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2007 Lincoln MKX Preview

Goodbye Aviator, Hello MKX

OK, Lincoln, you really threw a loop at me. Here Ive been talking up an upcoming Aviator crossover for the last year or so, and then you go and change your naming strategy to a letter system, something Ill get into in a minute, and dub it MKX.

If it wasnt for the MKS concept which debuted on the same stage in Detroit on Monday, January 9, I might have thought Lincoln was reaching back to an old naming scheme, calling the new MKX the Mark Ten, in a similar fashion to how it previously designated top-line cars such as the ill-fated Mark VIII coupe, that introduced the brands fabulous dual-overhead cam, multi-valve Romeo V8, with roman numerals.

There were many previous Marks before that, mind you, the 56 through 57 Mark II and 1970 Mark III being personal favorites, but realizing that there was no production Mark IX after

Lincoln has turned a new page in its restructuring manual, now introducing a crossover thats sure to bring new customers to its showrooms. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

the Mark VIII was cancelled, but rather an absolutely stunning concept that debuted in 2001, and that the Ford F-150-based Mark LT pickup preceded it with no Roman reference, MKX, which shouldnt be confused with the T-Bird-based Mark X Concept that definitely referred to the number ten when it debuted in 2004, is definitely an all-letter nomenclature.

Confused yet? Descriptive names are so much easier to remember and, for that reason, easier for marketing departments

The MKX, while attractive, is not quite as distinctive as the Aviator Concept (shown) Lincoln debuted first. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

to sell, but once again Ill get to this point in a minute. Rather, in coming up with the production trim MKX, Lincoln pulled forward many of the Aviator Concepts styling cues, but being that it is abandoning its retro design theme spurred on by other concepts such as the previously mentioned MK IX, Continental Concept sedan and the rather odd but nevertheless attractive Navicross crossover sedan, it has dropped such details as the lovely chrome shoulder trim piece that ran the length of the car, just like it did in Lincolns classic 61 Continental

The MKX is up against some incredibly stiff competition. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

sedan and four-door convertible models. This choice will no doubt reduce the cost of production, although it may make the new model slightly less distinctive than a production version of the concept would have been.

Overall, though, the new MKX is quite unique in its market segment, an ever growing category that sees longtime entries such as Lexus RX 330 and BMWs X5 lead in sales. The new Lincoln will also go up against Cadillacs SRX, Chryslers Pacifica Limited, Acuras MDX, Infinitis FX35/45, Mitsubishis Endeavor Limited, Saabs 9-7X, Volkswagens Touareg and Volvos XC90, at the lower end of the premium class, and

I first saw the MKX, then still thinking it was to be called the Aviator, in New York during a press preview of the Zephyr sedan (left). (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

Audis Q7, Mercedes-Benzs ML, Porsches Cayenne and the Range Rover Sport at the higher end - yes, Im sure Im missing a few.

Filling this segment is critical for Lincolns overall survival, as the CUV class is becoming so large that even average sales numbers can result in a major success, and by the looks of those present during the release of the model, an opportunity I had the pleasure of witnessing twice before the Detroit unveiling, my feeling is that Lincoln has hit the target - the first time I saw the MKX was in New York City when Lincoln gave us an overview and subsequent test drive of

The MKXs horizontal grille features a set of twelve chromed squares with thirty smaller squares in between, similar to the classic 61 Continental. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

its new Zephyr sedan, and the second opportunity was when Ford brought me to Dearborn for a design forum, where I also saw the MKS concept revealed, the new Ford Reflex concept, and others. While you may already be aware of my thoughts on Lincolns new concept sedan, which I find appears too derivatively Japanese to wear the all-American Lincoln nameplate, the MKX, like the new Zephyr, pays a decent level of respect to the luxury brands rich history. Most notable is its horizontal grille, featuring a set of twelve chromed squares with thirty smaller squares in between. OK, thats an odd description for sure, but what Lincoln has

Following the MKXs form rearward, the minimalist elegance continues. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

done by paying homage to its 1961 Continental is created something truly unique, truly American and, once again, truly Lincoln. Its adaptive headlight clusters are also stylish, not drawn as vertically as the Ford Edge, which shares the Lincolns general architecture, but rather in a more conservative fashion; simple rectangles with slight curvatures at their lower, outside edges that come to symmetrical points and follow seamlessly into both outer edges of the hood. Anything more daring would complicate the design, and draw attention away from the elegant, although rather large Lincoln badge at center. The entire front end is finished off with a graceful chrome strip dividing the grille from the hoodline, an attractive addition.

The leathers are soft, with perforated inserts on the seats that let out cool air in the summer, or heat in the winter. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

Following the MKXs form rearward, the minimalist elegance continues. The hood appears to be rather short, giving the CUV a slightly more masculine appearance than a Chrysler Pacifica, per se, and shoulder lines, as mentioned, are smooth and free of embellishment. Chrome is affectively applied to the sideview mirrors, the window surrounds, 18-inch alloy wheels, and "MKX" appliqué garnishing the front doors; its hardly overdone.

The same goes for its rear end styling, which uses chrome merely to highlight its horizontal light bar-style tail lamps, and for the Lincoln badge and designation lettering. A subtle spoiler sits atop the rear window, blacked out like the surrounding rear glass and rooftop. That Vista

The MKX moves Lincolns car division way upscale in terms of materials quality and build quality. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

Roof option is made up of black-glass, appearing as one sheet when looking from above and double moonroofs when peering upwards from inside the vehicle, just like the familial Land Rover LR3. Overall, the black glass effect offers a sporty profile. And the black glass couldnt contrast the show cars pearlescent white paint scheme any more, with the overall effect sporty, yet distinctively elegant.

"Lincoln MKX appeals to new luxury buyers who express their success through understated gestures," says Peter Horbury, executive director, North America Design. "Lincoln MKX achieves modern luxury with its confident stance, elegant shape and luxurious, comfortable interior."

That elegance carries forward into the cabin, which, like the new Zephyr, moves Lincolns car division

Luxury details and a unique design make for an intriguing cabin. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

way upscale in terms of materials quality and build quality. The leather is soft, with perforated inserts on the seats that let out cool air in the summer, or heat in the winter, the latter feature for front and rear seats, while attractive wood trim is laid into the dash, doors and center console, the latter embellished with stylish satin nickel trim.

That tall, rectangular center stack features a 600-watt, 14-speaker (with two subs) surround-sound, THX Certified audio system with an in-dash six-CD changer, and a large 6.5-inch-wide information screen that doubles as a navigation system with text-to-speech convenience, if so equipped. Just below, under a row of six ancillary buttons, is a neatly integrated automatic climate control system, with large buttons, easily operable while wearing gloves. All controls are made visible

Those in front will enjoy seats with eight-way power adjustment, including power lumbar for both. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

at night via the Lincoln brands "trademark" cool-white light, which, along with rich interior colors and other embellishments, creates a truly relaxing, upscale ambience.

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