Lincoln MKX

The Lincoln MKX is a mid-size luxury SUV[1][2][3] marketed and sold by the Lincoln brand of Ford Motor Company. In production since 2007, the MKX ("X" stands for "crossover") is the first crossover SUV offered by the Lincoln brand; it is currently in its second generation. Initially the smallest Lincoln SUV, it is now slotted between the Lincoln Corsair and the Lincoln Aviator. The Lincoln counterpart of the Ford Edge CUV across both generations, the MKX has been the best-selling Lincoln model line since 2016.

Lincoln MKX/Nautilus
2019 Lincoln Nautilus
Overview
Manufacturer	Lincoln
Also called	Lincoln Nautilus (2019-present)
Production	2006–present
Model years	2007–present
Assembly	Oakville, Ontario, Canada
Body and chassis
Class	Mid-size luxury SUV
Body style	5-door SUV
Layout	Front engine, front-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
Related	Ford Edge
Chronology
Predecessor	Lincoln Aviator

The first-generation MKX was produced from 2007 to 2015, based upon the CD3 platform. The second generation is currently in production, based on the CD4 platform. As Lincoln is phasing out its use of "MK" model names, as part of a mid-cycle update for the 2019 model year, the MKX adopted the Lincoln Nautilus nameplate.[4]

Both generations of the MKX (and Nautilus) were manufactured at Oakville Assembly in Oakville, Ontario, Canada alongside the Ford Edge, Ford Flex, and Lincoln MKT.

Development

The Lincoln MKX made its first appearance as the Lincoln Aviator concept vehicle at the 2004 North American International Auto Show as a successor to the first generation Aviator. The concept vehicle was smaller and more car-like with a V6 that was rated at 245 hp (183 kW) and 240 lb⋅ft (330 N⋅m). The Aviator Concept also differed from the production model stylistically and with its panoramic sunroof. The production model received the MKX nameplate, with Lincoln management suggesting a "mark ex" pronunciation during the 2006 auto show circuit, which was then changed to the phonetic M-K-X.[5] Due to the similarity of the MKX name to the MDX name used by Acura for their competing luxury crossover, Honda, Acura's parent company, filed a lawsuit against Ford in January 2006, eventually settling the case out of court.[6]

First generation (2007–2015)

First generation
Pre-facelift Lincoln MKX
Overview
Production	2006–2015
Model years	2007–2015
Body and chassis
Platform	Ford CD3 platform
Related	Ford Edge Ford Fusion Mercury Milan Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ Mazda6
Powertrain
Engine	3.5 L Duratec 35 V6 engine (2007–2010) 3.7 L Duratec 37 V6 engine (2011–2015)
Transmission	6-speed 6F automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	111.2 in (2,824 mm)
Length	186.5 in (4,737 mm)
Width	75.8 in (1,925 mm) (2007–2010) 76.0 in (1,930 mm) (2011–2015)
Height	67.5 in (1,714 mm) (2007) 67.3 in (1,709 mm) (2008–2015)
Curb weight	4,220 lb (1,910 kg) (FWD) 4,420 lb (2,000 kg) (AWD)

The 2007 MKX debuted in December 2006 as a rebadged variant of the Ford Edge. In addition to the chrome grille, the MKX's front fascia features projector-beam headlight assemblies with standard chrome-accented fog lights mounted in the lower fascia. The MKX features an optional adaptive headlight system that pivots the aim of the light projectors to match the steering inputs of the driver. In the rear, the MKX features dual chrome exhaust tips and brake lights backlit by LEDs with a light bar that crosses the MKX's liftgate. The optional sunroof, marketed as a Panoramic Vista Roof, is the production version of the glass roof feature shown on the 2004 Aviator Concept. The Vista Roof features a forward power sunroof and a fixed rear moonroof with dual power sunshades.

The interior of the MKX features leather seating surfaces and wood accents in the steering wheel, dash area, and door panels. as well as carpeting, sound-deadening,[7] automatic headlights, dual power heated mirrors with puddle lamps, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, power windows with single touch up and down function and all-window capability, power locks, remote keyless entry with keypad, theater dimming for the interior lights, cruise control, air conditioning with automatic climate control, 8-way power driver and passenger seats, message center with compass, and a six speaker, AM/FM stereo radio with a 6-disc CD changer. Interior options include power driver and passenger lumbar supports, heated front seats, heated and cooled front seats (separate option), heated rear seats, an Easy Fold automatic folding second-row seat, a reverse sensing system, a power liftgate, a DVD-based navigation system, Sirius satellite radio, and a THX II-Certified audio system with 14 speakers. MKX's safety features include a tire pressure monitoring system, three-point seat belts, dual front-side airbags, front seat-deployed side airbags, and Safety Canopy curtain airbags.[8]

Pre-facelift Lincoln MKX (US)

