2016 Lincoln MKX video review
This a product from the Ford stable that has the luxury Edge – if you see what I mean?
By Shahzad Sheikh
You’re probably wondering, as I was, what this car is. Just as we do with people, we humans tend to feel the need to categorise and compartmentalise cars, so as to enable our preconceived perceptions of what a vehicle is, who it’s meant for and what it does.
See 2016 Lincoln MKX video review below
With Lincolns that’s particularly hard at the moment because not only the does the new slatted and winged family face make it very difficult to discern the difference between the vehicles in the range, but the names don’t mean anything either.
At least Lincoln’s parent Ford gives us great names like Figo, Focus, Explorer, Fusion and Mustang. To equate it to one of those, you need simply to know that this particularly Lincoln – the MKX – is its version of the Edge.
Ah, suddenly you can visualise it. Medium-sized family SUV that’s as ideal for the school run as it is for the family-on-a-roadtrip holidays. Except of course, this is a Lincoln – which instantly endows it with an extra layer of class and quality, not to mention a lavishly appointed interior packed with toys – including substantial safety kit.
Watch the video review above and you’ll see it is very well kitted out, and hopefully we’ll try to clear up even more confusion, and that is that this 2.7 AWD is actually the range-topping car, whilst the 3.7 version is the entry-level car! Yep, the 2.7 is an Ecoboost V6 putting out 346bhp and 400lb ft of torque, whilst the 2.7 only provides 308bhp and 280lb ft of torque – and that to at a higher 4000rpm compared to just 3000rpm for peak torque in the 2.7.
The Ecoboost is quick too with a 0-100kph time of 6.3seconds, not bad for a luxury family SUV, and it’s helped by standard all-wheel drive grip, a six-speed auto, electric variable ratio steering and active suspension. Top speed is 214kph and it’s an excellent high-speed cruiser with a great ride.
Whilst responsive enough, and certainly quick enough, this is not a sporty thing though when it comes to handling, clearly set up more for ease of driving and comfortable conveyance.
Verdict
A pretty darn good offering in the luxury SUV segment, with great performance, a generous level of equipment, inviting and comfortable interior and excellent showroom appeal. Where it falls down a little bit is in the confusion of identity – not just how it fits in the Lincoln range as it’s hard to tell the SUVs apart, but also the badging on the back with the smaller number being the more premium car.
But then you could always debadge it and perhaps people not knowing what it is, is not necessarily a bad thing. The only other issue then, that the MKX is confronted with, is its cousin – the Ford Edge. For around the starting price of the MKX, you can get the range-topping Edge, yes that will only have the 3.7, but it’s an attractive proposition in itself and more readily recognised in this market.
2016 Lincoln MKX – The Specs
Price: 2.7 AWD: AED255,000 ($69,500)
Engine: 2.7-litre V6, 346bhp @ 5250rpm, 400lb ft @ 3000rpm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic, All-wheel drive
Performance: 0-100kph 6.3, Top Speed 214kph, 12.0L/100km (est)
Weight: 1950kg (est)
