Lincoln’s MKX crossover SUV has been significantly redesigned for 2011. The revisions include the addition of Ford’s highly-interactive MyLincoln Touch interface, a tour de force of electronic connectivity and technology that suits the avant-garde appearance of the latest MKX.
Sleek design and modern presence
I may be in the minority with this perception, but I prefer the slightly retro design language of the 2010 Licoln MKX over the more daring, thoroughly modern lines of the 2011 version. Gone for 2011 are the 60s-inspired rectangular grille and the full-width taillight treatment, both of which I admired.
Also gone is the squared-off instrument panel and dashboard; again, throwback elements that I found nostalgic. Okay, enough sentiments of the past, the new face of the MKX is sleek and distinctive. Thanks to its massive winged waterfall grille, the nose of the MKX now aligns with the MKS, MKT and MKZ in defining the Lincoln family.
Although the side profile and tail of the vehicle remain fairly true to last year’s design, the taillight arrangement and rear bumper integration have been reworked for 2011, giving the popular Lincoln a cleaner, more upscale appearance.
Complementing the exterior revisions is a refreshed cabin that includes the MyLincoln Touch system as standard equipment.
Cabin goes hi-tech
The MyLincoln Touch interface eliminates the presence of conventional buttons and dials to manage in-car functions, such as climate control and audio settings. The absence of typical switchgear results in a clean, hi-tech appearance to the MKX’s centre stack, but in my mind, it’s a hung jury on which setup is preferable to the average techno-peasant such as moi.
Sure, the touch-sensitive slide bars that adjust audio volume and fan speed are simple enough to use, and the capacitive switches surrounding them instantly trigger at the touch of a finger, but the entire setup requires a period of acclimation before things become intuitive.
More challenging to adapt to is the myriad of settings and functions accessed through the touch-screen that also displays navigation and other operations. Now, don’t think that adapting to the technology is difficult—really, it isn’t—but it does take time to become intuitive.
If one’s not keen to embrace the MyLincoln interface, Ford’s SYNC voice-recognition technology will perform a multitude of commands. The latest SYNC setup is friendlier than in the past, plus its somewhat androgynous mortal being is far more tolerant and receptive to guess work.
Adhering to precise phrases and terminology is no longer essential. The system’s brain now has greater ability to properly interpret typical descriptions used by the driver to reference needs. The only inhibition to get over is that of talking to your car. I’ve always felt a bit loony conversing with my car in the presence of passengers.
The combination of MyLincoln Touch and SYNC is a pretty cool advancement in automotive technology despite their inherent quirks and nuances. Will the technology stick? I suspect it will, as tech-savvy Gen X’ers move into the Lincoln marketplace.
Along with leading-edge electronics, the cabin of the MKX holds plenty of comfort, luxury and conspicuous style. My tester spoiled me with heated/cooled front seats and impressive THX audio along with two video entertainment screens.
Although the upscale cabin is spacious enough, I didn’t find as much front-seat legroom as expected in a large North-American vehicle. This is not likely problematic for the vast majority of us, but beanpoles may not agree, yet I’m certain they too will appreciate the power and performance of the MKX.
V6 power but no EcoBoost
There’s plenty of heat under the hood, but it’s not generated by Ford’s impressive EcoBoost V6 engine. Rather, it’s their more-basic 3.7-litre V6 mill that produces 305 horsepower 6,500 rpm and 280 pound-feet of torque @ 4,000 rpm that does the heavy lifting.
A 6-speed autobox manages the horses prior to their dispersal to all four wheels. All MKX products sold in Canada are of the all-wheel drive variety. Despite the AWD configuration, fuel economy is rated at 12.2 L/100 km and 8.8 L/100 km, city and highway driving respectively.
With an average city-driving consumption in the range of 13.8 L/100 km, my tester failed to achieve the posted city rating—but this is not unusual. Adding slight reprieve to the real-world economy is the use of regular fuel in place of higher-priced premium.
Overall performance is decent, with strong acceleration from a standing start and in the passing lane. Somewhat annoying to me, though, was the touchiness of the throttle.
As if to communicate a greater sense of power than what’s actually available, the gas pedal in the MKX delivers more initial kick than desired. Plenty of feathering is needed to avoid jerky starts. Notwithstanding the hyper throttle mapping, the MKX is a creamy smooth performer—and that goes for ride quality as well.
Wrapping the MKX
Its steering feels a little heavy at slow speeds, but otherwise, the 2011 Lincoln MKX is a delightful mid-size crossover SUV that places Lincoln ahead of the pack when it comes to in-car electronics and driver interface technology.
Regrettably, Ford’s EcoBoost engine has yet to find its way beneath the sloping bonnet of the MKX. Despite its absence, the AWD Lincoln is well-powered but perhaps not quite as operationally refined as it could be—mechanical technology needs to catch up to electronic technology.