Interior

As a rebadged variant of the Ford Edge, the MKX also shares Ford's CD3 platform, unibody construction, four-wheel independent suspension with a MacPherson strut front suspension with L-shaped lower control arms and a four-link rear suspension with stamped steel control blades and monotube shocks. Both the front and rear suspensions feature an isolated subframe and stabilizer bar. Four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes are standard in all models with Ford's AdvanceTrac traction control system with Roll Stability Control (RSC) optional. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional.[9]

The MKX comes with standard 18-inch machined aluminum wheels with 18-inch chrome wheels optional. The sole powertrain in the MKX is an all-aluminum, 3.7 L Duratec DOHC V6 mated to Ford's 6F50 6-speed automatic transmission. Like the Edge, which shares the powertrain, the MKX's engine produces 265 hp (198 kW) at 6,250 rpm and 250 lb⋅ft (340 N⋅m) of torque at 4,500 rpm; noticeable improvements over what the Aviator Concept's engine was rated at. The MKX, Edge, and Lincoln MKZ were the first recipients of Ford's 3.5 L Duratec V6. Front-wheel drive versions of the MKX come with a 19 US gal (72 L; 16 imp gal) fuel tank while all-wheel drive models come with a 20 US gal (76 L; 17 imp gal) fuel tank. The MKX has a base curb weight of 4,220 lb (1,910 kg) when front-wheel drive only and 4,420 lb (2,000 kg) when equipped with all-wheel drive.[8]

For 2008 changes for the MKX included Lincoln badges added near the front doors as well as Ford Sync, Limited Edition and Monochromatic Limited Edition packages with unique styling elements and 20-inch chrome wheels, and a voice-activated DVD navigation system. Previously optional features that were now standard included AdvanceTrac with RSC, a reverse sensing system, Sirius satellite radio, the THX II-Certified audio system, heated and cooled front seats, and driver and passenger power lumbar supports. No major changes were made for the 2009 MKX.

Refresh (2010–2015)

2011–2015 Lincoln MKX

For the 2010 model year, the MKX was refreshed with a new interior, a new front-end resembling the 2010–2012 MKZ, a new rear end and a 3.7-liter DOHC V6 which boosts the MKX's power up to 305 hp (227 kW) and 280 lb⋅ft (380 N⋅m) of torque.

The 2010 MKX featured the first application of the all-new MyLincoln Touch driver connect technology system.

Second generation (2016–present)

Second generation
2016 Lincoln MKX (China)
Overview
Also called	Lincoln Nautilus (facelift)
Production	2015–2018 (MKX) 2018–present (Nautilus)
Model years	2016–2018 (MKX) 2019–present (Nautilus)
Body and chassis
Platform	Ford CD4 platform
Related	Ford Edge
Powertrain
Engine	2.0 L EcoBoost I4 (245 hp; Nautilus) 3.7 L Cyclone V6 (303 hp; MKX) 2.7 L EcoBoost V6 (335 hp)
Transmission	6-speed 6F automatic (MKX) 8-speed 8F35 automatic (Nautilus)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	112.2 in (2,850 mm)
Length	190.0 in (4,826 mm)
Width	76.2 in (1,935 mm)
Height	66.2 in (1,681 mm)
Curb weight	4,142–4,442 lb (1,879–2,015 kg) (Nautilus)

Lincoln MKX (2016–2018)

Lincoln MKX concept at the 2014 Beijing Auto Show

The second generation Lincoln MKX was revealed as a concept vehicle at the 2014 Beijing Auto Show. The production model was revealed at the 2015 North American International Auto Show and officially went on sale in the fall of 2015 as a 2016 model. The base price remained similar to the 2015 MKX at just over $38,000.

The Lincoln MKX features Bi-Xenon HID Projector Headlights, LED Daytime Running Lights, LED Fog Lights, LED Taillights, or Full Adaptive LED Headlights with LED Amber Turn Signals, LED Daytime Running lights, LED Taillights, and LED Fog Lights which replaces the standard Bi-Xenon Headlights if the Lincoln MKX is equipped with Luxury Package. The standard engine is the Duratec 3.7 V6 rated at 303 bhp (226 kW) at 6500 rpm and 278 lb⋅ft (377 N⋅m) at 4000 rpm. The optional engine is the all new Ecoboost V6 that produces 335 bhp (250 kW) at 5500 rpm and 380 lb⋅ft (515 N⋅m) at 3000 rpm. Trim levels include Premiere, Select, Reserve and top level Black Label, which is three special appearance packages, a tradition started with the Designer Editions in 1976. The MKX offers the "Thoroughbred" (shared with the MKZ and the Continental), "Modern Heritage", and "Indulgence" theme appearance packages.

Lincoln MKX rear view

The transmission is no longer activated with a center console installed transmission selector; the computer controlled transmission uses buttons installed to the left of the MyLincoln Touch infotainment touch screen labeled "P, R, N, D, S", a revival of an approach used in the 1950s by the Chrysler push button PowerFlite and the Packard Touchbutton Ultramatic. The "S" transmission selection represents "Sport" mode, where the Continuously Controlled Damping suspension, electric power steering and transmission shift points take on a different posture.

