“We’re getting pretty darn good at tuning this suspension,” said Heiser. “We’ve used it in a few vehicles, and know it very well.” It is not only tuned uniquely for Lincoln, but also for Ecoboost duty. The Ecoboost MKT features stiffer front springs, and rides a little lower than the 3.7-litre MKT.
But all MKTs are engineered to have a comfortable ride, but not in the floaty Lincoln Town car way, where one bump is amortized over several kilometers. The MKT tends to confidently track the undulations of the road.
Polarizing design
Like its Ford Flex platform mate, the MKT has a unique look — but it’s a different unique look. The squared-off Flex has a chiseled look. The MKT is more sculpted. There is the huge split grille in the current Lincoln idiom up front, and wild wrap-around tail lamps out back. But its most distinctive line design element might be the rising beltline over the rear quarter, giving it a big pair of “haunches.”
“We know the design is a bit polarizing, a statement, but this allows our customers to make a statement,” said Heiser.
The inside story
Consumer research told the Lincoln troops that luxury crossover buyers basically wanted a living room on wheels. Well they got one. Although I don’t know how many living rooms with working refrigerators, as does the MKT, when ordered with the optional second-seat console. Another MKT exclusive is (optional) heated and cooled seats in the second row.
Other notable options include adaptive cruise control, a huge power sunroof, and Active Park Assist.
Another interior highlight is the front 8-inch screen. Whether you order the nav system or not, you get this touch screen, part of the very classy, and easy-to-use instrument panel/front consul combo.
To keep this thing “all Lincoln” everything that is “touched by a customer” is not shared with a Ford product.
This is good news. For far too long, Lincoln was a shadow of its former glory — more like the top Ford trim line than a distinct entity. The MKT pushes the Lincoln cause in a purposeful and handsome manner.
photo:Mike Goetz, Lincoln
But all MKTs are engineered to have a comfortable ride, but not in the floaty Lincoln Town car way, where one bump is amortized over several kilometers. The MKT tends to confidently track the undulations of the road.
Polarizing design
Like its Ford Flex platform mate, the MKT has a unique look — but it’s a different unique look. The squared-off Flex has a chiseled look. The MKT is more sculpted. There is the huge split grille in the current Lincoln idiom up front, and wild wrap-around tail lamps out back. But its most distinctive line design element might be the rising beltline over the rear quarter, giving it a big pair of “haunches.”
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| Notable options include adaptive cruise control, a huge power sunroof, and Active Park Assist. |
“We know the design is a bit polarizing, a statement, but this allows our customers to make a statement,” said Heiser.
The inside story
Consumer research told the Lincoln troops that luxury crossover buyers basically wanted a living room on wheels. Well they got one. Although I don’t know how many living rooms with working refrigerators, as does the MKT, when ordered with the optional second-seat console. Another MKT exclusive is (optional) heated and cooled seats in the second row.
Other notable options include adaptive cruise control, a huge power sunroof, and Active Park Assist.
Another interior highlight is the front 8-inch screen. Whether you order the nav system or not, you get this touch screen, part of the very classy, and easy-to-use instrument panel/front consul combo.
To keep this thing “all Lincoln” everything that is “touched by a customer” is not shared with a Ford product.
This is good news. For far too long, Lincoln was a shadow of its former glory — more like the top Ford trim line than a distinct entity. The MKT pushes the Lincoln cause in a purposeful and handsome manner.
photo:Mike Goetz, Lincoln
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