Lincoln MKX concept revealed ahead of Beijing auto show

Lincoln has pulled the covers off its new MKX crossover concept, which is set for a global debut at the upcoming Beijing auto show.

Following on the heels of the MKZ sedan and the 2015 MKC crossover, the redesigned MKX will be the third of four vehicles Lincoln says it will introduce by 2016 (the restyled Navigator doesn't count, apparently). Larger than the compact MKC, the MKX concept wears many of its smaller sibling's styling cues -- from the new split Lincoln grille to the lightly sculpted beltline to the upturned full-width taillights. The vehicle's sloping roofline is topped by a panoramic glass sunroof. It sits on large, 21-inch wheels. The practically requisite LED accents sit beneath each headlamp.

According to Lincoln, the MKX concept's design draws inspiration “from airplanes and motorbikes” in order to evoke “feelings of power and agility.” That may or may not be the case, but what we're seeing falls right in line with the styling of the MKC -- and save for a few bits like fancy mirrors and headlights, there's really nothing here that couldn't make it to production. We think it does a better job differentiating itself from anything in Ford's lineup than today's MKX crossover, which looks a lot like the Ford Edge upon which it is based.

This is a concept, so Lincoln didn't see fit to provide information on powertrain options. Still, we can speculate. The current Edge-based MKX gets a V6. The 285-hp 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four that's available as an option in the MKC wouldn't be a bad baseline source of motivation. That, or the 3.7-liter V6 found in the2015 Ford Mustang. Depending on its output, the new 2.7-liter turbocharged V6 bound for the F-150 could also be a viable source of power.

Lincoln notes this is the first time it has debuted a concept outside U.S. borders. Given the marque's struggles here at home, why would Lincoln choose to debut this vehicle in China rather than, say, at the New York auto show?

The answer is simple: As important as the crossover segment is here in North America, it's poised for even more explosive growth in China -- and Lincoln is about to enter the Chinese market backed by a network of luxurious dealerships.

By Graham Kozak