LuxuryCarMagazine En Luxury Car Review and News
As soon as the Ford Edge debuted at last year’s LA Auto Show, you knew that a Lincoln variant was soon to follow.
(Los Angleles, CA) Sure enough, the Lincoln MKX was on-hand to greet the press at this year’s show, where it made its North American debut.
Lincoln claims that the MKX draws inspiration from airplanes in motorbikes, but it’s the classic Lincoln heritage that comes to the fore. A big part of this is thanks to the front fascia, which gets the split-winged grille inspired by the 1938 Zephyr Concept and first seen on the MKZ sedan in 2013. It looks good, here, especially when you factor in the low-profile LED headlamp lenses on either side.
At the rear, the MKX gets a reduced version of the full-width light bar that’s also been a Lincoln staple. Instead of keeping the taillamps level with the light bar as what’s seen on the Navigator, however, the lamps themselves get a slightly more globular look. It’s a modern take on the old design, and while it looks handsome, it’s not quite as distinctive as the Navigator’s, for example. It’s also kind of a blend of what’s seen on the current MKX and the first-gen model.
Then again, some reduced gaudiness might be just what the doctor ordered for many, so there you go.
Other distinctive features include some sharp two-tone rims, low profile wing mirrors (good luck seeing those on a production model, however) and some nice chromed elements on the lower doors and around the front intakes and tailpipes.
What will be really interesting, however, is whether or not Lincoln’s going to be able to get way with building a production model that either features flush or hidden exterior door pulls. There’s nothing at all on the concept, and while there will eventually have to be something here, if they can keep the sides looking as clean and monochromatic as possible, they’ll really be on to something, Both Jag and Tesla are doing it, so it’s not impossible.
This being a concept, Lincoln was cagey about what could eventually power it; expect to see the 2.3L Ecoboost found in the Ford Mustang, where it makes 310 hp and 320 lb.-ft. of torque. Don’t be surprised if an EcoBoost powerplant of sorts will be your only option for the MKX, as the old 3.7L naturally-aspirated V6 from the current MKX should finally get put to pasture.
It’s understandable that they wouldn’t want to discuss powertrains, but to not at least give us a glimpse of the interior was an interesting choice, especially considering that this is a luxury crossover, and interior fittings are paramount. If the new Black Label line used on the MKZ and MKC is any indication, occupants should be well cared for inside the MKX.
