What is it?
2011 Lincoln MKX
What's special about it?
Some might consider the 2011 Lincoln MKX the "MyLincoln Touch" edition, as it will be the first Ford product to offer the new driver interface technology. MyLincoln Touch is essentially the latest version of Sync packaged with extra features and controlled by a slick, iPhone-style touchscreen. A bit gimmicky maybe, but high-end crossover buyers love that kind of stuff; at least that's what Lincoln is counting on.
If the ability to tag songs on the radio isn't enough, however, the Lincoln MKX also features more traditional upgrades like a larger-displacement V6, a retuned suspension and additional safety features.
The slightly bigger 3.7-liter V6 produces 305 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, yet still returns 25 mpg, Lincoln says. More aggressive 18-inch tires and revised shocks and springs are said to provide better cornering performance without making you pay the price with added interior noise. Upgraded brakes are also part of the revisions for 2011.
But forget about all that hardware stuff for a minute, as this MKX also boasts a long list of new electronic safety gadgets. There's an adaptive cruise control and collision warning system that not only maintains your speed in varying degrees of traffic but also readies the brakes if it senses an impending collision.
Then there's the blind-spot information system, which not surprisingly alerts drivers to the presence of cars in the blind spot. It's coupled with a cross-traffic alert system that also warns of cars moving in from the side when you're backing out of a parking spot. Finally, there's My Key, which basically allows you to preset things like top speed and maximum stereo volume when you hand the car over to your kid.
Visual changes to the MKX include a split-wing grille, new two-piece LED taillamps, revised wheel designs and 4-inch oval exhaust tips. So nothing dramatic, really, just a tidying up of what was already a fairly clean design.
Same goes for the interior, where Lincoln designers basically just went through and upgraded all the materials instead of making any wholesale design changes. It's the usual boasting of higher-grade textures, more visible leather stitching, additional aluminum trim and improved seat comfort.
Inside Line says: It's doubtful that any of these changes will draw in new buyers to the brand. If anything, they'll make current Lincoln loyalists feel that much better about their purchase, and good word of mouth is never a bad thing. — Ed Hellwig, Senior Editor
Add A Comment »
jmk10 says:
08:22 PM, 06/20/2010
I have a 2007 Cadillac SRX with the 320 HP Northstar engine and magnetic ride control. My brother has the Lexus RX and my Caddy is way way better than the Lexus in every way you can think of. Now it is Lincoln's turn.........please notice that latest JD Power dependability study had Lincoln ranked 2nd amongst all car makes. I have got a feeling that this version of the MKX is going to be great.........the first one was not.........it was a hyped up Edge.
I am real close to ordering one of the new 2011's when they come out. The rice burners are going down and now is the time for Ford and GM to assert themselves........and from I am seeing from Ford and GM, they are on their way with some great products.
Easy Rider
calspecial68 says:
06:03 PM, 01/20/2010
Okay, okay. This might be taking it a bit too far Lincoln. Im a Dearborn boy and i love the split-wing grille, but i fear that by pasting it on every new car you will wear it out too fast. It looks pretty good though. And why take off the full-width taillights? Those were a fresh design compared to every other crossover.
charlesb says:
05:33 PM, 01/17/2010
A hideous eyesore. I'm sure the Dearborn boys are proud.
twhist says:
12:48 PM, 01/14/2010
@ sassy_J: You sound crazy........Its way more than a glorified FORD.....might i add FORD has better quality than Toyota and Honda......now thats FACT! The MKX has gotten great responses since its debut........from journalist to customers! @ kingisback350 stupid grills lol im glad the rest of the buyers dont feel like you........that truck is HOTTTT! Ford is at the top of there game......car and truck of the year......go head FORD and kick GM, Chrysler, toyota and any other names you'd like to put in the running butt!
sassy_j says:
11:47 AM, 01/12/2010
nothing more than a Glorified Ford Edge with fancy, but ugly, braces, no thanks!
Gimme the Audi Q5.
iskch says:
10:56 AM, 01/12/2010
All I can say the MKX has a confortable back seat. My brother and sister in law have both a Lincoln MKX and a GMC Acadia both with leather seats. The Lincoln MKX are better for lower back support than the Acadia. 30 minutes ride in the Acadia and I'm ready to get out. The Lincoln no problem. The only thing bad with the Lincoln do not get the panoramic sun/moonroof. That thing rattles all the time.
peanut7 says:
09:48 AM, 01/12/2010
I have to say the domestics are really designing great exterior/interior vechicles. I do hear from many people about the beak, could be less, but had same feeling from Audi's front nose. Cant wait to put my order in when my lease is up in June.
nutsaboutcars says:
07:48 AM, 01/12/2010
Nice interior and dash layout very refined looking,,A premium crossover of this type I hop it has a nice quiet ride and no squeaks and ratlles after a few miles on it
kingisback350 says:
07:01 AM, 01/12/2010
STUPID GRILLE. all lincolns have stupid grilles...
stingray454 says:
06:50 AM, 01/12/2010
I hate that grille so much. It's a nice vehicle, but that grille is so bad it is a deal-killer for me. It's nearly as ugly as Acura's grilles.