes in two trims, FWD and AWD, both powered by a 265-horsepower V6 connected to a six-speed automatic transmission. Major standard equipment includes leather upholstery, eight-way power driver and front passenger seats with lumbar, a six-speaker six-CD audio system, automatic headlights, fog lamps, and a comprehensive airbag system (front, front side-impact, curtains). The Ultimate Package features items such as adaptive headlights, ten-way power front seat adjustment with heating and cooling, driver seat/mirror memory, a power liftgate, reverse sensors and power folding second row seats. The Elite package groups a panoramic sun roof, DVD navigation, and a THX-certified sound system with SIRIUS satellite radio. Standalone options include a rear DVD entertainment system, rear heated seats and a trailer package.
The Basics: Pricing
Front-wheel-drive versions of the 2007 Lincoln MKX start at $34,795, while AWD models sticker for $36,445. Both prices include a $675 destination charge. The Ultimate Package adds $1,995, while the Elite package adds $4,795 to the sticker. Note that the Elite and Ultimate options packages are separate; the Elite doesn’t include the features of the Ultimate, even though it’s priced higher. The rear-seat DVD entertainment system is a standalone option that goes for $1,295. Other options include the heated rear seats for $295, the trailer package for $295, and roof rails for $95, and a rear cargo management system for $65.
What’s New: Outside
Short overhangs and pronounced wheel wells like those on the MKX can make a mid-sized model appear too stubby and aggressive, but this new Lincoln’s styling is graceful. A precisely rendered mesh chrome waterfall grille expands across the nose, framed by rectangular, exotic looking headlights. The same linear continuity exists at the rear, where a wrap-around taillight panel with high-visibility LEDs is accented with brushed-satin trim. The high beltline is accentuated by a sliver of chrome trim, and chrome adorns the top of the outside mirrors. The “utility vehicle” message is driven home with large wheel wells, an elevated ride height and bold wheel styling.
What’s New: Inside
Designers sought relaxed elegance for the layout of the 2007 Lincoln MKX interior. Thick dash pad materials, heavier side glass and other sound-deadening materials keep noise levels down to luxury levels. The rectilinear center stack is cleanly executed and looks great, although the switchgear is unfortunately standard-issue Ford. The large center console includes an optional power point and auxiliary input jack for MP3 players. Heating and cooling is available for the front seats, as are heaters for the rear seats. The second row can also be ordered with a power folding mechanism, and can recline up to 15 degrees. Cargo capacity behind the second row is 32.6 cu. ft., expanding to 67.8 cu. ft. with the seats folded.
What’s New: Under the Hood
The only engine available for the 2007 Lincoln MKX is a 3.5-liter V6 backed by a six-speed automatic transmission. The automatic shifts smoothly, but lacks a manual shift function, something many of its competitors offer. Its 265 horsepower and 250 lb.-ft. of torque drives the front wheels standard, with all-wheel drive an option. The fully independent suspension uses a MacPherson strut setup in front and a four-link configuration out back. Behind the 18-inch aluminum wheels and 245/60R-18 tires are four-wheel disc brakes with standard ABS. Traction control with roll stability control is standard equipment on all Lincoln MKX models, supplementing the available AWD hardware. Tire pressure monitoring is also standard.
What’s New: Safety and Technology
In addition to the usual array of airbags, anti-lock brakes and stability control, the 2007 Lincoln MKX features other safety devices, such as standard tire pressure monitoring. Optional adaptive front headlights are linked to steering inputs, “turning” around corners with the vehicle and illuminating up to 36 more feet of roadway than conventional headlights, according to Lincoln. DVD-based navigation is trilingual, providing voice directions in English, Spanish or French. The rear DVD entertainment includes an eight-inch flip down screen or, in models with the panoramic sunroof, screens in the back of the front headrests. The available 600-watt 14-speaker audio system comes with THX II-certification. The MKX also has four power points and an MP3 audio jack.
