While Cadillac, which used edgy design and high performance to make over its entire line, has succeeded in attracting young first-time buyers, Lincoln has lagged in that area.
The MKX could help turn that around.
Yes, it is a derivative of the Ford Edge and Mazda MX-9 crossovers. And it does start with a base price that is more than $8,500 above the Edge, a fine Ford product.
But this is not a mere rebadging -- slapping a fancy moniker on what is essentially the same car and jacking up the price to make more money.
The MKX, with its large, boldly raked windshield and pinched side glass beneath a roof that drops dramatically to the rear gate, has the aerodynamic lines that have become familiar because of the modern crossover.
But add a grille that is as big as the grin of Batman 's nemesis The Joker, give it a distinctive vertical Lincoln badge and broad, thin headlamps, and the Lincoln stands out from the pack.
Inside, there is subtle luxury. The leather seating for the five passengers is spacious, though a bit more base to stretch out up front would be an improvement.
Controls at the center dash pod are large and easy to use, and the touch-screen controls for the navigation system were some of the easiest to figure out and manipulate I have come across.
The all-wheel-drive system was transparent, never showing off as it transmitted power where needed, even during some hard cornering in water deep enough for hydroplaning.
The ride was softer than what I experienced in the Edge, probably because this car is aimed at a market that prefers rides on the fluffy side, rather than the tactile and sharp response of a stiffer suspension setup.
The only engine available for the MKX is a 3.5-liter V-6 that produces a respectable 265 horsepower and is linked to a six-speed automatic transmission that efficiently moves up and down the bands. It's plenty powerful for this model's prospective buyers.
Standard safety equipment includes side air bags and a front-to-rear "safety canopy" of bags. There is also electronic stability control and tire pressure monitoring.
