?2016 Lincoln MKX AWD?
Lincoln?s luxurious small CUV is all-new

Lincoln introduced its first ever crossover in 2007 ? the MKX, a luxury model with a car-like ride quality, added versatility and flexibility and an impressive fuel economy. The first Lincoln MKX was a five-passenger CUV, which was powered by a fuel-efficient 3.7-liter DOHC, 24-valve Ti-VCT V6 engine linked to a 6-speed SelectShift automatic transmission as the standard powertrain. When the 2007 Lincoln MKX went on sale, it built on the success of the Lincoln Zephyr and appealed to a new generation of luxury-oriented consumers. The MKX was equipped with comfort and convenience features as a modern choice in the luxury crossover utility vehicle (CUV) market.

The Lincoln MKX for 2016 is all new, offering an optional transversely mounted 2.7-liter, twin- turbocharged Ti-VCT EcoBoost V6 engine up front that cranks out 35 horsepower at 5,500 rpm, while developing 380 pound feet of torque at 3,000 rpm. The 2.7-liter motor mates to a six-speed SelectShift automatic?, gearing energy to either the engine front wheels or to all four via Lincoln?s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive. The3.7-liter engine remains as the standard power source for the MKX.

There are four 2016 MKX trim levels: Premiere; Select; Reserve; and Black Label. All trims are available with either engine and in both drive configurations.

The 2016 Lincoln MKX is the first Lincoln to offer a feature that may help avoid or lessen the severity of some frontal crashes: Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection; Lincoln MKX earned an overall 5-Star crash rating from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and delivers a high level of luxury, innovative technology and standard feature inventory, including: My Lincoln Touch which offers new levels of connection, control, simplicity and personalization for electronic devices such as cell phones and MP3 players; standard heated and cooled front seats; Reverse Sensing System; memory seats and mirrors; power lumbar for both driver and front passenger; SIRIUS? Satellite Radio, available.

Other technology available to seamlessly assist when driving, parking or listening to music; exclusive Revel? audio system is along with a voice-activated navigation system;

The design form blends a sporty stance with an attractive appearance and a comfortable and versatile interior. The bold exterior styling cues signal Lincoln’s modern design vision with the high beltline defined by a sculpted character line running from the headlights to the taillights setting off it?s broad shoulders, pronounced wheel lips and short overhangs contributing to the MKX?s wide, athletic stance. Black rocker panels with a bright chrome trim accent, tends to give the vehicle a planted look, which tend to accentuate the 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels. Side marker lights cut into a simple, clean fascia, bending around to the vehicle?s side.

There are a host of technological features such as: adaptive headlamps that move with the steering wheel, a panoramic glass Vista Roof?, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, and DVD-based navigation system. On the safety side of the equation, there?s Ford?s industry-leading AdvanceTrac? with Roll Stability Control? (RSC), seat-mounted side air bags, Safety Canopy? air curtain system and Ford?s Personal Safety System.

The MKX CUV seems to provide, for the most part, the style, refinement, fuel economy and car-like ride and handling most often experienced in many luxury sedans. Consumers will appreciate the CUV form, especially when they don’t necessarily need all of the extra space and towing capability found in traditional SUVs.

Lincoln MKX?s distinctive lighting includes available adaptive front low beams that swivel around curves with the capability of illuminating a stretch of road up to 36 feet further than conventional headlights. An LED tailgate panel provides edge-to-edge illumination.

The interior design is defined by a swooping instrument panel that flows into a clean, well-organized, but sharp edged, center stack. Wood and satin painted nickel accents are carried to the door panels, and interior controls are bathed in a cool-white light offering a pleasing nighttime cabin ambience.

Removable dividers in the center console allow customers storage space adaptation for such personal items as laptop computers, purses and musical media. The center console also features an available concealed power point ? for a total of four throughout the interior ? and an MP3 audio jack. Phone and MP3 player cords can be neatly organized, in the slot molded into the console that provides power-point access.
The 60/40-split second row features comfortable reclining angles of up to 15 degrees, while also folding and pivoting in one simple movement, either by the seat-mounted lever or a unique Easy Fold? remote switch accessible from the liftgate. MKX provides 68.7 cubic feet of cargo volume when rear seats are folded flat.

MKX’s available all-glass Vista Roof? seems to ease stress and offer relief through its expansive outward view and open-air freedom. Vista Roof? features a large 27.3- by 29.4-inch forward sunroof with a one-touch-open switch for vent and tilt-and-slide operations. Dual power sunshades operate concurrently to
block out glare. Meanwhile, the fixed 15.75- by 31.3-inch rear moon roof provides an outside view for rear-seat occupants as well.

The available DVD-based navigation system features a 6.5-inch-wide screen and text-to-speech technology that recites travel directions in English, Spanish or French.
MKX offers an available intelligent all-wheel-drive (AWD) system tuned with an emphasis on luxury performance and confident all-weather driving. Paired with available traction control, intelligent AWD can transfer torque front-to-rear and side-to-side.

My Lincoln MKX was in Reserve trim in an All-Wheel Drive configuration, powered by the 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6. The exterior was sprayed in a Ruby Red metallic tinted clear coat, while the interior was done in Charcoal and Cappuccino premium leather tones with wood trim accents. The base price was set at $49,650., while the price as tested rose to $58,740.
after factoring in the options

SUMMARY: The 2016 Lincoln MKX is an excellent example of today?s modern crossover utility vehicle genre. It is stylishly attractive, quite comfortable in terms of ride quality, pleasing in the acceleration department, with smooth shifts provided by the 6-speed SelectShift automatic transmission that also allows for manual shifting. The handling characteristics are on par with those of many luxury sedans.

There?s lots of technology, versatility and functionality present in the MKX. Is it a bargain? Perhaps, perhaps not, depending upon one?s personal perspective. Fortunately, it is has become more Lincolnesque, now capable of meeting what one generally anticipates or expects, which is admirable since the Lincoln Motorcar Company is supposed to be Ford Motor Company?s cream of the crop. Hopefully now Lincoln devotees will perceive the MKX as living up to the legend. Taste is of course a personal thing, and the design is now indeed most attractive and very similar to the gorgeous Lincoln MKT, which is actually more wagon-like in form. The Panoramic Vista roof adds a feeling of spaciousness.

Areas that allow room for improvement: The manual hood prop rod for such a heavy hood ? there are no gas strut assists as with most luxury vehicles; and I found the center stack?s edge to be somewhat intrusive, though it isn?t likely to be a problem for most drivers. Back to the plus side: the power lift gate has a power return button, and may be opened ?hands-free? with a sweep of one?s foot beneath the rear fascia. Parallel parking is a breeze, as is exiting the parking space with the advanced active Park Assist.

All in all, the 2016 Lincoln MKX is a stellar CUV, especially with the 2.7-liter ExoBoost power source.

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Arv Voss is a Northern California based freelance motoring Journalist and member and past officer of several noted Automotive Journalist organizations who contributes regularly to a number of national and international media outlets. He reviews not only cars, trucks and SUVs, but motorcycles and unusual wheeled vehicles as well.