Lincoln refines its award-winning MKX Crossover for 2009 with more innovations including available voice-activated navigation with industry exclusive SIRIUS Travel Link, standard power liftgate, and important customer conveniences like a front passenger grab handle, cargo compartment hooks, cargo net and universal garage door opener.
The 2009 Lincoln MKX is strength and elegance perfectly blended in a refined yet dynamic design. The MKX’s confident exterior and luxurious, quiet interior underscore the direction of Lincoln’s modern design. The high beltline is defined by a stroke of chromed trim that caps broad shoulders, pronounced wheel lips and short overhangs that give the MKX its wide, athletic stance. Standard chrome door handles and chromed caps on each side-view mirror add a dramatic finishing touch. Black rocker panels plant the vehicle to the ground, accentuating the standard 18in. wheels and tires. You can choose 20in. chrome-clad aluminum wheels for an added touch of upscale flair. Side marker light cut into the simple, clean fascia and bend around to the side of the vehicle. Chrome-ringed fog lamps are integrated into the lower fascia and echo the chrome-lipped dual exhausts. Distinctive lighting is a hallmark of modern Lincoln design, offering the perfect balance of art and functionality. An available adaptive front lighting system consists of motor-driven halogen low beams based on steering wheel input that swivel around curves. When cornering, the headlamps can illuminate a stretch of road up to 36 feet longer than conventional headlights.
Functional elegance is also the theme for the MKX’s liftgate lighting. The system uses 16 light-emitting diodes, eight outboard and eight inboard, flanking the Lincoln star. The result is an edge-to-edge band of illumination across the width of the liftgate.
Since its debut as a 2007 model, the Lincoln MKX has defined Lincoln’s presence in the fastest-growing premium crossover segment with its elegant exterior design, award-winning interior and third-party recognition for safety, quality and technology.
With features like 265hp 3.5 liter V8 mated to the smooth shifting six-speed automatic transmission, available all-wheel-drive, standard heated and cooled front seats and available heated rear seats, the MKX is poised to meet the demands of discriminating consumers.
Technological advances on the MKX include an available VistaRoof and standard AdvanceTrac with RSC (roll stability control, and solid unibody construction that have helped MKX earn a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Another factor that makes the MKX unique is that it provides luxury crossover consumers even more of what they expect from a luxury crossover with more industry-first innovations plus four special edition packages and a host of new standard features.
They include SYNC-the industry-exclusive, voice-activated, hands-free, in-car communications and entertainment system that adds new features for 2009, such as 911 Assist, which can directly contact 911 emergency personnel to dispatch help in the event of an airbag deployment or fuel shut-off. The 911 Assist feature allows call to be placed directly to a local 911 operator, eliminating the need to go through a call center operator first. There is no additional monthly fee for this feature since, when set up, it uses a customer’s existing mobile phone. Also coming to the upgraded SYNC system will be the Vehicle Health Report (VHR) function, which allows customers to monitor more than two dozen vehicle systems, receive maintenance reports in simple, user-friendly language and, when appropriate, schedule service online. Reports can also be printed or e-mailed as necessary.
Voice-activated navigation with SIRIUS Travel Link-Lincoln moves in-car connectivity forward with the available next-generation navigation system, available for the first time ever with SIRIUS Travel Link. This offers drivers and passengers access to up-to-the-minute information and entertainment content through the vehicle’s navigation system. Working through the standard feature SIRIUS satellite radio network, Travel Link offers, coast-to-coast coverage of real-time traffic data, weather reports (both current and five-day forecasts with storm information and even ski resort conditions), fuel options from more than 120,000 stations sorted by price or distance, major league pro and college sports as well as movie listings from more than 4,500 theaters. A six-month introductory subscription to SIRIUS Travel Link and SIRIUS satellite radio are included at no cost.
Lincoln MKX special packages-new for 2009, the Limited Edition offers a chrome grille on four colors-brilliant silver, vivid red, white platinum tri-coat and black charcoal. Both Limited Edition and Monochromatic Limited Edition packages offer 20in. chrome-clad wheels, fineline ebony wood interior accents, premium leather trimmed seats in charcoal black with medium light stone inserts and piping plus unique badging. Lincoln Star logos stitched on the first-row head restraints and headlamp lenses that are etched with the Lincoln Star for a unique effect.
