Typically when you think
of luxury SUV, you think of the Audi Q5, Lexus RS or Cadillac SRX. But Lincoln
has been working hard over the last few years to change that. And now with the
redesigned 2016 MKX, Lincoln is claiming its seat at the table. And that has
been the brand’s strategic challenge over the last decade: Not enough younger
buyers had that nameplate in their heads when they were splashing out lux bucks
for SUVs.
The redesigned 2016 MKX
will go a long way to getting Lincoln a seat at the table in this segment, and that’s
where a car makes a first impression on you, the driver’s cockpit. MKX “Black
Label” model that wraps you in high-quality leather and walnut in the cockpit
and includes a 22-way powered seat that adds $1,500 to the base price of
$47,650. Yes a 22-way seat. There’s also a “luxury package,” which adds $4,400
and includes a Revel audio system with 19 speakers. That’s a lot of speakers.
Under the hood sits Ford’s
2.7-liter V-6 EcoBoost power plant (a $2,000 option), which generates a
sprightly 335 horsepower. That’s 30 h.p. more than the standard 3.7-liter power
plant, thanks to twin turbos. On the safety front, Lincoln offers a little
gizmo, an optional front-facing camera that hides behind the emblem until you
engage the camera. It’s part of a parking assist package that includes adaptive
cruise control, active braking, and a lane-keeping system—all of which has
become pretty standard in this category.
Like its competitors,
the MKX lets you tune the ride to your driving style: sport, comfort, or
economy. On the all-wheel-drive models—and again, you’ll pay up—there’s also a
continuously controlled damping system to limit vibrations.
Still, you’ve got to
credit Lincoln for stepping up its game. The MKX is truly plush and comfy and
it’s going to give anyone shopping for a luxury SUV another good choice to
think about.
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