Test Drive: 2011 Lincoln MKX

Design:

As Ford’s luxury line, Lincolns have always been a bit more upscale. The latest 2011 rendition is no exception. While some might look at the MKX as nothing more than a rebadged Ford Edge, it does have a luxurious, sophisticated feel inside, which is just what Lincolns are all about.

Underneath the plush and sophistication though lies a highly advanced technological beast that truly took some getting used to, and even then it was hard to master.

The Lincoln MKX’s entire middle console is touch sensitive which is part of the MyLincoln Touch system (yes, it is the worst name in the world). There are no buttons, no knobs, nothing to tactfully touch. Everything is accomplished with the sweep of a finger or the gentle prod of a fingertip -- and to do that while you’re driving is nothing short of impossible. The large display screen holds a myriad of details and information about your vehicle, climate, musical choice and direction, but to read it and navigate it while you’re driving is almost dangerous.

Add to that the steering wheel loaded with buttons to control the two 4.2” LCD screens also loaded with information and controls on your gauges and you have even more of a distraction while you’re driving.

In reality, driving plays second fiddle in the MKX at all times. You’ll be more focused on everything else the car can do and tell you instead of the road ahead.

However, if the car is yours and you have time to memorize the 10,000+ commands associated with the highly intelligent SYNC system, then it’s absolutely brilliant. Once I got the hand of a few commands I was loving everything the MKX could do for me, but until then I was simply aggravated by all the touchy-feely-ness of it and just wanted my knobs and buttons back.

Drive:

As mentioned above, the drive in the MKX really takes a backseat in the grand scheme of things. The MKX is equipped with AWD and a 3.7-litre V6 that pushes out 305 horsepower and 280 lb-ft. of torque. But really, that doesn’t matter because all you’ll care about when you get behind the wheel is fiddling with the touchscreen buttons and voice commands. Trust me.