With the introduction of the Audi Q7 and the Lincoln MKX at this year’s North American International Auto Show, the luxury SUV market just got a little more crowded.

Under the hood drivers will find the option of an advanced 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged Ti-VCT EcoBoost V6 projected to deliver more than 330 horsepower and more than 370 lb.-ft. of torque, based on preliminary test data. The standard engine is a 3.7-liter V6, projected to deliver 300 horsepower and 280 lb.-ft. of torque, based on preliminary test data. Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with push-button shift and SelectShift. Front-wheel drive is standard, with Intelligent All-Wheel Drive optional.

“The new 2.7-liter EcoBoost adds a new level of performance to the all-new Lincoln MKX,” said Chief Program Engineer Elaine Bannon. “The focus is on delivering a total personalized luxury experience for our client: performance, quiet ride, power and technologies that make life easier, all in an environment wrapped in rich materials.”

Drivers and passengers will appreciate the available Lincoln Drive Control, a suite of ride-enhancing technologies, optimizes performance and offers three distinct modes: Normal, Sport and Comfort. The Lincoln MKX has standard electric power-assisted steering and is the first Lincoln to offer adaptive steering.

Keeping drivers and passengers safe is easier with the MKX’s suite of safety technologies including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping system, blind spot information system, cross-traffic alert, 360-degree camera, ultrasonic 12 sensor parking assist system, and a height-adjustable hands-free power liftgate.

Parking the crossover SUV is easier thanks to an ultrasonic sensing system with 12 sensors enabling the full range of available parking-assist features: front rear side sensing, perpendicular and parallel parking assist and park out assist.

The all-new Lincoln MKX adds pre-collision assist, a technology developed in Europe that is making its way into all new Ford and Lincoln vehicles.

Like it’s luxury SUV competitors, the all-new MKX has a blade of LED headlights rather than a solid headlamp. The blade lights technology includes a feature that adapts when accelerating from 0 to 35 mph by adding width to the low-beam pattern through the use of additional LED reflector elements.

Lincoln continues LED use throughout the vehicle. When the driver with key fob is within approximately 9 feet, the lower LED daytime running lights gently brighten, while “welcome mat” is projected on the ground from the folded mirrors. Door handles are illuminated, too, tuned to the exterior color.

Interior sequential lighting begins at the footwell, then illuminates the cupholders, pass-through, instrument panel, front door handles, front map pockets and rear doors. The lighting goes off in reverse order.

Making the ride more comfortable are 22-way adjustable front seats which contain six adjustable air bladders in the cushion and five adjustable air bladders in the lower seat back. Further adjustments can be made through the four-way power head restraint and the power thigh extender. Getting in and out is made easier with thigh bolster that deflate to make exit easier and reinflates after entry to the previous setting.

Staying connected to your vehicle is easier with the smartphone app that communicates with the vehicle, the available MyLincoln Mobile™ app gives owners the ability to start, lock, unlock and locate their vehicle, as well as schedule a remote start. The embedded modem is included and availabe on Reserve Equipment Group and includes service for four years.

The Revel Ultima system is standard on Lincoln Black Label editions and available on Reserve models. The systems features 19 speakers in the MKX.

Want to up your luxury experience? Lincoln Black Label is available for the MKX with four designer themes, two of which are new– one is inspired by the fashion, lifestyle and art scene of 1920s Paris, while another is inspired by the excitement, passion and pageantry of high-stakes thoroughbred horse racing.

The 2016 Lincoln MKX is on sale now with an MSRP starting at $39,800.

images courtesy of Lincoln Motor Company