First look: Lincoln takes luxury SUV aim

LINCOLN used yesterday's Detroit motor show openingt to unwrap its 2007 MKX, a luxury SUV aimed squarely at Nissan’s Murano and the Lexus RX.

Based on new underpinnings similar to those employed by Ford-owned Mazda’s forthcoming CX-7 and the Blue Oval’s own Edge crossover, which also debuted at Detroit, MKX replaces the Explorer-based Aviator SUV.

Described as a luxury CUV (Crossover Utility Vehicle), the five-seater MKX goes on sale in the US late this year and uses Ford’s new 184kW 3.5-litre V6 to drive the front or all four wheels via a six-speed auto.

MKX technology will include six airbags, adaptive headlights, a panoramic glass roof, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, a 14-speaker THX II audio system and DVD-based navigation.