Driving: Test Car, Location
We drove an all-wheel drive version of the 2007 Lincoln MKX on a 150-mile route that included some city and freeway driving, but was highlighted by a long stretch on the famous Blue Ridge Parkway. The scenery is breathtaking, with seemingly endless forests astride the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. The route also included a portion called The Dragon’s Tail, an 11-mile long tract of single-lane tarmac with 312 turns. The low-light visibility, as well as the narrow and winding shoulderless road gave us a perfect opportunity to experience the MKX’s adaptive headlamps, to power through tight corners at speed, and subject this new model to hard braking.
Driving: Performance
The 2007 Lincoln MKX has plenty of power and torque to move its two-plus tons, and meets its mission with a sweet exhaust note that stays in the background except under hard throttle. The engine and transmission are identical to the Ford Edge, and the shift points and shift quality are generally the same. The MKX is a little heavier than the Edge, so it’s marginally slower, although you’d need a stopwatch to tell the difference. Since the transmission lacks a manual sport-shift control, so we just slid the shift lever through its gate and used the low gear to add engine braking to the competent four-wheel anti-lock discs.
Driving: Ride and Handling
The 2007 Lincoln MKX handles like a mid-sized, car-based luxury crossover should. While the MKX and the Ford Edge share basic architecture, the luxury version has been tuned to have slightly lighter steering, and to give passengers a cushier ride. Still, the steering was plenty crisp, and the ride was by no means floaty. The front suspension subframe is mounted with hydraulic bushings to isolate vibrations. In the rear, compact stamped steel control arms and monotube shocks are mounted outboard and behind the wheel center to improve ride and handling. Traveling on rain-slicked and leaf-littered roads, we experienced nary a skid or slip thanks to the all-wheel drive system, which transfers torque front-to-rear and side-to-side before traction is lost.
Driving: Comfort
A number of attributes combine to make the spacious interior of the 2007 Lincoln MKX comfortable for riders and its driver. The MKX is extremely quiet; the company says it’s the quietest Lincoln ever. In addition to the sound deadening treatments in common with the Edge, it has an acoustic windshield, thicker dash insulation, and heavier carpeting, all combining to lower wind and road noise. Front seat passengers get eight-way power adjustable seats with optional heating and cooling, while rear riders get lots of headroom, best-in-class legroom according to Lincoln, recline angles of up to 15 degrees and optional heated seats. Visibility is excellent, and the panoramic roof’s dual sunshades subdue brightness and reduce radiant heat.
Driving: Controls
The gauges and controls of the 2007 Lincoln MKX have been encompassed in a sweeping, easy-to-read instrument panel that flows gracefully into a well-ordered center stack. In the dark, the interior controls bask in cool white light, which is not only attractive and soothing, but a passive safety attribute. The window switches are mounted on the door panel, and the headlight and other secondary controls are also within easy reach. The tilt and telescoping steering wheel allows drivers of any size to get comfortable, and the pedals and shifter are all well placed. Lincoln’s GPS navigation system was awarded “best new system” from J.D. Power for its straightforward touch-screen design.
Advice: Selling Points
The 2007 Lincoln MKX makes an upscale and attractive visual statement for those who want to stand out in a burgeoning market segment. Its power is adequate, with a competent and advanced six-speed transmission, responsible safety features and generous standard equipment. Other pluses are the MKX’s capable handling and quiet and comfortable cockpit, with wood, leather and satin nickel trim. The recline feature in the second-row seats, the panoramic sunroof and the host of power, electronic and entertainment goodies make it a home-away-from home for four. Also of note is the MKX’s optional heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, Class II trailer towing package and standard tire pressure monitoring system.
Advice: Deal Breakers
The MKX has its share of minuses. The lack of third row seats could be a deal breaker to those who need the extra bench, even if only occasionally. The MKX also lacks a sport-shift for its six-speed automatic, a feature that has grown common in the marketplace and adds a sport driving and fun factor for enthusiasts. While some of MKX’s competitors are well established and into their second and third generations, this Lincoln is a new model produced by a brand that is working hard to redefine its place in America’s luxury car landscape. That brand perception could make a price that goes deep into the $40,000 range when fully loaded hard to swallow for some consumers.
