At the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show will be presented refreshed 2019 Lincoln MKC. The Lincoln MKC was first launched in 2014 to boost the resurgence of the Lincoln trademark, Ford’s premium brand. Ford uses the MKC to compete in the luxury compact crossover market segment. Ford was late to enter into this market segment; despite this, the MKC sales have continued to grow even though the overall market is shrinking. The MKC is now getting a mid-cycle refresh for the 2019 model year.
2019 Lincoln MKC Exterior
Lincoln is currently in the process of aligning the design of all its models. The automaker is achieving this by equipping all models with an identical grille. The MKZ, Continental and Navigator have already received the new single-piece, squared grille and it was a time the MKC also received the same treatment. The new grille replaces the previous two-piece waterfall unit. Only the MKT and MKX remain with the old grille but will also get the new grille treatment in the near future. The grille is the main exterior upgrade. The new grille is flanked by LED headlights. The flanks remain unchanged. Lincoln says that the rear has also received a subtle upgrade but it is difficult to see any changes compared with the current model. Overall, the exterior of the Lincoln still looks modern and attractive and did not need significant upgrades.
Interior
The cabin of the 2019 Lincoln MKC features a host of technological upgrades. Other changes are minimal; in fact, the automaker has only added Rialto Green color to the Reserve trim. In addition to the color, the trim will also feature Black Ash real wood accenting. The Ford SYNC 3 infotainment system continues as standard; it integrates Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, USB ports including ports for rear passengers and a Wi-Fi hotspot. It also features a free emergency calling feature when paired with a Smartphone. The system also supports automatic collision notification.
For safety, Lincoln has upgraded the MKC’s driver-assist systems. New additions include automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection. They join the currently offered features which are rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams and adaptive cruise control. The active park-assist system continues unchanged, this system helps the driver to steer the vehicle in and out of a tight, parallel parking space autonomously.
The automaker now offers three Lincoln trims that the automaker says are inspired by the world of fine arts, travel culture and fine food. The first Black Label trim is dubbed “Modern Heritage”. This trim flaunts White Venetian leather upholstery with Gray wood accenting. The second Black Label trim is known as “Indulgence”, it features Alcantara upholstery and Venetian leather in Truffle as well as Ganache hues and Ziricote wood, a kind of accenting found on musical instruments and in yachts. The third Black Label trim is christened “Center Stage” as it is inspired by nights out events at the theater; it features Black Venetian leather upholstery, exotic wood trimming and red piping. Other benefits that come with the Black Label trim include annual detailing, exclusive access to exotic menus at select restaurants and carwashes.
Engine and performance
Engines powering the 2019 Lincoln MKC are carried over unchanged from the outgoing model. The base engine is the turbocharged 2.0 L, inline-4 that produces 245 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque. The more potent power-plant is the turbocharged 2.3 L, inline-4 good for 285 hp and 305 lb-ft of torque. Both engines make use of a 6-speed automatic transmission system. Front-wheel-drive is standard but buyers can opt for all-wheel-drive. In addition, buyers can also opt for adaptive damping suspension along with Lincoln Drive Control which enables drivers to adjust drive-mode settings.
Price and release date
Sales of the 2019 Lincoln MKC will start in the summer of next year (2018). Lincoln is yet to put price tags on the models but prices won’t changes significantly from those of the outgoing models. Therefore, look forward to a starting price of around $35,000 for the base model; currently, the base model has an MSRP of $34,280. The model will be displayed at the upcoming LA Auto show.
Competition
The Lincoln MKC competes with Volvo XC60, Buick Encore, Cadillac XT5, Audi Q5 and BMW X3.