As the first Lincoln concept to be unveiled outside the United States, the MKX Concept made its debut yesterday at Auto China 2014 in Beijing. Lincoln considers this show car a preview of the updates the production vehicle will soon receive.
As Lincoln’s version of the Ford Edge, the MKX is a crossover featuring unibody construction and front-wheel drive (with the availability of AWD, of course). Since 2007 it has averaged about 25,000 units, but Lincoln has higher aspirations, especially with the Chinese market. In the case of the MKX Concept, Lincoln claims they drew design inspiration from airplane and motorbikes to evoke the feeling of power and agility.
“Great emphasis was put on the proportions of this concept vehicle. It’s a very emotional, athletic design. Its horizontal lines and defined undercuts are gracefully integrated and very sophisticated, yet convey a powerful and dynamic presence,” said exterior design manager of the Lincoln MKX Concept, Andrea Di Buduo.
Lincoln conducted several research clinics both in the U.S. and China on the design of the MKX so that the styling and design of the crossover would have universal appeal to both the East and the West.
In particular Lincoln discovered that “a medium premium utility vehicle should express off-road capability and sportiness.” Hence, the MKX Concept includes a separated front skid plate, heightened ground clearance, and reinforced wheel arches.
The waterfall grille, a new trademark established when the original MKX debuted in 2007, also has evolved. “Concept vehicles are defined by every design detail,” said Lincoln design director David Woodhouse, “and this MKX Concept shows how Lincoln’s thoughtful design philosophy continues to evolve. The Lincoln brand was built on vehicles with stunning design, and the MKX Concept is the latest example.”
The MKX is the third of four all-new Lincolns to hit the streets by 2016.
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