Advice: Competitors
The MKX is modeled closely on the Lexus RX 350. The Lexus seats five passengers, has a 270-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 with a five-speed automatic and starts at $37,400 in FWD format. As on the MKX, adaptive front lighting, a backup camera and a power rear hatch are available, but Lexus also adds rain-sensing windshield wipers and adaptive cruise control capable of maintaining a preset distance. The Lexus also adds a seventh airbag at the driver’s knees. The Acura MDX matches the price, but includes a more powerful 3.7-liter V6, Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, sport sedan handling and a third row. However, fuel economy is worse than the MKX, and it has a five-speed automatic compared to the MKX’s six-speed.
Specifications – Price, Powertrain
Test vehicle: 2007 Lincoln MKX
Base Price: $34,795 (FWD); $36,445 (AWD) ($675 dest.)
Engine Size and Type: 3.5-liter V6
Engine Horsepower: 265 at 6,250 rpm
Engine Torque: 250 at 4,500 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Specifications – Dimensions
Test vehicle: 2007 Lincoln MKX
Curb weight, lbs.: 4,210 (FWD); 4,420 (AWD)
EPA Fuel Economy (city/hwy):(18 city/ 25 highway mpg-FWD); (17/24-AWD)
Wheelbase, inches:111.2
Length, inches: 186.5
Width, inches:75.8 inches
Height, inches: 67.2 inches
Seating capacity: five
Headroom, inches (front/rear):40/39.3
Legroom, inches (front/rear): 40.7/39.6
Max cargo capacity, cu.ft.: 68.7
Ground clearance, inches: 8
Photos courtesy of Lincoln
Ford and its Lincoln division are banking heavily on the rapidly expanding crossover utility segment, which the company predicts will represent some 3 million vehicles by 2010. The 2007 Lincoln MKX is aimed at the heart of the luxury end of this growing marketplace. It is a derivative of the Ford Fusion platform, which itself is derived from the current Mazda6 sedan. This vehicle architecture was designed to accommodate both front- and all-wheel-drive configurations. Not surprisingly, the MKX offers upmarket style and trim compared to the Ford Edge – essentially the same vehicle in a non-luxury version – and is designed as a competitor against vehicles like the Lexus RX 350 and other luxury crossovers.
The Basics: Model Mix
The 2007 Lincoln MKX comes in two trims, FWD and AWD, both powered by a 265-horsepower V6 connected to a six-speed automatic transmission. Major standard equipment includes leather upholstery, eight-way power driver and front passenger seats with lumbar, a six-speaker six-CD audio system, automatic headlights, fog lamps, and a comprehensive airbag system (front, front side-impact, curtains). The Ultimate Package features items such as adaptive headlights, ten-way power front seat adjustment with heating and cooling, driver seat/mirror memory, a power liftgate, reverse sensors and power folding second row seats. The Elite package groups a panoramic sun roof, DVD navigation, and a THX-certified sound system with SIRIUS satellite radio. Standalone options include a rear DVD entertainment system, rear heated seats and a trailer package.
The Basics: Pricing
Front-wheel-drive versions of the 2007 Lincoln MKX start at $34,795, while AWD models sticker for $36,445. Both prices include a $675 destination charge. The Ultimate Package adds $1,995, while the Elite package adds $4,795 to the sticker. Note that the Elite and Ultimate options packages are separate; the Elite doesn’t include the features of the Ultimate, even though it’s priced higher. The rear-seat DVD entertainment system is a standalone option that goes for $1,295. Other options include the heated rear seats for $295, the trailer package for $295, and roof rails for $95, and a rear cargo management system for $65.
What’s New: Outside
Short overhangs and pronounced wheel wells like those on the MKX can make a mid-sized model appear too stubby and aggressive, but this new Lincoln’s styling is graceful. A precisely rendered mesh chrome waterfall grille expands across the nose, framed by rectangular, exotic looking headlights. The same linear continuity exists at the rear, where a wrap-around taillight panel with high-visibility LEDs is accented with brushed-satin trim. The high beltline is accentuated by a sliver of chrome trim, and chrome adorns the top of the outside mirrors. The “utility vehicle” message is driven home with large wheel wells, an elevated ride height and bold wheel styling.
