Detroit 2010: Lincoln MKX

[mustang84]

The final piece of the Lincoln puzzle is here. Meet the new 2011 MKX. And yes, it does look quite a bit like the MKT. Depending on where you stand vis-a-vis the current MKX, the visual difference is either just a change, or a much needed improvement. Most of us are siding with the latter, though we fully realize that many folks simply don't like the MKT. Bottom line, it is what is.

The really story is not the exterior - it's the interior. Specifically, the MKX is the first vehicle getting Ford's all new Minority Report-inspired (no, really) MyFord Touch system. Although in this application the futuristic navigation, entertainment, climate and phone system is called MyLincoln Touch. Hey, what's in a name.

There's more inside to greet you than just MyLincoln Touch, as the MKX features vastly improved materials than not only the previous car, but all other Lincolns. We touched, we felt and please trust us - the MKX is an nice, upscale place to be. Also, they've banished buttons. Literally, there aren't any on the center stack. Instead you're treated to a series of touch sensitive sliders. George Takei would be stoked. The best part: all this inner goodness will soon be making its way across the Lincoln lineup.

More: http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/12/detroit-2010-lincoln-mkx-gets-facelift-mylincoln-touch/

[Intrepidation]

Wow, inside and out I love it. Didn't really care for the old one but the new nose and interior do it wonders.

[cire]

Wow, inside and out I love it. Didn't really care for the old one but the new nose and interior do it wonders.

I agree. It looks more upscale and appropriate for the Lincoln brand.

[Blake Noble]

Can I haz Oldsmobile? Slap Rocket and Bravada badges on it and ... well I've said too much.

The interior is damn nice, though.

[ocnblu]

Ford seems to be able to give their existing vehicles such a perfect set of updates, they come out feeling like clean-sheet redesigns. This is a great looking vehicle.

[§carlet §wordfish]

The front and side look okay, but the new taillights just suck.

[Brougham-Holiday]

If I were Buick I would be worried about this suv. That interior is going to grab a ton of customers and finally looks like a Lincoln.

[Drew Dowdell]

If I were Acura/Lexus I would be worried about this suv. That interior is going to grab a ton of customers and finally looks like a Lincoln.

Fixed.

The Enclave, though a few years old, can hold it's own.

The Acura MDX and Lexus RX have just had their mid-cycle uglifications.

[Robert Hall]

Fixed.

The Enclave, though a few years old, can hold it's own.

The Acura MDX and Lexus RX have just had their mid-cycle uglifications.

The RX was redesigned for the 3rd gen in '09 for MY '10, can't imagine it's had any updates yet. Don't forget the MKX's main competitor--the new Cadillac SRX.

Edited January 13, 2010 by Cubical-aka-Moltar

[Drew Dowdell]

That's a whole new RX? Geeze... who knew.

[siegen]

Lol. I haven't been keeping up with Lincoln but it looks like they're trying to follow Acura's path in differentiating themselves, and are failing just as bad.

[Robert Hall]

Lol. I haven't been keeping up with Lincoln but it looks like they're trying to follow Acura's path in differentiating themselves, and are failing just as bad.

I don't know, I like Lincoln's Oldmobile tribute grill treatment more than the Acura shield.

I assume since it's on it's way out the Town Car won't get this nose, but what about the Navigator? I wonder if it and Expedition will carry on?

[Intrepidation]

It's not really like the Olds design. With most Oldsmobiles the "grill" was just long headlights. If there was any grill it was an extension (same height as)of the headlights. Also on Oldsmobiles the lower intake tended to be split to mimic the headlights whereas Lincolns have been using either a one or three piece lower intake.

So really, Lincoln's design is nothing like it.

[Robert Hall]

It's not really like the Olds design. With most Oldsmobiles the "grill" was just long headlights. If there was any grill it was an extension (same height as)of the headlights. Also on Oldsmobiles the lower intake tended to be split to mimic the headlights whereas Lincolns have been using either a one or three piece lower intake.

So really, Lincoln's design is nothing like it.

You are thinking of very recent Olds history...

The resembalance isn't to the most recent Oldses... I'm thinking '70s-80s Oldses...they had the big 2 piece grilles, often w/ vertical bars. Think 1970 Cutlass. Various Delta 88s. The Lincoln nose reminds me of a modernized version of a '70s-80s Olds front treatment.

I know the official Lincoln line is that it's meant to evoke the early '40s Continentals and Zephyrs, but I think more people would connect it w/ the Olds style of 40-20 years ago rather than a Lincoln from 70 years ago...

Edited January 13, 2010 by Cubical-aka-Moltar

[Intrepidation]

Doesn't matter what they associate it with, the fact is, as you stated, Lincoln's grill design inspiration comes from Their 1940's Continental.

[Robert Hall]

Doesn't matter what they associate it with, the fact is, as you stated, Lincoln's grill design inspiration comes from Their 1940's Continental.

Odd that they chose that styling cue, so long ago, I doubt if very many prospective buyers are aware of it.

[Intrepidation]

Since most don't even know what engine tehy have I doubt it. Neat design though, certainly different from what's sold today.

[daves87rs]

Wow, inside and out I love it. Didn't really care for the old one but the new nose and interior do it wonders.

+1

[Lamar]

Anyone else notice it gets the 3.7L V6 tuned the same as the Mustang? They don't say if it's an option or standard though.

[Blake Noble]

My grille ... I want it back plz.

[Intrepidation]

Replace the badge with an Arrow and we could say the same thing. Also the `45 Continental is little bit older than your Cutlass and at least has soem resemblence to Lincoln's new grill. This has nothing other than there being a piece of painted metal between the grills. You know, also like a BMW.

[Blake Noble]

"... piece of painted metal between the grilles ..."

Actually, the Olds stone shield was plastic too.

[Robert Hall]

"... piece of painted metal between the grilles ..."

Actually, the Olds stone shield was plastic too.

Really..interesting. In '70, I've read that the center piece was attached to the hood, like a tooth to smash your head on.

[Blake Noble]

Really..interesting. In '70, I've read that the center piece was attached to the hood, like a tooth to smash your head on.

I'm not 100 percent sure, but I think the '70s hood-mounted stone shield was plastic too. I just know the stone shield on my '72 is plastic (original and the reproduction replacement); same for '71 models. '71 and '72 models are not, obviously, mounted to the hood.

Edited January 21, 2010 by whiteknight