Lincoln MKX 2011

Car Name: Lincoln MKX

Brand Name: Lincoln

TopClass View

MKX has only been a member of Lincoln’s model line since 2007, so there’s not a whole lot of history. But tweaking that old Oldsmobile ad line to fit this updated crossover—focusing on how it shrugs off the cobwebs of yesteryear—does seem to make some sense here.

For example, unlike the first edition, with its throwback-to-the-’60s grille, the redesigned front end appears to eschew overt retroness. Or at least it puts the retro vibe a couple decades more distant (remember the 1941 Continental?). Anyway, whether there’s a hint of design heritage or not, this much is unassailable: This Lincoln’s new look isn’t going to be confused with anything else, including the Ford Edge, on which the MKX is based.

Although the sheetmetal has been extensively and eye-catchingly revised and the interior attractively and comfortably upgraded, perhaps the most striking element of this vehicle’s freshening is its collection of center-stack secondary controls, an array that is utterly devoid of traditional switches and knobs. It’s called MyLincoln Touch. Combining audio, climate, and navigation functions, it’s standard and essentially a duplicate of the optional MyFord Touch system in the Ford Edge.

So, there’s no volume dial to twirl. No levers or rocker switches. Just a large touchscreen that can double as the display for the voice-activated nav system (optional) and backup camera (ditto), as well as several small, touch-sensitive “buttons”—to select radio stations, for example—and “sliders” to control the HVAC fan speed and stereo volume. Is having no moving parts a good thing? From the perspective of manufacturing simplicity, the answer is probably yes. But from the perspective of the operator, we have to say the jury’s out.

TopClass View

Frontside View

Side View

Front Straight View

Interior Front Seats View

Interior Staring View

TopClass Backside View