Lincoln’s MKX crossover SUV has been significantly redesigned for 2011. The revisions include the addition of Ford’s highly-interactive MyLincoln Touch interface, a tour de force of electronic connectivity and technology that suits the avant-garde appearance of the latest MKX.
Sleek design and modern presence
I may be in the minority with this perception, but I prefer the slightly retro design language of the 2010 MKX over the more daring, thoroughly modern lines of the 2011 version. Gone for 2011 are the 60s-inspired rectangular grille and the full-width taillight treatment, both of which I admired.
Also gone is the squared-off instrument panel and dashboard; again, throwback elements that I found nostalgic. Okay, enough sentiments of the past, the new face of the MKX is sleek and distinctive. Thanks to its massive winged waterfall grille, the nose of the MKX now aligns with the MKS, MKT and MKZ in defining the Lincoln family.
Although the side profile and tail of the vehicle remain fairly true to last year’s design, the taillight arrangement and rear bumper integration have been reworked for 2011, giving the popular Lincoln a cleaner, more upscale appearance.
Complementing the exterior revisions is a refreshed cabin that includes the MyLincoln Touch system as standard equipment.
Cabin goes hi-tech
The MyLincoln Touch interface eliminates the presence of conventional buttons and dials to manage in-car functions, such as climate control and audio settings. The absence of typical switchgear results in a clean, hi-tech appearance to the MKX’s centre stack, but in my mind, it’s a hung jury on which setup is preferable to the average techno-peasant such as moi.
Sure, the touch-sensitive slide bars that adjust audio volume and fan speed are simple enough to use, and the capacitive switches surrounding them instantly trigger at the touch of a finger, but the entire setup requires a period of acclimation before things become intuitive.
More challenging to adapt to is the myriad of settings and functions accessed through the touch-screen that also displays navigation and other operations. Now, don’t think that adapting to the technology is difficult—really, it isn’t—but it does take time to become intuitive.
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| Thanks to its massive winged waterfall grille, the nose of the MKX now aligns with the Lincoln family. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |
Sleek design and modern presence
I may be in the minority with this perception, but I prefer the slightly retro design language of the 2010 MKX over the more daring, thoroughly modern lines of the 2011 version. Gone for 2011 are the 60s-inspired rectangular grille and the full-width taillight treatment, both of which I admired.
Also gone is the squared-off instrument panel and dashboard; again, throwback elements that I found nostalgic. Okay, enough sentiments of the past, the new face of the MKX is sleek and distinctive. Thanks to its massive winged waterfall grille, the nose of the MKX now aligns with the MKS, MKT and MKZ in defining the Lincoln family.
Although the side profile and tail of the vehicle remain fairly true to last year’s design, the taillight arrangement and rear bumper integration have been reworked for 2011, giving the popular Lincoln a cleaner, more upscale appearance.
Complementing the exterior revisions is a refreshed cabin that includes the MyLincoln Touch system as standard equipment.
Cabin goes hi-tech
The MyLincoln Touch interface eliminates the presence of conventional buttons and dials to manage in-car functions, such as climate control and audio settings. The absence of typical switchgear results in a clean, hi-tech appearance to the MKX’s centre stack, but in my mind, it’s a hung jury on which setup is preferable to the average techno-peasant such as moi.
Sure, the touch-sensitive slide bars that adjust audio volume and fan speed are simple enough to use, and the capacitive switches surrounding them instantly trigger at the touch of a finger, but the entire setup requires a period of acclimation before things become intuitive.
More challenging to adapt to is the myriad of settings and functions accessed through the touch-screen that also displays navigation and other operations. Now, don’t think that adapting to the technology is difficult—really, it isn’t—but it does take time to become intuitive.
 |
| The absence of typical switchgear results in a clean, hi-tech appearance to the MKX’s centre stack. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |