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This is really a moot point since Lincoln WILL get 100% unique sheetmetal starting with the MKS. This component sharing was driven by the beancounters who are no longer in charge.
BTW, I showed the side by side photos of the Edge and MKX to my wife who really wants a MKX. I said "see how they have almost the exact same profile?". She said "So?". She likes the MKX and doesn't care what it shares with the Edge.
Nope. Didn't forget those two. Have never ever confused them either.
You do have a point that those photos show a similar design theme, but on the street, I don't confuse them from any angle. Again, it may be because they do not share a single piece of sheetmetal, or even the window glass.
But this is a dead issue. MKX will sell well enough to all those people who don't care that it shares its sheetmetal with a Ford. End of debate.
Even if there isn't shared window glass or door panels, I don't see how anyone can look at a Lexus ES and Toyota Camry, or a Lexus GS and Toyota Avalon, especially when sitting inside and seeing the common shifter (in all fairness that might have been last gen) and other switch gear and not know they were from common parts bins and shared lots of DNA. Everyone shares platforms; everyone knows it. It just works for Toyota and Honda because everyone perceives them as the superior car (won't debate that here, now) so platform sharing doesn't matter when they do it.
Ford needs to hire advertisers of the caliber of Lexus' and get the word out about what their cars do right. Tout the first year reliability. Tout the dealership experience at Lincoln. Tout the improved reliability as reported by CR. Tout the user-friendly SatNav interface. Tout the HP on regular, not premium, gas. Then sharing platforms won't matter for Ford, either.
Once again, for the umpty-zillionth time, sharing a platform is not the problem. All manufacturers do that. Not caring enough to appeal to those of us who want the luxury model to be different from the mainstream one is the issue.
Again, for those of you who do not care that the Lincoln and the Ford share the exact same body panels, it is not a problem. But that cost cutting may be part of why Toyota, Honda, VW/Audi, and even GM are doing better than Ford these days.
Just saw that Ford is predicting another 13% drop in sales for April. Only Ford continues to recycle the same sheet metal among so many different models. And even Ford is planning to stop doing it, so it must not be working all that well for them.
The MKX is in short supply right now. Good for Ford, though it is not beginning to offset all the other lost sales. I hope they have a redesign in the works for when MKX sales level off. Planning ahead will serve them better too.
Not caring enough to appeal to those of us who want the luxury model to be different from the mainstream one is the issue.
You're right. I shouldn't have used the word "platform" (that's what comes from posting while enjoying a nice Shiraz). I think it has a specific meaning, and I'm speaking in more general terms than that.
Since I'm not omniscient and can't speak for anyone but me, what follows is what's important to me only. Shared sheetmetal and glass isn't important; that's exterior superficiality. Important differentiation comes from what's going on inside: engine, drivetrain, gadgets, interior design. A luxury model should offer things absolutely not available on its more plebeian stablemates. Maybe the MKX does. It's supposed to have a quieter ride. But, I haven't researched the Edge and MKX side-by-side.
As an aside, one thing that turned me off of early Lexuses was sitting in a Lexus and seeing the same transmission gearshift, same turn signal / wiper control, same cruise control, etc., as in the Toyota. I didn't see or feel enough differentiation to make the Lexus worth the extra money.
Yes, the MkX has more sound deadening than the Edge, but Ford could easily offer an Edge Limited with the same quiet. Probably will too, as consumers more and more perceive quiet as quality. And more and more plebeian rides are coming to market as quiet as luxury models. Hyundai is an example.
Engine and drivetrain and panoramic roof are all the same on the Edge and MKX. The MKX arguably doesn't have as "cheap" interior trim as the Edge, but both of them need to spruce that up.
I don't care if the gearshift is the same, if it is the expensive model that forms the basis for it. For example, the gearshift in a VW Jetta is lifted from an Audi A8. VW/Audi has set a standard for its luxury rides and then blew everyone away by putting that same switchgear in a Rabbit. It is why even with the awful exchange rate (from the European perspective), VW can sell "economy" cars here.
People will pay 10 to 20% more than a comparable car, because the look and feel and amenities of the interior mimic a much more expensive car. VW sales are looking good again, and the only reason they encountered trouble in recent years is because, like Ford, they let their model cycles get too long.
If Ford ever figures that out, they will clean up.
I don't care if the gearshift is the same, if it is the expensive model that forms the basis for it.
Turnoff for me is that in Lexus' case, it was the Lexus using the Toyota switchgear, not the other way around.
VW sales are looking good again, and the only reason they encountered trouble in recent years is because, like Ford, they let their model cycles get too long.
If Ford ever figures that out, they will clean up.
I for one would much rather read about how other MKX owners are enjoying their new vehicles than about what so & so car manufacturers are doing. Who gives a crap??? I love my MKX and don't care if it's similar to the Edge. If you want an Edge, buy one. If not why not let's talk about the MKX and spread the word about all the nice features IT has? Isn't that why people read these blogs? I thought it was to find out about the car they were interested in buying or to read about what other owners had to say about the vehicle they just purchased. At any rate, like I said, you bore me. If you want to talk about the MKX I'm ready.
My local dealer only stocks MKX's with both the ultimate and elite packages.
Can anyone comment on the quality of the stereo included in the base model. I'm curious if this includes a speaker above the center console, as is included in the THX model.
Ultimate is no brainer. Also because the Vista Roof is what makes the car unique in the catagory and because its a limited commodity, most dealers order as many Elites as they can get built.
I ordered an AWD+ultimate+vista roof+satellite radio. I really do not need the navigation system. I'm just hoping that I did not make a mistake not upgrading the stereo.
I got a good deal. Apparently there is a limited supply of the navigation component, so my dealer had to take three units that had the ultimate package plus vista roof.
I also have the regular stereo system and it seems fine to me. I have a good quality sound and no complaints. It's as good as any I've ever had. Good luck with your new baby! I hope you enjoy yours as much as I do mine.
I live in a small town in central FL and mine is the only one I've seen in town It's a head turner for sure. The only time I've seen others is when I've driven into Tampa and on my road trip to the Keys. I get a lot of looks and I can tell people like it. I've had a lot of compliments on mine. You're right, I see a lot of RX350's also. People of all ages seem impressed with the style of my MKX. I'm a Big Sister in Big Brother Big Sister organization and even my "Little" (10 yr. old boy) gave me a high five and said I did good. Quite an endorsement for sure.
I am in Orlando and drive to Miami alot. Since April started there are at least 5 at the local Publix plaza and we pass 10 or so in Miami.
We have both the Ultimate and Elite packages. It was all that was available since we wanted the Nav and sunroof. The upgraded stereo sounds great with the installed Sirius, but I am not sure if it is worth adding if you can find one without it.
My wife just hit 5000 miles on the truck and is so far extremely happy with her purchase.
I agree with you. (And I'm a guy).. I ordered my MKX last week... Why? A big reason is looks. (I call it understated elegance) both inside and out. Value?... Plenty, for under a Lexus RX350 price. Engine is powerful enough. Took it for 3 test drives over different surfaces. Enjoyed the ride very much. Seats are a little firm but will be "cooled" in the summer. I like the adaptive (non HID) headlights. I'm not an HID fan. Another tiny MKX feature which I have in my 2004 Grand Marquis Ultimate is, headlights come on when the windshield wipers are turned on. (I know when it's raining so I don't need rain sensing wipers. But I do forget to turn my lights on when it rains. (NOT anymore)... Step in/step out height is terrific (especially stepping out height). And by the way, I'm tired of hearing that the MKX doesn't have a 3rd row. "I don't want a 3rd row". Like you, I'm also tired of hearing that it looks like an Edge ... It looks like an Edge only from the side (and that's not a bad thing). That's it. The MKX separates itself in the back, front, interior and probably has a "softer" ride. I didn't test drive the Edge but I looked inside. (I didn't like the way it looks inside, or the back, or the front).... The3 MKX dashboard is not busy like many are. Very easy to use buttons and they are easy to get to.. Didn't hear the sound system. But I'm sure it's good, probably excellent. I ordered Pewter w/Greystone, Ultimate w/THX II, Sirius and rear cargo mgt system.. Oh... Did I mention Regular Gas? ...
Now that the discussion has returned to the MKX, I'm back to offer comments after two weeks and nearly 1000 miles of ownership. Mine is the pewter/charcoal number pictured in posts 377 and 406.
Exterior Style & Design: we continue to collect positive comments. Yesterday it was a church friend who, as we pulled in the parking lot and got out, remarked "that's a very nice vehicle you are driving, it's gorgeous." I'm waiting on (hoping for!!) the out-of-the-blue question or comment while refueling.
Instrument Cluster: the cluster is the standard Ford two-large-gauge-and-two-small-gauge model, but the graphics and fonts are the best execution I've seen. It is very clean, non-fussy, and classy looking.
Chrome Clad Wheels: I am generally not a fan of chrome wheels, but since we have a Ultimate/Elite package model, we got them (if I would have ordered it special, I would have done the chrome wheel delete). I usually research vehicles extensively but I will admit I wasn't familiar with these new style wheels. They are best described as a chrome face fused to an alloy wheel--- search forum posts for a better explanation. It is kind of strange to be cleaning them and feeling the mating of the two surfaces. I guess I am in a wait-and-see mode right now.
Overall very pleased. More comments to follow if you are interested.
Okay - back on subject, that being the MKX. What kind of real-world mileage have you MKX drivers been getting? Is that FWD or AWD? How would you characterize your driving style: aggressive lead foot, normal, or granny conservative?
My MKX is FWD and I'm getting 19.5. I consider myself a normal driver and right now I'm just over 3,000 miles on the vehicle. How about you other people?
Before I submitted my order I test drove an MKX w/Camel interior... The test drive was fine. But, the glare was terrible. Almost decided not to get the MKX as a result of the glare. But I liked the car too much. Another week went by and I test drove an MKX w/Greystone interior.. That was fine... Last week I ordered a Pewter MKX w/Greystone interior.
At 1200 miles, it is really too early to draw many conclusions. Nevertheless, for 2/3 city 1/3 highway driving, normal-type driver, our first three tankfuls (FWD) were 17, 19, and 18 mpg. Next week we will be taking a long trip so it will be interesting to see what happens then.
I know its only the 1st of the month but does anyone know the leasing factors for May for the MKX.... money factor, residual values for 36 month 36k and 45k miles, and any incentives applicable to leases for the month of May.
Re: MKX exterior. I must admit, it is a fine looking car (except for the grille, IMHO). I was hangin out at a sidewalk cafe in a Tony N Cal town over the weekend. Saw several RX3x0s go by. THey're OK. Then a white chocolate MKX drove slowly past. Sure looked nice (and larger) in comparison.
That said, I wish I could see a reason to buy one - the silly D-L transmission non-controller is a permanent turn off to me.
My mileage is a mixture of both. I drive country roads during the workweek but have driven on the Interstate also. Like I stated before I have a little over 3000 miles and I think the average speed is 38 mph.
I wish I could see a reason to buy one - the silly D-L transmission non-controller is a permanent turn off to me.
On rare occasions I've hit the Winter mode in my Volvo to start out in a lower gear. Other than that I've never had to shift out of D, so maybe I don't make the best use of the transmission I have. I don't care if I can shift from D to something other than a generic L. If I want to shift for myself, I'll buy a true stick.
I do like the look of the MKX, front and back end, though I wish Lincoln had a common design theme. For the most part I like the interior - it's clean and doesn't have that Japanese boom box look of the Acuras. I like the step-in height, and the car offers everything I would like in our next vehicle, except for a cargo cover. The only reason I wouldn't add it to the list of potential cars now is the lack of one. Funny what's important to some people, huh.
I don't remember the last time I used something other than D, so the D-L shifter isn't a big deal to me. A cargo cover isn't a big deal to me either; I don't even know which competitor cars do or don't have it. However, one of our 'must haves' was heated rear seats. Imagine that, we are in Houston. Like you said, funny what is importatant to some people....
Speaking of Acura, we generally liked the MDX but found it to be pricey, and it felt kind of like 'technology for technology's sake.' I had a hard time putting my finger on my thoughts about the interior-- maybe 'boom box' is a good descriptor (in other words, stylish to the point of being busy). Just my opinion.
However, one of our 'must haves' was heated rear seats. Imagine that, we are in Houston.
But, y'all drop into the 50s every now and then, don't you? Heated rear seats would be nice even at that bone-chilling temp! :P
My LS doesn't have heated seats, and believe me, getting into the car on a winter morning after it's been sitting outside can be a shock. Heated seats are a must for the next car, and that's a huge plus for the MKX.
On an MSRP basis MKX is cheaper, but I can get the loaded RX for $42k, whereas the MKX would be the same or possibly more than that at $2k over invoice. I won't take a chance on a new model v. the proven reliability and quality of Lexus with no financial incentive...
Sorry to hear that (mgh1). Guess we won't be hearing from you again then, huh? You'll probably be going over to the Lexus sight so we can continue talking about our MKX's.
I am a new member as of today. A loaded up Lexus RX is hardly $42K. If one goes to the Lexus website and builds a loaded up RX, price is $49+K. To build an equivalent MKX, price is $43+K. Of course, I'm talking Nav, sun roof, upgraded stereo, towing pkg, upgraded wheels, etc. on both vehicles.
