Lincoln MKX
Intro
The MKX is yet another of the highly anticipated Crossover Utility Vehicles (CUV) of 2006. We expect to see the release in early Fall of 2006.
Specs
Engine: 3.5L V6 265 horsepower
Release: Early Fall 2006
Fuel Efficiency: 20/27mpg
Safety: 4 Wheel ABS, Dual Front Airbags, Dual Side airbags, overhead airbags, and security system.
Warranty: Bumper-to-Bumper 50k, Major parts 50k, and Roadside Assist 50k
Entertainment: DVD navigation, DVD Entertainment system
Wheels: 18inch alloys
Panoramic Sunroof
We have been hearing grumblings that this SUV will be priced at $35k to $40k which is pretty competitive.
The MKX is built on the same platform as the new Ford Edge and it is the very first crossover vehicle for the Lincoln brand. Lincoln is hoping to steal some marketshare from the early entrant the Lexus RX CUV. Sure there are a lot of new crossovers coming out, but not too many are going after the luxury market. And let me tell you, boy did Lincoln go all out on this one. The interior is simply breathtaking. And I mean that. I love the blonde wood inlays and light tan interior coupled with chrome and silver accents. The navigation system and console is just about as sleek as you can get. I almost feel like im in the future.
Upon seeing this car at the NY Auto show, the very first thing that hits you is the sunroof. Scratch that. This isn't a 'sunroof'. This is a 'skylight'. It is literrally a glass roof. I can't even imagine what this would be like to drive on a warm summer day scenic drive. With the roof down it feels like you are in some sort of strange futuristic convertible SUV. Very cool. This is a huge selling point for me. I get plenty of sunshine here in Southern California but can't go with a convertible because I need the cargo space of an SUV. I expect there are plenty of people in this situation, and that is why I expect this to sell very well for Lincoln.
What other lavish features can I drool over. Well I recall the speaker system being out of this world. It is 14 speakers and is THX certified to knock your socks off. MP3 connectivity and the whole works of course. This thing is loaded with very functional technology.
As for options, the "Vista Roof" that I was talking about above runs $1,800 and the upgraded THX sound system is another $1k. Then there is an "Ultimate Package" which is $2k and comes with power liftgate, memory settings for seats and mirrors, 10 way adjustable seats (front only), 18" alloys, adaptive headlights, and much more. I think this add on is certainly worth it along with the Vista Roof. As for the navigation system, it is an extra $2k as well. So if you really want to deck this thing out you can get it up another $6k or so above the base.
Also some exciting news out of the NY Auto show, the MKX could be seeing a hybrid version come 2010. Yes this is a way away, but it is nice to dream of an SUV getting 45 miles to the gallon.
More news is that Lincoln has beefed up the standard safety features, adding in side curtain airbags standard. This is a huge safety plus and should put this car among the best in class for safety. Though we don't have official safety ratings yet.
As for the test drive, we didn't get one unfortunately. But we will have the opportunity in the next few weeks. So check back and we will post that in car review right here. I am going to put these baby through everything. I have been told that I will even be able to take it "off road" a little bit to see how she handles on some less stable terrain. KEEP IN MIND: this is not a 4x4 SUV. This is basically a modified SUV body on a car chassis. So gravel roads and light trails are ok, but you sure won't be doing any river fording.