According to Doyle Letson, Lincoln chief designer, "MKX joins the new MKS sedan teaser to set the tone for future Lincoln design."

The main technical features are the all-new 3.5-liter V-6 with an aluminum block, coupled with a 6-speed transmission.

The Lincoln MKX has a unibody architecture with four-wheel independent suspensions, and is equipped with Ford's adaptive front lighting system.

The MKX was designed in particular for comfort: Lincoln obtained an ultra-quiet cabin, thanks to extensive wind-tunnel testing of exterior components for reduced wind noise and to the adoption of new materials and additional insulating components - like a thicker dash pad, laminated windshield and thicker side glass.

Among the many accessories, heated and cooled front seats and the Vista Roof system: it is made of a large 27.3 x 29.4 inches forward sunroof with a one-touch-open switch for vent and tilt-and-slide operations, two dual power sunshades that operate concurrently when the driver wants to block out glare, and a fixed 15.75 x 31.3 inches rear moon roof that gives rear-seat viewers an outside view, too.

As an optional a 14-speaker THX II Certified™ audio and DVD-based navigation system is also available.

Lincoln MKX goes on sale in late 2006

From the official Press Release:

DETROIT, Jan. 9, 2006 – The new Lincoln MKX is loaded with comfort and convenience as a modern new choice in the luxury crossover utility vehicle (CUV) market.

Lincoln MKX's elegant design is combined with a sporty stance, powerful engine and quiet interior. It also boasts such technological advances as adaptive headlamps that move with the steering wheel, a panoramic glass roof, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, 14-speaker THX II audio system and DVD-based navigation.

Lincoln MKX is a five-passenger CUV powered by a fuel-efficient 3.5-liter engine with a class-leading 6-speed transmission and fully independent suspension. On sale in late 2006, the new Lincoln MKX builds on the success of the Lincoln Zephyr in appealing to a new generation of luxury buyers and defining a modern vision for Lincoln.

"Lincoln MKX appeals to new luxury buyers who express their success through understated gestures," says Peter Horbury, executive director, North America Design. "Lincoln MKX achieves modern luxury with its confident stance, elegant shape and luxurious, comfortable interior."

Design

Lincoln MKX's confident exterior and luxurious, quiet interior signal Lincoln's modern design vision.

The high beltline is defined by a stroke of chromed trim that caps broad shoulders, pronounced wheel lips and short overhangs that give Lincoln MKX its wide, athletic stance. A chromed cap on each side-view mirror adds the finishing touch.

Black rocker panels plant the vehicle to the ground, accentuating the standard 18-inch wheels and tires.

Black rocker panels plant the vehicle to the ground, accentuating the standard 18-inch wheels and tires. Side marker lights cut into the simple, clean fascia and bend around to the side of the vehicle. Chrome-ringed fog lamps integrated into the lower fascia echo the chrome-tipped dual exhausts.

"The new Lincoln MKX crossover and Zephyr sedan give Lincoln strong products in two of the hottest luxury segments in the market," says Darryl Hazel, vice president, Marketing. "We want people to know Lincoln is giving buyers fresh luxury choices."

New Lincolns for New Luxury Customers

Today's luxury CUV buyers want the same style, refinement, fuel economy and carlike ride and handling that they experienced in luxury sedans. While they like the style of the CUV, they don't need all of the extra space and towing capability of traditional SUVs.

"Luxury CUVs are popular because they combine the style and efficiency of luxury sedans with most of the capability and flexibility of larger utility vehicles," says Al Giombetti, vice president, Sales. "Lincoln MKX addresses the luxury car buyer's demands with style, spirit, comfort and efficiency."

Lincoln MKX will advance Lincoln's lineup, joining Zephyr in moving into new markets and reaching out to a new generation of Lincoln customers. Lincoln MKX further demonstrates how Lincoln will differentiate itself with design.

"Lincoln is the luxury of the future," says Horbury. "People's attitudes about luxury are shifting, and Lincoln is leading the charge. This is an opportunity for Lincoln to reclaim its rightful place in the American luxury market."

Lighting

Lincoln MKX’s projector beam headlights feature adaptive lighting, pivoting as the driver steers. This lights up to 36 more feet of roadway on a corner.

Lincoln MKX’s distinctive lighting includes adaptive front low beams that swivel around curves and an LED tailgate panel with edge-to-edge illumination.

"New light-source and headlamp design technologies allow us to create more interesting lighting solutions that look better and help customers see more clearly at night," says Sudhir Sahay, manager, Lincoln SUV and Truck Marketing.

The edge-to-edge band of illumination in the liftgate lighting is achieved through the use of 16 light-emitting diodes (LEDs), eight outboard and eight inboard, flanking the Lincoln star.