Is MKX simply a rebadged version of the wildly successful Ford Edge?

While both are designed from the same platform, and built in the same plant in Oakville, Ont., the MKX is still its own machine.

The Lincoln is a full-load single-trim line vehicle with standard all-wheel-drive, and comes with unique-to-Lincoln features, a ritzier exterior and interior, and a better warranty than the Edge.

The Ford Edge, of course, is not as upscale as the Lincoln, and it has fewer features than its more expensive cousin. The Ford Edge also recently received the prestigious 2011 Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year Award. So, the MKX is certainly built on a very good foundation.

A full-load Edge is about the same price as the MKX, which is something for buyers to consider. However, the Lincoln is more likely to appeal to a buyer who's looking at a similar class luxury utility vehicle, such as the Audi Q5, Cadillac SRX or Lexus RX350. Value-wise, the MKX stacks up very well against this calibre of competition.

The MKX was first introduced by Lincoln as a 2007 model. While not a complete makeover, more than 60 per cent of parts and components in the 2011 edition have been changed. It's still a five-seat mid-size utility vehicle, but now it's powered by a 3.7-litre V6 that's mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

The new engine can produce 305 horsepower, which is 40 extra horses than the outgoing 3.5-litre V6. Yet fuel economy is better than in the predecessor, rated at 12.2 litres/100 kilometres in the city and a very frugal 8.8 l/100 km on the highway.

Topping the list of new features is the industry-exclusive MyLincoln Touch system. Like MyFord Touch, this is an advanced version of the Ford Sync multimedia driver connect technology, which provides an array of information and options for the driver and other occupants in the vehicle to interact with personal and vehicle digital technology. Unfortunately, just like in the Edge, I find the system too cumbersome to use while driving and in general, it's a bit ahead of its time.

Highlights of the long list of standard features that come with the MKX are its 18-inch polished aluminum wheels, hill start assist, automatic adaptive xenon headlights, fog lamps, heated blind-spot mirrors with puddle lamps, a power liftgate, a rear-view camera, keyless entry with push-button start, a power tilt and telescopic heated steering wheel, heated and cooled leather, 10-way adjustable power seats, driver's side memory, leather-trimmed seats and the SecuriCode keyless entry keypad.

It doesn't stop there, as you can also add some unique options like adaptive cruise control, collision warning with brake support, and THX II audio system. There's also a new premium package and a sight and sound package.

The look

The most obvious change is the big, chrome split-wing front grille. While new to MKX, it's actually a modern version of an older Lincoln signature feature, and it's an attractive interpretation. Another nostalgic nod is a general increase in the amount of brightwork on the body, which includes chromed door handles. Styling changes up front are extensive as the hood, fenders, headlights, bumper and front air intakes are all new. Around back, MKX gets new LED tail lights, a new liftgate design and oval exhaust tail pipes. As well, the suspension has been reworked and braking system modified.

The inside

Providing a quieter, more comfortable cabin with more utility for its users were goals of Lincoln interior engineers. As such, they left little or nothing of the old interior, as the instrument panel, console, seats and door panels, etc., are all new. And new sound-deadening techniques have also made it a uniquely quiet cabin.

Cargo capacity behind the second seat is 915 litres and it expands to 1,942 litres with the second row seats folded flat. The front passenger seat can also fold flat to allow something up to 2.4 metres long to slide into the MKX. And for improved passenger comfort, the rear seats also have a seatback recline feature.

If you like digital-age electronics, you'll be fascinated with the MyLincoln Touch system, which takes voice-activated communications technology to a new level. A cool-looking panel display is controlled by five-way thumb switches on the steering wheel, and it obeys up to 10,000 voice commands, compared to the previous version that understood approximately 300. It's also more intuitive than using the system by hand. For example, you can tell the MKX you're hungry and it will search out local restaurants. Mind you, talking to a car still feels a bit odd, but no doubt I'll get over that someday. My test MKX also came with an in-car entertainment option ($2,100) that included headrest-mounted screens that rear passengers can use to watch movies.

Safety

In addition to the usual array of airbags and other occupant protection systems, the MKX has the MyKey system. This system allows a vehicle owner (typically a parent) to program restricted use by a secondary operator (probably a son or daughter). Maximum speed can be set to 130 km/h and audio volume can be reduced to 44 per cent of full output.

The audio system can also be muted and a chime sounded at regular intervals if the front seat occupants do not buckle their seat belts. Automated parental nagging . . . wow!

The drive

The all-wheel-drive system defaults for front-drive in normal driving situations to maximize fuel economy. It's a passive system that doesn't require driver inputs, and it will divert traction to all wheels in slick driving conditions.

The driver can change gears manually by moving the shift lever into the "M" position. A toggle switch on the shift lever is used to make gear selections. While not as sexy as the steering wheel-mounted paddle shift levers found on competitors, it does the job. An automatic sportshift mode would be another of my wish list additions.

That said, the MKX can move along at a very good clip. Its zero to 100 km/h test time at the recent Canadian Car of the Year evaluation event was a spirited 8.1 seconds. Brake performance was even more impressive at 42.1 metres (100 km/h to zero), which is a 4.7-metre shorter stopping distance than the '07 MKX.

The steering is weighted on the light side but is reasonably sharp and communicative. A combination of front struts and rear trailing arms, the suspension system provides a smooth ride and stable cornering behaviour.

The score

If looks could kill, the new Lincoln MKX would be an assassin.

THE SPECS

2011 Lincoln MKX

Trim levels: MKX

Sticker price: $46,500

Power: 3.7-litre V6/305 h.p. at 6,500 rpm

Transmission: six-speed automatic

Fuel consumption: 12.2/8.8 l/100 km (city/highway)

Basic warranty: four years/80,000 km

Powertrain warranty: six years/110,000 km

Rust warranty: five years/unlimited km

The competition

- Audi Q5: $41,200-$49,900

- BMW X3: $41,900-$46,900

- Cadillac SRX: $41,575-$57,775

- Infiniti EX35: $42,200-$53,300

- Land Rover LR2: $44,950

- Lexus RX350/450: $46,900 to $58,900

- Volvo XC70: $43,995-$49,995

Info: www.ford.ca.