Learn more about the Lincoln MKX
 Build & Price your Lincoln MKX

Not that long ago, when you thought of Lincoln, you immediately pictured yourself in a big, long, expansive luxury sedan. But Lincoln vehicles weren't always gargantuan. One of our favorites was the forward opening rear door Continental that first saw the light of day in 1961. Here was a Lincoln that broke ground with not only a decidedly unique (and decidedly vintage) rear-hinged door layout, it was also two feet shorter than its predecessor. It was so much more compact than its predecessors and competition, a popular magazine advertisement showcased just how easy the new Continental was to parallel park.

History and Styling
Styled by Elwood Engle, the 1961 Lincoln Continental was truly a masterpiece of design. Slab sided, understated and elegant, the new Lincoln for 1961 will forever be remembered as one of the outstanding vehicle designs of all time. Fast forward to today and take a walk around Lincoln MKX. The Lincoln MKX crossover-utility vehicle is certainly no big sedan. In fact, it's considerably smaller than many of its earlier siblings, not to mention most many segment competitors, with a wheelbase of 111.2 inches, an overall length of 186.5 inches and a width of 87.5 inches, including mirrors. Just like the Continental for 1961, the Lincoln MKX is more compact than many others in the pack. But what really strikes us are some of the styling cues, many of which are truly reminiscent of Engle's Continental.

Case-in-point, the grille, split horizontally right down the middle and made up of a matrix of rectangles, speaks of the earlier Lincoln. At the rear, the early Lincoln boasted a recessed stainless "grille" that stretched the width of the deck lid, between the taillamps. On today's Lincoln MKX, the full-width rear LED lighting panel stretches across the entire width of the liftgate, effectively reminding us of the earlier Continental. Rolling stock was beefy on Engle's Lincoln. Ditto with Lincoln MKX, particularly with the available all-black Midnight Limited Edition Package that our test vehicle was equipped with. Here, the rolling stock measures a whopping 22 inches in diameter (complete with polished aluminum wheels), and they definitely fill the wheel wells. There's more to the package, too, including a body-color grille, Lincoln star etched headlamp lenses, "Limited Edition" badging, Ebony Interior Package, premium floormats with logo, and sport-tuned suspension.

Interior and Amenities
Open the door and you'll find more similarities. The legendary Continental was fitted with an expansive (and expensive looking) instrument panel based upon dual squared cockpits. The actual cluster on the vintage Lincoln incorporated three stylized rectangular pods. The dash was trimmed with wood style panels. The same applies to the Lincoln MKX crossover, but the actual cluster has two basic rectangular pods instead of three. On the Lincoln MKX, the trim is real wood (maple or ebony), while the accents are chromed and brite-nickel. Move from the cluster to the center stack and you'll find the panel topped with climate control vents, underscored by the climate controls, sound system and optional voice-activated navigation system with Integrated SIRIUS Travel LinkTM. The available THX® II Cerified 5.1 Surround Audio System incorporates 14 speakers, including two subwoofers with 600 watts of power and a sophisticated processor that inputs bandwidth, peak audio levels and coverage uniformity. Rear passengers can enjoy a Dual Headrest DVD Entertainment System by Invision™ available as a pre-delivery installed Genuine Lincoln Accessory.

Seating is 10-way power-adjustable, heated and cooled buckets in the front with driver memory settings and easy-entry driver's seat, and an optionally heated 60/40-split bench at the rear. Seating surfaces are (obviously) leather. Front seats incorporate lumbar supports and the back seats recline up to 15 degrees. The back seat also folds and pivots either by the seat-mounted lever or by way of the available EasyFoldTM switch accessed from the liftgate. Separating the front seats is a fully functional center console complete with removable dividers that allow you to configure storage to suit personal needs (for example, space for a laptop or a handbag or CDs).

Our test Lincoln MKX included the available panoramic all-glass Vista RoofTM. And what that is, is a large 27.3-by 29.4-inch forward sunroof, complete with a one-touch-open switch for vent and tilt-and-slide operations. Dual power sunshades operate concurrently when the driver wants to block out glare. The package also incorporates a fixed 15.75-by 31.3-inch rear moonroof providing rear-seat viewers a panoramic outside view as well.

Power and Handling
Driving the Lincoln MKX is really what it's all about though. Fitted with a standard 3.5-liter V6, our all-wheel-drive Midnight Limited Edition model worked effortlessly in day-to-day traffic. Add the expected rainfall the Northwest has to offer, and the optional AWD system is a decided bonus. The all-aluminum V6 produces 265 hp at 6,250 rpm along with 250 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm. That's a good chunk of power and torque from a small engine, but Lincoln engineers made it all possible by way of variable camshaft timing and a dual plenum induction system. It's coupled to a superlative 6-speed automatic that makes even spirited driving simple and relaxing. We suspect the considerable work Lincoln has done with the powertrain management system, linking the engine, transmission and all-wheel-drive system together is a big key to the overall powertrain performance.

Handling is another Lincoln MKX attribute. It's definitely nimble, particularly with the optional sport tuned suspension that comes with the 22-inch wheels. By concentrating on the overall strength of the body structure and making it as rigid as possible, Lincoln created a quiet, stable platform that allows the suspension to physically "work" unencumbered. The front of the Lincoln MKX is suspended by way of a pair of MacPherson struts while the rear is a fully independent multi-link arrangement. Although tuned somewhat for ride comfort (and consequently tuned to absorb the jolts of irregular road surfaces), the Lincoln MKX can still be hustled through curves and corners with a certain amount of aplomb. The truth is, it's an agile CUV. Mix in the considerable sound deadening materials, laminated windshield and thicker side glass, along with upscale materials in the cabin and you'll be blessed with a ride that's not only capable, it's extremely quiet too.

Safety and Luxury
Stability control is a standard feature. AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control™) is designed to help keep all four wheels firmly planted. The Safety Canopy® System incorporates side curtain airbags, for front and rear outboard passengers, and rollover sensor. Front-seat side airbags and the Personal Safety System®, along with integrated blind spot mirrors and SOS Post Crash Alert System add to safety. Optionally available are special "adaptive" headlamps that physically move with the steering wheel for improved night vision when going around corners.

Overall, the Lincoln MKX is loaded with considerable luxury and safety-related features, both standard and optional. Our take on it is that while it reminds us (in a big way) of the groundbreaking 1961 Continental, it proves light years ahead in terms of luxury and overall accouterments. It's also relatively frugal when it comes to fuel economy (15 mpg city, 22 mpg highway with the all-wheel-drive system, based on 2009 Model Year ratings*). Bottom line? Not only is the 2010 Lincoln MKX easy on the eyes, it's also one crossover SUV that we could live with for a very long time. And like its ancestor from 1961, it certainly won't be hard to parallel park.

*2010 EPA estimates were not available at time of printing.