The 2010 Lexus RX

Luxury car brands are confronted with a marketing nightmare thanks to the current global economic crisis. To revive floundering sales, Toyota’s luxury wing, Lexus, has come up with a vehicle that might just become the game-breaking model in the midrange luxury crossover segment.

Perhaps the RX’s most appealing feature is Remote Touch, a tactile response input device that makes it easier to access the central console for navigation and entertainment. The system makes use of intuitive tactile input and thus eliminates the need to look over the console and pay close attention to on-screen interfaces. The system also allows voice commands using phrases with keywords. This way, the driver can focus on driving and keeping his eye on the road while accessing important information.

The Remote Touch System

Interesting as Remote Touch is, other aspects of the RX seem to be lacking. The leather of the interior could be better, and fuel economy is really an issue for this crossover. Of course, you can argue that anyone who can afford a luxury vehicle shouldn’t really be that concerned with mileage and efficiency. That said, the RX still looks like a top dog in the luxury crossover category, alongside the Cadillac SRX.

So we start our North America International Auto Show catch-up series with the details on the 2010 Lincoln MKT luxury crossover, which debuted last week at the ongoing Detroit show.

The 2010 Lincoln MKT Crossover

The concept debuted two years ago at the NAIAS, too, and Lincoln upheld its plan to make the final model by the 2010 production year.

Exterior

When the concept first popped up, we always thought it was going to be one of those love-it-or-hate-it designs. Here comes the production model, and it still leaves us undecided whether to go nuts over the exterior or, well… go nuts.

Let’s just go ahead and say it: The front is HUGE. Naturally, the grille and the headlights are huge, too. Love the stylized grille design, though. As for the rest of the exterior, it’s pretty much run-of-the-mill crossover design, and we daresay it looks even bland. It’s a very sleek design overall, however, with the beveled edges and elegant window framing.

Silver, black, and red colorways were on display at the auto show.

Interior

The interior features true luxury vehicle stuff: seats that are trimmed with genuine leather and equipped with floating armrests, a central console for the second row of seats, and an instrument panel lined with LED detailing. There’s a folding rear bench seat and a refrigerator mounted on the rear console.

Customers can also choose between 7-seat or 8-seat options. There’s also the option to go for the fixe panoramic roof or a power roof.

Technical Specs

The basic MKT package, which starts at $44,995, is a front-wheel drive model with the standard petrol 3.7-liter Duratec V6 engine capable of 268 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque.

The $49,995 variant features all-wheel drive and the more powerful EcoBoost powertrain. This setup goes for upwards of 355 horsepower with 350 lb-ft of torque. Lincoln is banking on this v8-comparable output at v6 fuel economy to draw consumer interest.

The MKT also features adaptive cruise control, Ford’s new Active Park Assist system, keyless entry, adaptive headlamps, Blind Spot Information System, reverse camera system, driver preference settings using MyKey, navigation system, and Cross Traffic Alert.  There’s also a new rear suspension system that drastically improves shock absorption. Owners will also enjoy the 5.1 surround sound system, which is equipped with 14 THX II speakers.

Conclusion

The make-or-break element for the 2010 Lincoln MKT is the design. When it debuted last week, reception on the car’s exterior has been mixed. However, the MKT really is a feature-packed luxury crossover targeted at mid-range consumers. It’s got a load of the latest technology in it and, along with added performance and comfort, should be able to provide considerable value for money. Who knows, it might even be able to give its contemporary, the Ford Flex (with which it shares the same platform), a run for its money.

Sources: Motor Authority, Left Lane News