In addition, the Ultimate Package for 2009, available on both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models, features 18in. eight-spoke chrome-clad wheels, adaptive lighting, the new ambient interior lighting feature, EasyFold second-row remote seat release, premium leather trimmed seating with contrast piping and a below-floor cargo management system. Also available on the Ultimate Package is the Ebony Interior Package, which includes premium leather trimmed seats in charcoal black with charcoal black piping and fineline ebony wood appliqués on the instrument panel, front and rear door trim and steering wheel.
Additional standard features on the MKX include power lumbar driver and front passenger seats, easy entry driver’s seat, memory driver’s seat and side mirrors, auto-dimming driver’s-side mirror and Reverse Sensing System.
The new Lincoln MKX has thought of everything to make your next trip more enjoyable, more comfortable, more focused and safer.
Lincoln’s modern identity is evident in Lincoln’s comfortable, elegant interior, which includes a new all-black and ebony combination for 2009.
Lincoln MKX boasts the quietest Lincoln interior yet. In addition to conventional sound-absorbing techniques such as a thick dash pad, laminated windshield and thick side glass, MKX blends unique materials to reduce road noise in the cabin. A constrained-layer barrier is fused to the rear wheelhouses, and sound-deadening material is welded behind the exterior trim panels.
The interior design is defined by a sweeping instrument panel flowing into a clean, well-organized center stack. Wood and bright nickel accents are carried to the door panels. Interior controls are bathed in Lincoln’s cool-white light for a pleasing nighttime cabin experience. For 2009, a new available ambient interior lighting package offers seven lighting color options to illuminate the footwells and cupholders.
Removable dividers in the center console let customers adapt storage space for anything from laptop computers to handbags and CDs. The center console also features a concealed power point-for a total of four throughout the interior-and an MP3 audio jack. Phone and MP3 player cords can be neatly organized, and a slot molded into the console provides power-point access. All dials, buttons and switches are within easy reach and fully illuminated for safe nighttime driving. Visibility forward, side and rear is excellent.
The interior is surprisingly spacious, defying its sleek exterior shape. Front seats have 10-way power adjustments including power lumbar for both driver and front passenger, along with standard heated and cooled features. The second row is sure to make all occupants comfortable with available heated seats, as well as ample headroom and legroom. A pull-down center panel contains dual cupholders and storage. Behind the center console are dual vents to bring heated or cool air more directly into the rear.
In addition, the 60/40-split second row features impressive reclining angles of up to
15-degrees. It also fold in one fluid motion, either by the seat-mounted lever or a unique available EasyFold remote switch accessible from the liftgate. Linocln MKX offers 68.7cu.ft. of cargo volume with the rear seats folded.
As drivers face more congested roads, MKX’s available all-glass Vista Roof brings stress relief through its unique outward view and open-air freedom. The Vista Roof features a large 27.3in. by 29.4in. forward sunroof with a one-touch-open switch for vent and tilt-and-slide operations. Dual power sunshades operate concurrently when you want to block out glare. Meanwhile, the fixed 15.75in. by 31.3in. rear moon roof gives rear seat viewers an outside view too. Both front windows features express, one-touch up/down.
The 2009 MKX offers the industry’s first, and only, THXII certified audio system designed by THX, a California company renowned for its movie theater systems.
The system uses the latest THX technologies to bring the home theater surround sound experience to the open road. The system uses a 12-channel amplifier to deliver 600-watts of power to a total of 12 speakers, including two subwoofers, strategically placed in the cabin.
For 2009 the next-generation navigation system includes the THXII system that also features a fast-loading six-disc changer that reads CDs in normal audio, MP3 compressed or text formats. The AM-FM tuner is compatible with the Radio Data Broadcasting System (RDBS) and displays participating radio station call letters, formats and song titles. The MKX also features an integrated MP3-audio input jack and power point conveniently concealed in the center console.
