If one’s not keen to embrace the MyLincoln interface, Ford’s SYNC voice-recognition technology will perform a multitude of commands. The latest SYNC setup is friendlier than in the past, plus its somewhat androgynous mortal being is far more tolerant and receptive to guess work.
Adhering to precise phrases and terminology is no longer essential. The system’s brain now has greater ability to properly interpret typical descriptions used by the driver to reference needs. The only inhibition to get over is that of talking to your car. I’ve always felt a bit loony conversing with my car in the presence of passengers.
The combination of MyLincoln Touch and SYNC is a pretty cool advancement in automotive technology despite their inherent quirks and nuances. Will the technology stick? I suspect it will, as tech-savvy Gen X’ers move into the Lincoln marketplace.
Along with leading-edge electronics, the cabin of the MKX holds plenty of comfort, luxury and conspicuous style. My tester spoiled me with heated/cooled front seats and impressive THX audio along with two video entertainment screens.
Although the upscale cabin is spacious enough, I didn’t find as much front-seat legroom as expected in a large North-American vehicle. This is not likely problematic for the vast majority of us, but beanpoles may not agree, yet I’m certain they too will appreciate the power and performance of the MKX.
V6 power but no EcoBoost
There’s plenty of heat under the hood, but it’s not generated by Ford’s impressive EcoBoost V6 engine. Rather, it’s their more-basic 3.7-litre V6 mill that produces 305 horsepower 6,500 rpm and 280 pound-feet of torque @ 4,000 rpm that does the heavy lifting.
A 6-speed autobox manages the horses prior to their dispersal to all four wheels. All MKX products sold in Canada are of the all-wheel drive variety. Despite the AWD configuration, fuel economy is rated at 12.2 L/100 km and 8.8 L/100 km, city and highway driving respectively.
With an average city-driving consumption in the range of 13.8 L/100 km, my tester failed to achieve the posted city rating—but this is not unusual. Adding slight reprieve to the real-world economy is the use of regular fuel in place of higher-priced premium.
Overall performance is decent, with strong acceleration from a standing start and in the passing lane. Somewhat annoying to me, though, was the touchiness of the throttle.
As if to communicate a greater sense of power than what’s actually available, the gas pedal in the MKX delivers more initial kick than desired. Plenty of feathering is needed to avoid jerky starts. Notwithstanding the hyper throttle mapping, the MKX is a creamy smooth performer—and that goes for ride quality as well.
Wrapping the MKX
Its steering feels a little heavy at slow speeds, but otherwise, the 2011 MKX is a delightful mid-size crossover SUV that places Lincoln ahead of the pack when it comes to in-car electronics and driver interface technology.
Regrettably, Ford’s EcoBoost engine has yet to find its way beneath the sloping bonnet of the MKX. Despite its absence, the AWD Lincoln is well-powered but perhaps not quite as operationally refined as it could be—mechanical technology needs to catch up to electronic technology.
Adhering to precise phrases and terminology is no longer essential. The system’s brain now has greater ability to properly interpret typical descriptions used by the driver to reference needs. The only inhibition to get over is that of talking to your car. I’ve always felt a bit loony conversing with my car in the presence of passengers.
 |
| Although the upscale cabin is spacious enough, I didn’t find as much front-seat legroom as expected in a large North-American vehicle. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |
The combination of MyLincoln Touch and SYNC is a pretty cool advancement in automotive technology despite their inherent quirks and nuances. Will the technology stick? I suspect it will, as tech-savvy Gen X’ers move into the Lincoln marketplace.
Along with leading-edge electronics, the cabin of the MKX holds plenty of comfort, luxury and conspicuous style. My tester spoiled me with heated/cooled front seats and impressive THX audio along with two video entertainment screens.
Although the upscale cabin is spacious enough, I didn’t find as much front-seat legroom as expected in a large North-American vehicle. This is not likely problematic for the vast majority of us, but beanpoles may not agree, yet I’m certain they too will appreciate the power and performance of the MKX.
V6 power but no EcoBoost
There’s plenty of heat under the hood, but it’s not generated by Ford’s impressive EcoBoost V6 engine. Rather, it’s their more-basic 3.7-litre V6 mill that produces 305 horsepower 6,500 rpm and 280 pound-feet of torque @ 4,000 rpm that does the heavy lifting.
A 6-speed autobox manages the horses prior to their dispersal to all four wheels. All MKX products sold in Canada are of the all-wheel drive variety. Despite the AWD configuration, fuel economy is rated at 12.2 L/100 km and 8.8 L/100 km, city and highway driving respectively.
With an average city-driving consumption in the range of 13.8 L/100 km, my tester failed to achieve the posted city rating—but this is not unusual. Adding slight reprieve to the real-world economy is the use of regular fuel in place of higher-priced premium.
Overall performance is decent, with strong acceleration from a standing start and in the passing lane. Somewhat annoying to me, though, was the touchiness of the throttle.
As if to communicate a greater sense of power than what’s actually available, the gas pedal in the MKX delivers more initial kick than desired. Plenty of feathering is needed to avoid jerky starts. Notwithstanding the hyper throttle mapping, the MKX is a creamy smooth performer—and that goes for ride quality as well.
Wrapping the MKX
Its steering feels a little heavy at slow speeds, but otherwise, the 2011 MKX is a delightful mid-size crossover SUV that places Lincoln ahead of the pack when it comes to in-car electronics and driver interface technology.
Regrettably, Ford’s EcoBoost engine has yet to find its way beneath the sloping bonnet of the MKX. Despite its absence, the AWD Lincoln is well-powered but perhaps not quite as operationally refined as it could be—mechanical technology needs to catch up to electronic technology.
 |
| Its steering feels a little heavy at slow speeds, but otherwise, the 2011 MKX is a delightful mid-size crossover SUV that places Lincoln ahead. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |
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