The design execution of the 2016 Lincoln MKX evolves the brand design for utilities in a bolder, stronger direction.
A dramatic, sculpted exterior defines the all-new 2016 Lincoln MKX midsize utility. Power, agility and confidence are communicated through the lines, surface language and execution.
2016 LINCOLN MKX: DESIGN
The bodyside’s crisp undercuts are inspired by a wing profile while the graphic of the split-wing grille also draws inspiration from aerodynamic shapes. The design execution of the 2016 Lincoln MKX evolves the brand design for utilities in a bolder, stronger direction. The proud shoulders and horizontal beltline help define the muscular character. Clean, seamless integration and premium execution of advanced technology is apparent front to back. Demonstrating the theme of dramatic form and dynamic function, the available full-LED headlamps are subtly executed as blades, rather than projectors, aligned with the horizontal execution of the Lincoln signature split-wing grille. Subtly executed in the grille area is the available front camera, which deploys from behind the Lincoln Star badging.
This thoughtful approach helps offer the convenience of a 360-degree view for the driver while maintaining the location of the Lincoln Star badge on the front of the vehicle. At the rear, this clean approach to design and functionality is mirrored in the integrated power dome, which houses 2016 LINCOLN MKX: DESIGN radio and satellite antennas on the spoiler. This execution, which eliminates an antenna jutting out, creates a clean design.
The signature full-width taillamp employs a filter to help the lamp read as one piece, rather than disparate dots of light. Below, integrated exhaust bezels unify the lower area.
The interior design of the 2016 Lincoln MKX
The interior design of the 2016 Lincoln MKX complements the exterior design by blending function with flowing forms to inspire a sense of luxurious adventure. The interior is both open and cocoonlike, stunning yet quiet. The interior is sculpted with flowing, uninterrupted forms. The instrument panel curves gracefully into the console as occupants are surrounded by exquisite details. The flowing forms create visual harmony. The architectural instrument panel is balanced with flowing shapes and stitch lines. The instrument panel and spacious pass-through console create the perfectly balanced harmonious tension.
New for Lincoln are the available Revel® audio systems. The Revel Ultima system features 19 speakers with point-source architecture, which positions the tweeter and midrange speakers close together for superior audio quality and accuracy. The push-button gear shift enables true flow-through from the instrument panel to the center console.
This execution creates a dramatic open suspension bridge that flows from the instrument panel to the center console, providing two tiers of open space. Available wood is used in nontraditional places, such as the doors, steering wheel and console. 2016 LINCOLN MKX: DESIGN 2016 LINCOLN MKX Dual-tier storage is added under the expansive, stitched center armrest. An implied flow extends from the instrument panel to the doors. The overall effect creates visual width and a feeling of openness. Rich materials and exquisite detailing add to the experience.
First to Offer Revel Audio
A listening experience comparable to what’s offered only through very high-end home audio systems now is available in the all-new Lincoln MKX midsize utility, which went on sale in June.
Revel, HARMAN International’s most exclusive loudspeaker brand, worked with Lincoln engineers and designers to craft a 13-speaker Revel audio system and a 19-speaker Revel Ultima™ system for the all-new Lincoln MKX.
Since 1996, Revel has served its audiophile customer base with exceptional, award-winning home-audio equipment. Emphasizing science-based speaker architecture and acoustic precision, Revel systems are designed to re-create a musical performance as precisely and purely as it was recorded.
“The Revel audio system available in the all-new Lincoln MKX represents a new approach to ensure all occupants – not just the driver – enjoy the best listening experience,” said Kevin Voecks, Revel product development manager. “Over the course of three years and hundreds of hours of tuning and refining, our collaboration with Lincoln has created the most authentic audio experience possible.”
Click here to see how the “Science of Sound” came to life in the all-new Lincoln MKX.
“‘Science of Sound’ means the placement, tuning, calibration and number of speakers are unique to each Lincoln model to ensure superior sound quality and audio accuracy,” Voecks said. “It blends precision technology with the human element of psychoacoustics to deliver a rich experience.”
Revel Waveguides: Where art and science converge
Revel home audio systems are designed with the tweeter and midrange speakers positioned next to each other – what Revel calls point-source architecture.
In addition, tweeters are outfitted with Revel Waveguides, circular rims that optimize high-frequency dispersion and play a crucial role in delivering the pure sound quality for which Revel is known.
Transferring that strategy to the Lincoln MKX interior required extensive collaboration between experts in the two fields.
“We worked closely with Revel engineers to create an audio system unique to the luxury car market,” said Soo Kang, Lincoln interior design chief. “The design of the vehicle interior and the design of the audio system work harmoniously, creating something that is not only beautiful to the eye but also to the ear.”
Precise speaker placement improves the accuracy of midrange and high-frequency reproduction. That precision ensures that every detail of a song reaches a Lincoln passenger’s ears at the exact same time and magnitude, for the most accurate listening experience.
New technology for an elevated listening experience
In addition to important point-source architecture, Revel brings breakthrough audio technologies to Lincoln vehicles.
QuantumLogic Surround®, Revel’s next-generation surround-sound technology, delivers a multi-dimensional experience while eliminating the smearing effects that often hamper typical surround-sound systems. With QuantumLogic, Lincoln owners use the touchscreen to select from three distinct listening modes:
- Traditional stereo
- Audience, for an intimate concert experience where the boundaries of the vehicle seemingly disappear
- On Stage, a 360-degree experience that puts listeners seemingly in the middle of the soundstage, arranging individual instruments and musical elements throughout the cabin
Revel Ultima systems include Clari-Fi™, a patented HARMAN technology that works in real-time to rebuild audio details often lost during the digital compression process. Clari-Fi intelligently and seamlessly reconstructs digitally compressed music for an enhanced listening experience regardless of the source.
Revel’s proprietary hybrid amplifier strategy employs Class A/B and Class D amplification to provide extraordinary fidelity at any volume.
Key learnings from Revel’s double-blind testing for home audio systems were incorporated into the development of the audio system for the all-new Lincoln MKX. This particular test eliminates the look of a loudspeaker, allowing performance preferences to be evaluated solely on the listening experience.
This, in turn, helps develop loudspeakers with the flattest, smoothest and more extended frequency responses.
Further, Revel audio systems in Lincoln go through rigorous objective testing, along with subjective evaluation by trained listeners. Candidates must pass a series of nearly 100 listening tests to obtain trained listener status.
“Just as every Revel home loudspeaker must outperform target competitors during evaluations, every Revel system in Lincoln is held to the same standard and does not get released until it reaches target performance,” Voecks said. “Replicating the Revel home-audio sound in the all-new Lincoln MKX was an incredibly rewarding and challenging task, but one that will fully benefit the Lincoln client.”
Photographer Said Bazze
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