What’s New: Inside
Designers sought relaxed elegance for the layout of the 2007 Lincoln MKX interior. Thick dash pad materials, heavier side glass and other sound-deadening materials keep noise levels down to luxury levels. The rectilinear center stack is cleanly executed and looks great, although the switchgear is unfortunately standard-issue Ford. The large center console includes an optional power point and auxiliary input jack for MP3 players. Heating and cooling is available for the front seats, as are heaters for the rear seats. The second row can also be ordered with a power folding mechanism, and can recline up to 15 degrees. Cargo capacity behind the second row is 32.6 cu. ft., expanding to 67.8 cu. ft. with the seats folded.
What’s New: Under the Hood
The only engine available for the 2007 Lincoln MKX is a 3.5-liter V6 backed by a six-speed automatic transmission. The automatic shifts smoothly, but lacks a manual shift function, something many of its competitors offer. Its 265 horsepower and 250 lb.-ft. of torque drives the front wheels standard, with all-wheel drive an option. The fully independent suspension uses a MacPherson strut setup in front and a four-link configuration out back. Behind the 18-inch aluminum wheels and 245/60R-18 tires are four-wheel disc brakes with standard ABS. Traction control with roll stability control is standard equipment on all Lincoln MKX models, supplementing the available AWD hardware. Tire pressure monitoring is also standard.
What’s New: Safety and Technology
In addition to the usual array of airbags, anti-lock brakes and stability control, the 2007 Lincoln MKX features other safety devices, such as standard tire pressure monitoring. Optional adaptive front headlights are linked to steering inputs, “turning” around corners with the vehicle and illuminating up to 36 more feet of roadway than conventional headlights, according to Lincoln. DVD-based navigation is trilingual, providing voice directions in English, Spanish or French. The rear DVD entertainment includes an eight-inch flip down screen or, in models with the panoramic sunroof, screens in the back of the front headrests. The available 600-watt 14-speaker audio system comes with THX II-certification. The MKX also has four power points and an MP3 audio jack.
Driving: Test Car, Location
We drove an all-wheel drive version of the 2007 Lincoln MKX on a 150-mile route that included some city and freeway driving, but was highlighted by a long stretch on the famous Blue Ridge Parkway. The scenery is breathtaking, with seemingly endless forests astride the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. The route also included a portion called The Dragon’s Tail, an 11-mile long tract of single-lane tarmac with 312 turns. The low-light visibility, as well as the narrow and winding shoulderless road gave us a perfect opportunity to experience the MKX’s adaptive headlamps, to power through tight corners at speed, and subject this new model to hard braking.
Driving: Performance
The 2007 Lincoln MKX has plenty of power and torque to move its two-plus tons, and meets its mission with a sweet exhaust note that stays in the background except under hard throttle. The engine and transmission are identical to the Ford Edge, and the shift points and shift quality are generally the same. The MKX is a little heavier than the Edge, so it’s marginally slower, although you’d need a stopwatch to tell the difference. Since the transmission lacks a manual sport-shift control, so we just slid the shift lever through its gate and used the low gear to add engine braking to the competent four-wheel anti-lock discs.
Driving: Ride and Handling
The 2007 Lincoln MKX handles like a mid-sized, car-based luxury crossover should. While the MKX and the Ford Edge share basic architecture, the luxury version has been tuned to have slightly lighter steering, and to give passengers a cushier ride. Still, the steering was plenty crisp, and the ride was by no means floaty. The front suspension subframe is mounted with hydraulic bushings to isolate vibrations. In the rear, compact stamped steel control arms and monotube shocks are mounted outboard and behind the wheel center to improve ride and handling. Traveling on rain-slicked and leaf-littered roads, we experienced nary a skid or slip thanks to the all-wheel drive system, which transfers torque front-to-rear and side-to-side before traction is lost.
