By James Bergeron
 2007 Lincoln MKX Click to Enlarge |
I was recently invited to a Lincoln preview event where I had the chance to comb through the all new Lincoln MKX, MKZ and Navigator models. Although my time behind the wheel of each of these vehicles was short, I was able to form some initial impressions on Lincoln’s new line up for 2007.
The MKX is an all new vehicle for Lincoln, based off of the new Ford Edge CUV which competes with the Nissan Murano and Mazda CX7 in this segment.
 2007 Lincoln MKX Click to Enlarge |
The MKX brings chrome accents and smooth edges around the exterior with equally stunning styling front or back. The rear wrap around tail lights with jeweled reverse lights in the cluster are extremely stylish.
The interior is very nice as well, lined with beautifully covered leather seating and real wood accents. The new Lincoln line-up keeps consistency between models with stunning nickel and chromed trim and accented dash with a swooping centre console.
 2007 Lincoln MKX Click to Enlarge |
More than 65% new this year is the Lincoln MKZ, which replaces the Lincoln Zephyr in an attempt to create consistency across the brand in both styling and feel. A more powerful and efficient 263 horsepower engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission provides a more sporting feel with shorter first and second gears for better initial acceleration.
 2007 Lincoln MKZ Click to Enlarge |
The 2007 MKZ also brings available intelligent all-wheel-drive, the same all-wheel-drive system available on the Ford 500 and Ford Fusion Sedans. I’ve personally had experience with this system on ice and snow and can confirm it is both a capable and fun intelligent system that allows some oversteer when prodded, while providing safe and secure traction in normal driving.
 2007 Lincoln MKZ Click to Enlarge |
The new MKZ is also available in a front-wheel-drive model which is very capable as well. With a variably boosted steering ratio and upsized anti-roll bars the MKZ is one Lincoln that is fun to drive, two things not typically spoken in the same breath.
All three of these models are quiet and comfortable on the inside and provide the luxurious ride you would expect from the Lincoln brand. As well, all three of these vehicles can break the silence in extraordinary fashion with an available THX II-Certified surround sound audio system with 14 speakers, including two subwoofers and with 600 watts of power. All new 2007 Lincolns are also available with Sirius satellite radio and an integrated AUX input jack as standard.
 2007 Lincoln Navigator Click to Enlarge |
The Lincoln Navigator is the original full-size luxury SUV, whose main competitor is Cadillac’s Escalade. The Navigator provides class-leading cargo capacity and uncompromising levels of luxury and comfort.
 2007 Lincoln Navigator Click to Enlarge |
The new Navigator has a profile defined by clean, sheer and tapered surfaces. This design extends from the back to front with smooth quarter panels, chiseled side mirror shells and a proud, stable stance on 20-inch chrome wheels.
With a 2nd and 3rd row of seats that fold completely flat the Navigator provides an unbelievable amount of cargo capacity. 2925 litres to be precise and the available L edition offers a cavernous 3631 litres of space, that’s enough to fit a small car!
Surprisingly for such a large vehicle it is easy to handle and does not feel bulky or overly large on the road. An unbelievably small turning radius made the Navigator feel very nimble on a small autocross course.
Powered by a 5.4-litre, three-valve Triton V-8, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, that generated 300 horsepower and 365 lb-ft of torque the Navigator feels in no way lethargic on the road.
Overall I came back from this short event looking forward to Lincoln’s new line-up. With an injection of fun-to-drive and a quality luxury feel, the new Lincoln line-up should help Ford pick-up some stronger sales in the next year.
