Let’s not delude ourselves. The Lincoln MKX is a clone of the Ford Edge. A high-end clone, sure, but a clone all the same. They share the same platform, some slabs of sheet metal and the Edge Sport’s engine.
But despite this obvious kinship, more Canadian buyers opted for the MKX in 2010, elevating it to third place in its class in terms of sales, behind the omnipotent Lexus RX and elegant Mercedes-Benz GLK350.
A bubbling niche
We have to acknowledge that, since the turn of the new millennium, the mid-size (5-seat) luxury crossover SUV class has literally exploded.
At the end of the 90s, the Lexus RX reigned supreme. Only in 2003 did the first competitors appear, each automaker aspiring to claim a part of the lucrative emerging market.
The European brands met with almost instant success, first BMW with the X3, just recently outranked by the Mercedes GLK. Audi and Volvo jumped on the bandwagon a bit later and are currently making significant strides with the Q5 and XC60. And Cadillac’s efforts with the SRX, though met with mixed reactions, seem to have stimulated sales somewhat since GM is no longer flat broke. Nissan and Honda, finally, are doing their best to impose their eccentric-looking models, the FX and ZDX.
In short, there’s quite a selection out there. Which is why it’s so important that each manufacturer breathe a strong personality into its products. Ford chose to play the electronic card with the MyLincoln Touch system, and it seems to be working.
Down with buttons
People react favourably when first faced with the uncluttered, futuristic dash of the MKX. A lot more than when presented with the weeping grille…
The absence of classic controls (push-button or dial) and the omnipresence of digital displays (there are three) impress occupants and elicit praise left and right, undoubtedly to the driver’s delight.
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| The Lincoln MKX luxury crossover is becoming increasingly popular in Canada. It comes in third behind the Lexus RX and Mercedes-Benz GLK350. (Photo: Luc Gagné/Auto123.com) |
But despite this obvious kinship, more Canadian buyers opted for the MKX in 2010, elevating it to third place in its class in terms of sales, behind the omnipotent Lexus RX and elegant Mercedes-Benz GLK350.
A bubbling niche
We have to acknowledge that, since the turn of the new millennium, the mid-size (5-seat) luxury crossover SUV class has literally exploded.
At the end of the 90s, the Lexus RX reigned supreme. Only in 2003 did the first competitors appear, each automaker aspiring to claim a part of the lucrative emerging market.
The European brands met with almost instant success, first BMW with the X3, just recently outranked by the Mercedes GLK. Audi and Volvo jumped on the bandwagon a bit later and are currently making significant strides with the Q5 and XC60. And Cadillac’s efforts with the SRX, though met with mixed reactions, seem to have stimulated sales somewhat since GM is no longer flat broke. Nissan and Honda, finally, are doing their best to impose their eccentric-looking models, the FX and ZDX.
In short, there’s quite a selection out there. Which is why it’s so important that each manufacturer breathe a strong personality into its products. Ford chose to play the electronic card with the MyLincoln Touch system, and it seems to be working.
Down with buttons
People react favourably when first faced with the uncluttered, futuristic dash of the MKX. A lot more than when presented with the weeping grille…
The absence of classic controls (push-button or dial) and the omnipresence of digital displays (there are three) impress occupants and elicit praise left and right, undoubtedly to the driver’s delight.
 |
| The MKX stands out with its uncluttered dash, which features a touch-screen command center. (Photo: Luc Gagné/Auto123.com) |