Driving: Comfort
A number of attributes combine to make the spacious interior of the 2007 Lincoln MKX comfortable for riders and its driver. The MKX is extremely quiet; the company says it’s the quietest Lincoln ever. In addition to the sound deadening treatments in common with the Edge, it has an acoustic windshield, thicker dash insulation, and heavier carpeting, all combining to lower wind and road noise. Front seat passengers get eight-way power adjustable seats with optional heating and cooling, while rear riders get lots of headroom, best-in-class legroom according to Lincoln, recline angles of up to 15 degrees and optional heated seats. Visibility is excellent, and the panoramic roof’s dual sunshades subdue brightness and reduce radiant heat.
Driving: Controls
The gauges and controls of the 2007 Lincoln MKX have been encompassed in a sweeping, easy-to-read instrument panel that flows gracefully into a well-ordered center stack. In the dark, the interior controls bask in cool white light, which is not only attractive and soothing, but a passive safety attribute. The window switches are mounted on the door panel, and the headlight and other secondary controls are also within easy reach. The tilt and telescoping steering wheel allows drivers of any size to get comfortable, and the pedals and shifter are all well placed. Lincoln’s GPS navigation system was awarded “best new system” from J.D. Power for its straightforward touch-screen design.
Advice: Selling Points
The 2007 Lincoln MKX makes an upscale and attractive visual statement for those who want to stand out in a burgeoning market segment. Its power is adequate, with a competent and advanced six-speed transmission, responsible safety features and generous standard equipment. Other pluses are the MKX’s capable handling and quiet and comfortable cockpit, with wood, leather and satin nickel trim. The recline feature in the second-row seats, the panoramic sunroof and the host of power, electronic and entertainment goodies make it a home-away-from home for four. Also of note is the MKX’s optional heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, Class II trailer towing package and standard tire pressure monitoring system.
Advice: Deal Breakers
The MKX has its share of minuses. The lack of third row seats could be a deal breaker to those who need the extra bench, even if only occasionally. The MKX also lacks a sport-shift for its six-speed automatic, a feature that has grown common in the marketplace and adds a sport driving and fun factor for enthusiasts. While some of MKX’s competitors are well established and into their second and third generations, this Lincoln is a new model produced by a brand that is working hard to redefine its place in America’s luxury car landscape. That brand perception could make a price that goes deep into the $40,000 range when fully loaded hard to swallow for some consumers.
Advice: Competitors
The MKX is modeled closely on the Lexus RX 350. The Lexus seats five passengers, has a 270-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 with a five-speed automatic and starts at $37,400 in FWD format. As on the MKX, adaptive front lighting, a backup camera and a power rear hatch are available, but Lexus also adds rain-sensing windshield wipers and adaptive cruise control capable of maintaining a preset distance. The Lexus also adds a seventh airbag at the driver’s knees. The Acura MDX matches the price, but includes a more powerful 3.7-liter V6, Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, sport sedan handling and a third row. However, fuel economy is worse than the MKX, and it has a five-speed automatic compared to the MKX’s six-speed.
Specifications – Price, Powertrain
Test vehicle: 2007 Lincoln MKX
Base Price: $34,795 (FWD); $36,445 (AWD) ($675 dest.)
Engine Size and Type: 3.5-liter V6
Engine Horsepower: 265 at 6,250 rpm
Engine Torque: 250 at 4,500 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Specifications – Dimensions
Test vehicle: 2007 Lincoln MKX
Curb weight, lbs.: 4,210 (FWD); 4,420 (AWD)
EPA Fuel Economy (city/hwy):(18 city/ 25 highway mpg-FWD); (17/24-AWD)
Wheelbase, inches:111.2
Length, inches: 186.5
Width, inches:75.8 inches
Height, inches: 67.2 inches
Seating capacity: five
Headroom, inches (front/rear):40/39.3
Legroom, inches (front/rear): 40.7/39.6
Max cargo capacity, cu.ft.: 68.7
Ground clearance, inches: 8
Photos courtesy of Lincoln