2011 Lincoln MKX

2011 Lincoln MKX Car Review

Test driven by Lauren Fix, The Car Coach®

A quick trip to Washington, DC allowed me to test drive two new Lincoln products. Please also check out the new MKS Hybrid article as well.

Lincoln has changed its image over the years to a more modern refined design, that’s fuel-efficient and class leading technology.

A crossover utility vehicle or CUV has become an attractive alternative to a sedan or SUV. It has the best off all worlds, great ride and plenty of space for hauling what ever you need. The growing segment of CUV’s has also brought of luxury versions that will fulfill your needs and desires.

The MKX takes the lead in by presenting a well crafted, flowing, upscale exterior design that a luxury crossover should be today.

“The exterior design of the new Lincoln MKX further differentiates itself from other crossovers while at the same time embracing signature Lincoln DNA,” said Hak Soo Ha, exterior design manager. “Craftsmanship, luxury and innovation define the 2011 Lincoln MKX.”

With advanced segment-exclusive technologies like MyLincoln Touch™ driver connect technology, make the new MKX intuitive & connected to our crazy lifestyles.

Here are some of the highlights that make the MKX a car you want to own:

• Intricate, jewel-like style

• Adaptive HID (high-intensity discharge) headlamps and indirect LED tail lamps

• 18″ & 20″ wheels polished with low rolling resistant tires
• Split chrome grill – A new distinctive split-wing grille reinforces its place in the Lincoln family

• Chrome sculpted car with attention to detail like a piece of jewelry

• Premium materials on the seats, dash and door panels.

• Wrapped & stitched instrument & door trim panels
• STD heated & cooled seats

• Clean and seamless center stack- black piano style surround is also available
• Full color LCD screens

• Finger slide to adjust volume and fan speed

• Light & dark wood and aluminum trim interior options

• My Lincoln Touch includes:

  • Push button start
  • Easy fuel – capless fuel filler
  • My key
  • Heated steering wheel
  • Adaptive cruise and collision warningBlind spot detection and collision alert

• Ford Sync System

  • HD radio and iTunes tagging
  • Sirius satellite radio with replay, travel link, “Eco” routing, grace note media to supplement your music makes this personalized to you.
  • Blue tooth
  • Touch screen
  • Voice recognition and control- 10,000 commands and easier to use
  • One shot destination entry for navigation system
  • 2 USB ports, RCA jacks
  • My temp set to the driver
  • Phone connection allows pictures to be seen on the screen
  • Text messaging features that read the text to you so your eyes are on the road.
  • Wi-Fi connectivity with a modem connected to one of the USB slots

• Top premium audio systems with THX certified audio system designed by George Lucas plus 14 speakers blended with a 600 watt 12 channel amplifier and a DTS neural surround sound system that creates the best sound system you can imagine.

Engine

3.7-liter V6 engine 305 hp/ 280 torque that’s 40 more than last year

Fuel Economy

19/26 mpg

Price was not released at time of article.

Driving impressions:

The first thing noticed was the improved handling and ride over previous year MKX’s. There was more of a connected steering feel to the road and a flatter response around corners with the upgraded shocks. It made the MKX really hug the road and give a confident feeling. I do like the better brakes as well, stopping is just as important as going.

The driver connect technologies are clean, capable and intuitive. I tried the controls for my iphone and found them simple and easy to use, the entertainment and navigation systems were fun, hi-tech and accurate as well. I personally like the finger touch climate and sound controls as this was similar to a mouse pad and pretty cool new technology. I did notice that the SYNC function were easier to use with a more casual choice of words it still understood what I wanted.

Experiencing luxury is a nice way to drive through life on a daily basis. I wouldn’t mind having a MKX in my garage, it certainly wouldn’t get bored with it.

For more information check out: www.lincoln.com or go to a Lincoln dealer near you.