Powered by a 3.5 liter DOHC V6 engine making 265hp and mated to a smooth shifting 6-speed automatic transmission, MKX is Lincoln’s best example yet of easy and fun-to-drive performance thanks to its wide stance, four-wheel independent suspension and the brand’s well-honed driving DNA.
Lincoln MKX’s unibody construction provides a strong foundation for the four-wheel independent suspension. The MacPherson-strut front suspension also features L-shaped lower control arms, a stabilizer bar and is mounted to an isolated subframe that uses hydro-bushings to reduce unwanted steering wheel vibration and a minimum of noise or harshness.
A four-link independent rear suspension uses stamped steel control blades, monotube shocks integrated knuckles, and lateral links for precise suspension tuning and control at high-speeds on the open road or when cornering. The rear shocks are mounted outboard and behind the wheel center to further enhance ride and handling. The rear suspension is also mounted to an isolated subframe for less noise, vibration and harshness.
Lincoln MKX comes standard with four-wheel disc brakes and ABS.
The available intelligent all-wheel-drive system is tuned with an emphasis on luxury performance and confident all-weather driving. The system actively and seamlessly delivers torque to all four wheels, even before wheel slippage occurs. An active on-demand coupler delivers the precise amount of torque needed to the rear wheels. Paired with available traction control, intelligent AWD can transfer torque front-to-rear and side-to-side. The advanced 6-speed automatic uses a wide 6.04:1 gear ratio, along with multiple clutches for smooth, refined shifts.
Standard features not mentioned above include power locks, auto-dimming rearview mirror, remote keyless entry, two-speed rear wipers, privacy glass, heated, dual power mirrors with memory, dual electronic climate control, overhead console, dual lighted vanity mirrors, premium AM-FM stereo/clock/CD/MP3 with 6-speakers, floor mats, manual tilt/telescoping leather wrapped/wood steering wheel with cruise control/audio control buttons, active anti-theft system perimeter anti-theft alarm, tire pressure monitoring system, and universal garage door opener.
Standard safety features include AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control, Ford’s Personal Safety System which includes dual-stage driver and front passenger airbags, safety belt pretensioners/load limiters, Ford’s exclusive Safety Canopy Side Curtain Airbags for front and second rows, and Ford’s Beltminder for front seat occupants.
With a base price of just $36,700 and a fully loaded MKX coming in at just $40,000.00, the MKX is one of the best bargains in the premium luxury crossover segment.
You get great contemporary styling, plenty of power and superb performance, comfort, luxury, cutting-edge high-technology features, and the latest safety systems to make your drive fun, easy and memorable. I thoroughly enjoyed my seven day test drive behind the wheel of the new 2009 Lincoln MKX.
COPYRIGHT:2009:HARVEY SCHWARTZ
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SPECIFICATIONS
Price: MSRP $40,195 (as tested)
Type: Midsize SUV
Where Built: Canada
EPA Class: Sport Utility Vehicles
Dimensions
Exterior
Length: 186.5 in. Width: 75.8 in.
Height: 67.5 in. Wheel Base: 111.2 in.
Ground Clearance: 8.4 in. Curb Weight: 4400 lbs.
Gross Weight: 5370 lbs.
Interior
Front Head Room: 40 in. Front Hip Room: 54.8 in.
Front Shoulder Room: 58.9 in. Rear Head Room: 39.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room: 58.8 in. Rear Hip Room: 56.2 in.
Front Leg Room: 40.7 in. Rear Leg Room: 39.6 in.
Luggage Capacity: 32.3 cu. ft. Maximum Cargo Capacity: 69 cu. ft.
Maximum Seating: 5
Performance Data
Base Number of Cylinders: 6 Base Engine Size: 3.5 liters
Base Engine Type: V6 Horsepower: 265 hp
Max Horsepower: 6250 rpm Torque: 250 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 4500 rpm Maximum Payload: 970 lbs.
Maximum Towing Capacity: 3500 lbs. Drive Type: AWD
Turning Circle: 38.6 ft.
0-60mph: 7.7 seconds
Fuel Data
Fuel Tank Capacity: 20 gal.
EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway/Combined)
Automatic: 15 mpg / 22 mpg / 18 mpg
Range in Miles:
Automatic: 300 mi. / 440 mi. / 360 mi.
