Auto Review: The 21st century Lincoln

- Contributed Photo

Rolling along on a semi-hot summer’s day here in Connecticut, I’m taken by the fact that the Lincoln vehicle I’m driving is so vastly different compared with the Lincolns I grew up with as a kid. I used to associate the Lincoln marque with huge, wallowing sedans with plush, luxurious accommodations and a less-than-athletic driving experience that appealed to fairly sedate drivers. But the 2013 Lincoln MKX Crossover SUV I’m enjoying is about as far as removed from these Lincolns of the past as you can get, for it is agile, trim, aggressive (in both style and performance) and, more that anything else, a platform for cutting-edge technology. From the moment you climb into the vehicle, you realize this futuristic machine is as aimed at young, energetic professionals (and their love for modern electronics) as Lincolns of old were aimed at mature, successful pursuers of the country club lifestyle. The latter group can certainly still find a home in this new Lincoln, but the company has dramatically expanded its potential customer base by embracing the most advanced hardware available.

The MKX is powered by a 3.7-liter V6 with 305 horsepower, and the lone transmission is a six-speed automatic. You have the option of either Front-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive, and we sampled the AWD version, for adding such all-weather capability to a wagon-style vehicle makes great sense in these parts. Acceleration is spritely, with 60 mph arriving in less than 7 seconds, and the MKX is loaded with some of the latest black-box magic to help avoid accidents. These include AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control (which incorporates Curve Control that helps you maintain control, should you enter a corner too quickly). Another great feature (and part of optional Equipment Group 102A) is a Blind Spot Information System that “uses wide-angle, short-range 24-ghz radar sensors to continuously monitor each side of the vehicle to detect when another vehicle enters the defined blind spot zone (within 45 feet).” It’s a great feature that helps make you more aware of your surroundings, especially in heavy traffic. Ride comfort is good, but a tad firm, but control is excellent, so the big vehicle can be hustled around with ease.

The interior of this shapely Lincoln is every bit as dramatic as the exterior, with high-tech visual interfaces in the instrument cluster that are compelling but can be distracting if you’re not careful. MyLincoln Touch interface is a mixed bag of operability, depending on your feelings on touch screen interfaces versus more conventional control interfaces. One thing that isn’t controversial is passenger room and comfort, for the rear seat especially is very expansive, with easy access through broad doors. This is made all the more enjoyable by the Panorama Vista Roof (also part of the 102A package mentioned above).

The 2013 Lincoln MKX is EPA rated 17 MPG city/23 highway and has a base price of $41,395. With options, our sticker came to $48,905. www.lincoln.com