Although we already saw the 2016 MKX thanks to an online leak from a few days ago, Lincoln has officially unveiled the second-generation 2016 MKX at the 2015 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Based on the 2015 Ford Edge, the new midsize crossover is designed to attract a wide range of customers in the United States and beyond through more luxury, technology, engine choices, and personalization options than ever before.
“We are focused on delivering engaging and refined luxury vehicles with innovative and thoughtful technologies,” said the president of Lincoln, Kumar Galhotra. “The all-new Lincoln MKX reflects that focus.”
The standard MKX engine is Ford’s familiar 3.7-liter V6 that’s also the base powerplant in the 2015 Mustang. The six-banger is expected to produce 300 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, based on preliminary test data. However, Ford’s advanced new 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged Ti-VCT EcoBoost V6 is optional, making an estimated 330 horsepower and over 370 pound-feet of torque. Both engines will be paired with a six-speed automatic transmission with push-button shift and SelectShift. Front-wheel drive will be standard for both engines while Intelligent All-Wheel Drive will be optional.
“The new 2.7-liter EcoBoost adds a new level of performance to the all-new Lincoln MKX,” said Chief Program Engineer Elaine Bannon. “The focus is on delivering a total personalized luxury experience for our client: performance, quiet ride, power and technologies that make life easier, all in an environment wrapped in rich materials.”
Upgrades to the body structure and chassis components include the addition of an integral link rear suspension, making the 2016 MKX a much-better handling, riding, and quieter vehicle than the previous generation. The available Lincoln Drive Control suite of ride-enhancing technologies optimizes performance by offering Normal, Sport, and Comfort driving modes. It is complemented by standard electric power-assisted steering, with adaptive steering also being available.
An optional 360-degree front camera (discreetly tucked between the grilles) shows what’s going on up to seven feet around the MKX and helps make low-speed parking situations easier; the 180-degree split view also can be helpful in cross-traffic situations. Additionally, the MKX has an ultrasonic 12-sensor system that helps drivers park thanks to front and rear side sensing, perpendicular and parallel parking assist, and park out assist.
To help make every jaunt safer, the 2016 MKX is available with pre-collision assist, which may help avoid or reduce the severity of some frontal crashes in certain situations and conditions. If the system detects a vehicle or pedestrian in the way, it will first provide the driver with a warning, but then automatically apply the brakes if no corrective action is taken by the driver.
A subtle new feature that might go unnoticed is Auto Hold, which will negative the need to continuously press the brake pedal to keep the vehicle stationary when stopped on hills. To release the brakes, the driver merely touches the accelerator. Also new on the 2016 MKX are LED headlamps that add width to the low-beam through the use of “LED reflector elements” when accelerating up to 35 mph.
Inside, new, optional 22-way adjustable front seats with active motion pamper you upper legs and lower back through six adjustable air bladders in the cushion and five adjustable air bladders in the lower seat back, thereby helping reduce muscle fatigue. More pampering comes from the four-way power head restraints and the power thigh extender. As if things couldn’t get more decadent, the thigh bolster deflates to make egress easier and reinflates to the previous setting during ingress.
For audiophiles, the 2016 MKX brings award-winning home theater audio quality and acoustics via the available Revel audio system. Available on MKX Select and Reserve models is a Revel 13-speaker system, and an optional 20-channel Revel Ultima system (available on Reserve models and standard on Black Label editions) features 19 speakers that position the tweeter and midrange elements close together for a superior audio experience. QuantumLogic Surround Sound technology offers three listening modes (stereo, audience, and on stage), and patented Clari-Fi technology brings advanced, real-time “music reconstruction” for all compressed audio sources like MP3s.
Meanwhile, an available embedded modem gives built-in connectivity for those inclined to modern living, which is complemented by the MyLincoln Mobile smartphone app that gives an owner the ability to start, lock, unlock, and remotely start his/her vehicle. And if you are lost in the parking lot, the app will help locate your vehicle.
Lastly, the Lincoln Black Label series will be available with four designer themes including two new ones:
- Modern Heritage
- Indulgence
- A theme inspired by the fashion, lifestyle, and art scene of 1920s Paris
- Another theme featuring the excitement, passion, and pageantry of high-stakes thoroughbred horse racing
The all-new 2016 Lincoln MKX goes on sale in the United States in the autumn of 2015, followed by other markets that include Canada, China, the Middle East, Mexico, and South Korea.
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