Test drive: Lincoln MKX morphs SUV, sedan

Lincoln has crossed over, bringing high-class luxury along for the ride in a car, minivan and SUV design. The 2007 MKX is the automaker’s first crossover model offering a tough but sophisticated stance, gorgeous looks inside and out, and a panoramic, class-exclusive “Vista Roof.” The roof creates an expansive opening for front- and back-seat riders.

Lincoln dropped its Aviator in favor of the MKX, and shares unibody platform and mechanicals with the Mazda CX-7 and Ford Edge. (Aviator was built on the Explorer truck-based chassis.) MKX’s ride is excellent, and tweaked for Lincoln owners who enjoy the highway drive over a trip through the mountain range. Still, the AWD awaits calling, just in case.

Simply put, we did not want to give this one up after a week of test-driving.

The five-passenger MKX (in the event you’re confused like many of us, Lincoln’s sedan uses MKZ nomenclature) has definite crossover looks in that it morphs both sedan and SUV. Still, with an AWD base price in the mid-$30,000s, it delivers plenty of luxury in a market that has a wide range of choice.

Powered by Lincoln’s new 3.5-liter V-6 engine that generates an ample 265 horsepower, the engine mates to a six-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. Both are flawless in performance, offering acceleration and economy when required.

The striking exterior is “all Lincoln,” most notable the familiar grated chrome grille and emblem. MKX’s broad yet stable look is accentuated with 18-inch chrome wheels, quad halogen headlamps, fog lamps and wrap-around liftgate lighting — all of which helps bring the decor together in Lincoln’s sophisticated technique.

Get closer to MKX, and appreciation for innovations rises.

The Vista Roof leaves little to the imagination — or the roof.

Stretching side-to-side and lengthwise, with a small strip separating front and rear panels, these windows allow the sun and wind in like nothing else we’ve driven — except for a convertible. You can eliminate the sun while still enjoying the breeze with dual power sunshades.

The roof helps show off the cabin like a spotlight on a beautiful model. Here, Lincoln combines camel leather seating (in two shades of beige) with satin-nickel accents and slices of maple wood on the doors, steering wheel and glove compartment. The attractive and easy-to-view instrument panel bellows luxury and comfort as we settled in for a long drive.

Once on the road, things were very quiet thanks to Lincoln designers utilizing aerodynamics, aluminum and sound-deadening materials to help reduce noise and vibration inside the MKX.

The myriad interior features add to the comfort factor, including eight-way power front seats, dual-zone air and electronic message center.

Also, a $4,795 option package that came as part of our tester includes, in addition to the moonroof, satellite radio, DVD navigation, THX II Sound System, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats and auto dimming side-view mirrors.

Another highlight of our MKX experience is the reverse sensing system, which quickly becomes as familiar as a rear-view mirror. Other key features include independent front and rear suspension and a great four-wheel ABS disc brake setup.

Lincoln provides a “Safety Canopy” system that includes six airbags, including seat-mounted, side-impact and side-curtain systems. The side-impact airbags deploy from the outboard seatback to ensure extra protection to occupants regardless of seat positioning.

Other safety features include a tire-pressure monitoring system and Lincoln’s AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control system, which offers stability control and technology that detects and preempts rollovers. This all results in MKX sharing the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s “Top Safety” award for 2007 with Ford Edge.

Important numbers include 17 city and 24 EPA ratings (18/25 with the front-wheel drive model); 111.2-inch wheelbase; 4,414-pound curb weight; 20-gallon fuel tank; 8.4-inch ground clearance; and 69 cubic feet of cargo space (with rear seats up).

Lincoln moves into a new market with its legacy of style and sophistication. We rate Lincoln’s effort a 9.5 on a scale of 1 to 10.

Likes: From the Vista Roof to the transmission, solid in every manner; very luxurious.

Dislikes: Pop up net to reduce interior wind when moonroof opens looks out of place.