The new Lincoln MKC is a compact luxury crossover SUV that looks terrific with its new interior design, styling treatment, and a couple of engine choices.unit in the car.
At a preview event for Lincoln Motor Company’s newest product, the 2015 Lincoln MKC luxury crossover, vice president of communications Lauren Moore called it a “really exciting time” for the 90-odd year brand that has a name derived from the founder’s hero, Abraham Lincoln.
That historic imagery is something Lincoln is trying to shed by reinventing itself with a new series of upscale vehicles aimed at a younger demographic, like the MKC. This process was started a few years back with the introduction of the MKZ luxury sedan in 2007.
“We call [our new audience] culture progressive — people who are not afraid to try new stuff, who like luxury, and like to stand apart without really standing out,” says Lincoln product specialist Ramez Fawzy.
Referred to as a small premium utility vehicle, the MKC shares the same underpinnings as the Ford Escape but it would be hard to tell from looking at it. Highlights include unique design elements like the signature split-wing grille that extends outwards, wrapping around the LED headlights. The taillights stretch across the entire automated lift gate, which also has a wraparound design. Give one wave of your foot underneath the rear bumper to activate and open the lift gate, two to close it.
Class exclusives — or what Lincoln calls experiential features — include park-out assist technology that helps drivers vacate tight parallel parking spots unscathed. Approach detection greets drivers by shining a welcome mat on the ground near the front doors, complete with company logo, as well as gently illuminating the front and rear lamps and the start button in the interior.
The MKC is powered by the choice of two engines: a standard 2.0 litre EcoBoost four-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 240 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, or the all-new 2.3-litre EcoBoost making 285 hp and 305 lb-ft. Customers can choose from front-wheel drive or an optional intelligent all-wheel dive system with continuously controlled damping that constantly measures road surfaces, adjusting the suspension for optimal performance and comfort.
Set to compete with the likes of the Acura RDX, Buick Encore and Volvo XC60, pricing for the vehicle will start at $39,940 with the first units arriving in dealerships this summer.
“It’s a perfect addition to the Lincoln lineup. The MKC is going to change the way people think about the Lincoln brand,” says Fawzy.
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HIGHLIGHTS
MSRP: $39,940 (base)
Motor: 2.3 L four-cylinder turbo
Horsepower: 285 @ 5,500 rpm
Torque: 305 @ 2,750 rpm
Gearbox: 6-speed SelectShift automatic
Layout: All-wheel drive
Fuel Economy: 13.1 L/100 km city, 9.0 highway (manufacturer estimate)