Lincoln Nautilus (2019–present)

Lincoln Nautilus, front view

Lincoln Nautilus, rear view

For the 2019 model year, the second-generation MKX underwent a mid-cycle revision, taking on the Lincoln Nautilus nameplate.[4] Adopting the design language of the newly introduced Continental and Navigator, the Nautilus transitioned from the previous split-wing grille to a large rectangular grille with a large Lincoln star emblem.

The counterpart of an updated Ford Edge, the Nautilus is slotted between the Aviator and the MKC (renamed to the Corsair for the 2020 model year). A 245 hp 2.0L EcoBoost inline-four is the standard engine, with a 335 hp 2.7 L EcoBoost V6 from the MKX as an option; both engines are fitted with start-stop capability. An 8-speed automatic transmission is paired to both engines (replacing the previous 6-speed).

Sales

Calendar year	United States	China[10]
2006	859[11]	N/A
2007	37,953[11]
2008	29,076[12]
2009	21,433[13]
2010	21,932[14]
2011	23,395[15]
2012	25,107[16]
2013	23,913[17]
2014	23,995[18]
2015	22,199[19]	782
2016	30,967[20]	10,407
2017	31,031[21]	11,478
2018	28,573[22]	12,396
2019	31,711[23]

References

1. "Nautilus Debuts with Standard Lincoln Co-Pilot360, Bringing Sleek Luxury, Smooth Power to Midsize SUVs - Lincoln Media Center". media.lincoln.com. Retrieved 29 October 2018.
2. https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/lincoln/mkx
3. "Lincoln redesigns bestselling MKX midsize SUV, renames it Nautilus". Retrieved 29 October 2018.
4. "New Lincoln Nautilus Pairs Powerful Performance with Driver-Assist Technologies That Inspire Confidence". 2017-11-28.
5. "Lincoln Dealer Confusion Forces Model-Name Changes". Blogs.cars.com. Retrieved 2010-10-18.
6. "Honda Takes Ford to Court Over SUV Name". Insideline.com. Archived from the original on 2006-04-27.
7. Ford Motor Company. "2007 MKX Exterior/Interior." Ford Media. 2006. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2009-08-30. Retrieved 2008-12-12.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
8. Ford Motor Company. "2007 MKX Technical Specifications." Ford Media. 2006. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2009-08-30. Retrieved 2008-12-12.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
9. Ford Motor Company. "2007 MKX Chassis." Ford Media. 2006. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2009-08-30. Retrieved 2008-12-12.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
10. "Lincoln MKX". Chinese Car Sales Data. CarSalesBase.com. Archived from the original on 2019-02-17.
11. "Ford Motor Company 2007 sales". January 3, 2008. Archived from the original on February 12, 2009.
12. "F-Series drives ford to higher market share for third consecutive month" (PDF). Ford Motor Company. January 5, 2009. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 6, 2009. Retrieved 2009-05-14.
13. "FORD CAPS 2009 WITH 33 PERCENT SALES INCREASE, FIRST FULL-YEAR MARKET SHARE GAIN SINCE 1995 | Ford Motor Company Newsroom". Media.ford.com. 2010-01-05. Archived from the original on 2010-08-26. Retrieved 2010-09-30.
14. "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-01-24. Retrieved 2011-01-05.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
15. "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-01-31. Retrieved 2012-01-04.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
16. "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2013-01-23. Retrieved 2013-01-03.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
17. "Ford Motor Company Delivers Best Sales Year Since 2006" (PDF). Media.ford.com. 2014-01-03. Retrieved 2014-01-06.
18. "Ford Posts Best U.S. December Sales Results since 2005" (PDF). Media.ford.com. 2015-01-05. Retrieved 2015-01-07.
19. "New Products Make Ford Best-Selling Brand for Sixth Straight Year" (PDF). Media.ford.com (Press release). 2016-01-05. Retrieved 2016-01-07.
20. "Ford U.S. December Retail Sales up 5 Percent - a 12-Year High; Ford America's Best-Selling Brand for Seventh Year" (PDF). media.ford.com. 2017-01-04. Retrieved 2017-01-04.
21. "Ford SUVs Post Record Sales While F-Series Marks 41 Years as America's Best-Selling Pickup; Ford Achieves 8th Consecutive Year as the Country's Favorite Brand" (PDF). media.ford.com. 2018-01-03. Retrieved 2018-01-03.
22. https://media.ford.com/content/dam/fordmedia/North%20America/US/2019/01/03/sales-dec-18.pdf
23. "F-Series Hits 43rd Straight Year as America's Best-Selling Pickup; Ford Achieves 10 Straight Years of Leadership as America's Best-Selling Brand; Lincoln SUV Sales Best in 16 Years". media.ford.com. 2020-01-06. Retrieved 2020-01-06.

External links

• Lincoln MKX Main Page
• 2007 Lincoln MKX Updated Press Kit with Specifications