Lincoln MKX 2011 gets frontal facelift and more

Ford has facelifted the luxury version of the Ford Edge, revealing the 2011 Lincoln MKX midsize crossover at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show.

The most obvious change is the toothy new grille for the redesigned face, as well as redone tail-lights and new wheels.

The 2011 MKX comes with a nicer interior utilising soft-touch cabin trim, as well as now offering the all-new MyLincoln Touch multimedia technology which “delivers a smarter, safer, simpler way to connect drivers with in-car technologies and their digital lives.”

The industry-first Touch experience, powered by Ford’s SYNC, replaces traditional vehicle buttons, knobs and gauges with LCD screens and five-way buttons like those found on cell phones and MP3 players. The screens can be personalised to display information relevant to each individual driver using a simple button click, voice command or touch screen tap.

In addition to the usual audio and climate control features, the touch-sensitive technology also operates the volume and fan controls, which is exclusive to Lincoln. Passengers can swipe their fingers along the slider to adjust the volume. The fan control is operated in a similar fashion. There are also iPod docking features as well as some features involving HD Radio tagging that are irrelevant in our technologically-lagging region.

Standard MyLincoln Touch and remote start lead the list of features that are new for the 2011 Lincoln MKX, including adaptive cruise control, collision warning with brake support, blind spot information system (BLIS) with cross traffic alert, MyKey to let parents limit the vehicle’s top speed and audio volume for their stupid kids, capless fuel-filler system, and stability control.

Other features include 18-inch or 20-inch wheels, new brakes, retuned suspension, and better quietness. Ford’s internal preliminary data show the 2011 MKX scores better in voice-control speech recognition, wind noise and sound package than competitors from Lexus and Audi.

Power for the 2011 Lincoln MKX is supplied by the 3.7-litre Duratec V6, which employs Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) to increase horsepower and torque without compromising fuel economy. It is now good for 305 hp and 379 Nm of torque, while mated to a 6-speed SelectShift automatic that doesn’t shift automatically in manual mode, like some others do.

All-new leather-trimmed seats, comfort sections and standard tuxedo stripe embrace the new Lincoln DNA sew style. More genuine aluminium appliqués are standard, with aluminium accents on the door added to the instrument panel. Two available wood accents can be had on the steering wheel, dashboard and doors.

The 2011 Lincoln MKX will be built at Ford’s Canadian plant, and should become available in the UAE and other GCC countries by the end of 2010. For future updates, visit the Lincoln MKX buyer guide.