Lincoln has been revamping its entire lineup of late, after it introduced the new Lincoln grille. It started with the MKZ and the Continental sedans followed by the MKC crossover which was spotted testing last month and sporting the latest family grille. Recently, even the 2018 MKX SUV was spied testing at the carmaker’s headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan.
The MKX has been on sale for two years now. The 2018 facelift model spotted testing will adopt a heavily revised front end in line with the MKZ and Continental sedans. It will replace the quirky ‘butterfly’ grille with a chrome mesh type one. The entire fascia will be revised, with new headlights and reworked front bumpers.
Interestingly, there are speculations that the redesigned front of the MKZ will adopt a two-tier headlight lay out similar to the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the recently introduced Hyundai Kona. However, it is difficult to confirm that for now given that the prototype in question here is highly cladded. The cabin is expected to get some minor updates with advanced safety features added to the equipment list. A Black Label special edition is also on the cards.
The refreshed MKX will continue to be powered by the line-up of Ecoboost V6 motors. There might be an entry level four cylinder variant introduced with the update. The nine-speed automatic transmission developed with General Motors will replace the current six-speed unit.
Lincoln is expected to reveal the updated MKX later this year or in early 2018 at the Detroit Motor Show. The MKX will continue its competition against the likes of the Cadillac XT5, BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC and Porsche Macan in the American market.
