In the big encyclopedia of American automobiles, one would be able to read the following: "Lincoln MKX – Premium midsize crossover; twin of the Ford Edge; chrome-clad vehicle with a longer list of features than the Edge Limited; competing against a number of road-oriented premium midsize SUVs such as the Lexus RX 350, Infiniti EX35 and Cadillac SRX."
You don’t need to look far to find the essence of this product. The 2010 MKX and Edge share the same powertrain, overall silhouette and assembly lines (Oakville, Ontario). Both have the same strengths and weaknesses. However, the Edge Limited with all-wheel drive costs $3,500 less than its Lincoln alter ego.
So, why would anybody purchase the latter? It’s all about prestige, man! Of course, if these two models were as visually separated as the Ford Flex and Lincoln MKT twins, the decision to buy an MKX would be easier to understand.
Same competent engine
Anyway, the 2010 Lincoln MKX remains an interesting vehicle per se. The 265-horsepower, 3.5-litre Duratec V6 proves powerful yet flexible thanks to a six-speed automatic transmission. Accelerations from 0 to 100 km/h roughly take eight seconds despite the full two tons the engine has to move.
This powertrain also allows the MKX to tow up to 1,600 kilos, which sure boosts versatility. Unfortunately, it does so at the expense of fuel economy, as evidenced by the 14.7 L/100 km average I got at the end of my road test.
Yet the automaker insists that key improvements to the powertrain and aerodynamics have made the 2010 model 6.6-percent more efficient than its predecessor.
Naturally, one would think that a two-wheel drive MKX (available in the U.S.) would represent a more attractive pick for environmentally-conscious customers. However, that’s not the case, at least according to the ratings announced by Ford of America. The MKX FWD reportedly burns 7 percent more fuel than its AWD counterpart! Still jealous that we only get the latter in Canada?
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| Looks familiar? Save for a few details, the Lincoln MKX and Ford Edge are twins! (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |
You don’t need to look far to find the essence of this product. The 2010 MKX and Edge share the same powertrain, overall silhouette and assembly lines (Oakville, Ontario). Both have the same strengths and weaknesses. However, the Edge Limited with all-wheel drive costs $3,500 less than its Lincoln alter ego.
So, why would anybody purchase the latter? It’s all about prestige, man! Of course, if these two models were as visually separated as the Ford Flex and Lincoln MKT twins, the decision to buy an MKX would be easier to understand.
Same competent engine
Anyway, the 2010 Lincoln MKX remains an interesting vehicle per se. The 265-horsepower, 3.5-litre Duratec V6 proves powerful yet flexible thanks to a six-speed automatic transmission. Accelerations from 0 to 100 km/h roughly take eight seconds despite the full two tons the engine has to move.
This powertrain also allows the MKX to tow up to 1,600 kilos, which sure boosts versatility. Unfortunately, it does so at the expense of fuel economy, as evidenced by the 14.7 L/100 km average I got at the end of my road test.
Yet the automaker insists that key improvements to the powertrain and aerodynamics have made the 2010 model 6.6-percent more efficient than its predecessor.
Naturally, one would think that a two-wheel drive MKX (available in the U.S.) would represent a more attractive pick for environmentally-conscious customers. However, that’s not the case, at least according to the ratings announced by Ford of America. The MKX FWD reportedly burns 7 percent more fuel than its AWD counterpart! Still jealous that we only get the latter in Canada?
 |
| The 3.5-litre V6 engine powering all four wheels is quite potent and gutsy. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |