The final production version of the 2016 Lincoln MKX has finally arrived, following the past preview of a concept car that carried the same name. Lincoln has also released the full details of the sport-utility vehicle, which debuted recently at the Detroit Auto Show.
Lincoln touts the new MKX as the most powerful, best-riding, best-handling and quietest car and has upgraded the car's body structure and chassis to give it a lower, wider look. It also features a 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 engine which is expected to bring more than 370 pound-feet of torque and 330 hp. Electric power steering and Ford's adaptive steering system are standard.
"To build a brand like this takes a very long time," said Kumar Galhotra, president of Lincoln. "We're fully committed to it, but it's going to be a long-term journey. I don't know how long."
Apart from the 2.7-liter EcoBoost that was mentioned earlier, the 2016 MKX is also coming out with an optional version that has a standard 3.7-liter V-6 engine and an estimated 300 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. The final performance data will be announced as the car gets closer to its market launch. Both engine types are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission that has paddle shifters. The front-wheel drive comes as a standard component, and all-wheel drive is available.
Some of the notable features that one can expect from the 2016 Lincoln MKX Crossover include the dual exhaust system, tailgate mounted spoiler, wraparound taillights, split wing grille, optional LED headlights, plastic body cladding and muscular rear fenders. The car's interior will feature premium leather upholstery, wood trim, metallic accents, floating center console and infotainment system that comes with a touch screen.
While Lincoln is a brand that's known to stay with their owners as they get near their retirement years, the new MKX model hopes to attract the attention of slightly younger buyers.
"It will be families with older kids, but kids who are still at home," said Galhotra. "And we expect a more affluent buyer."
Various options can be made available to the 2016 MKX. These include a new Revel premium audio system, a 360-degree view camera, vehicle-control app, and built-in modem. The car will also have some driver-assisting features such as lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring. Lincoln is also offering a new precollision assist system and full-LED units.
Lincoln is yet to reveal the pricing details of the next MKX, which is set to go on sale in the second half of the year, but the 2015 MKX started at $38,900. It will initially be available in the U.S. and Canada. Other markets will follow, including South Korea, China, the Middle East and Mexico.