I picked up my MKX today and since others who have posted their buying experiences have been a big help to me the following are my purchase stats in the hope it may help someone else. Equipped with ultimate pkg., Sirius, and THX audio the car listed at $37,980. Dealer discounted the car $2,000 which put it slightly over $1,000 dealer invoice. The $2,000 discount did not come easy I had to push hard and threaten to take my business elsewhere. I felt I might have done still better at another dealer but he had the car with the equipment and color I wanted on the lot. Since I leased the MKX, I was eligible for a $1,000 rebate anybody who leases in the month of May is eligible for this. In addition a pleasant surprise which don’t happen often when at a dealership since I was coming off a Ford credit lease and was entering another Ford credit lease I was eligible for another $1,000 rebate. This last rebate I hadn’t found on any of the websites I had researched. So I ended up getting the car for a total of $4,000 off of MSRP. The lease factor rate for May is 1.5% (.00063) and a residual of 49% on a 15k miles per year. Payment came out to $476 per month. Hope this helps somebody!!
After waiting patiently for 5 weeks, I expect the MKX I ordered will be at the dealer next week. I have had to drive a van (very boring) for 8 years now I can finally get into something good looking with for me a ton of appeal. Will keep you posted!
Comments
BTW, I showed the side by side photos of the Edge and MKX to my wife who really wants a MKX. I said "see how they have almost the exact same profile?". She said "So?". She likes the MKX and doesn't care what it shares with the Edge.
Besides, if we wait long enough, those of us that don't want a Ford lookalike will someday have a Lincoln choice too.
Guess you forgot the 2000 Camry and Lexus ES.
Mark
You do have a point that those photos show a similar design theme, but on the street, I don't confuse them from any angle. Again, it may be because they do not share a single piece of sheetmetal, or even the window glass.
But this is a dead issue. MKX will sell well enough to all those people who don't care that it shares its sheetmetal with a Ford. End of debate.
Different body lines, different doors, different glass; You can't say that about another pair we're thinking of...
Ford needs to hire advertisers of the caliber of Lexus' and get the word out about what their cars do right. Tout the first year reliability. Tout the dealership experience at Lincoln. Tout the improved reliability as reported by CR. Tout the user-friendly SatNav interface. Tout the HP on regular, not premium, gas. Then sharing platforms won't matter for Ford, either.
Again, for those of you who do not care that the Lincoln and the Ford share the exact same body panels, it is not a problem. But that cost cutting may be part of why Toyota, Honda, VW/Audi, and even GM are doing better than Ford these days.
Just saw that Ford is predicting another 13% drop in sales for April. Only Ford continues to recycle the same sheet metal among so many different models. And even Ford is planning to stop doing it, so it must not be working all that well for them.
The MKX is in short supply right now. Good for Ford, though it is not beginning to offset all the other lost sales. I hope they have a redesign in the works for when MKX sales level off. Planning ahead will serve them better too.
You're right. I shouldn't have used the word "platform" (that's what comes from posting while enjoying a nice Shiraz). I think it has a specific meaning, and I'm speaking in more general terms than that.
Since I'm not omniscient and can't speak for anyone but me, what follows is what's important to me only. Shared sheetmetal and glass isn't important; that's exterior superficiality. Important differentiation comes from what's going on inside: engine, drivetrain, gadgets, interior design. A luxury model should offer things absolutely not available on its more plebeian stablemates. Maybe the MKX does. It's supposed to have a quieter ride. But, I haven't researched the Edge and MKX side-by-side.
As an aside, one thing that turned me off of early Lexuses was sitting in a Lexus and seeing the same transmission gearshift, same turn signal / wiper control, same cruise control, etc., as in the Toyota. I didn't see or feel enough differentiation to make the Lexus worth the extra money.
Engine and drivetrain and panoramic roof are all the same on the Edge and MKX. The MKX arguably doesn't have as "cheap" interior trim as the Edge, but both of them need to spruce that up.
I don't care if the gearshift is the same, if it is the expensive model that forms the basis for it. For example, the gearshift in a VW Jetta is lifted from an Audi A8. VW/Audi has set a standard for its luxury rides and then blew everyone away by putting that same switchgear in a Rabbit. It is why even with the awful exchange rate (from the European perspective), VW can sell "economy" cars here.
People will pay 10 to 20% more than a comparable car, because the look and feel and amenities of the interior mimic a much more expensive car. VW sales are looking good again, and the only reason they encountered trouble in recent years is because, like Ford, they let their model cycles get too long.
If Ford ever figures that out, they will clean up.
Turnoff for me is that in Lexus' case, it was the Lexus using the Toyota switchgear, not the other way around.
VW sales are looking good again, and the only reason they encountered trouble in recent years is because, like Ford, they let their model cycles get too long.
If Ford ever figures that out, they will clean up.
If being the operable term, here.
Can anyone comment on the quality of the stereo included in the base model. I'm curious if this includes a speaker above the center console, as is included in the THX model.
Ultimate is no brainer. Also because the Vista Roof is what makes the car unique in the catagory and because its a limited commodity, most dealers order as many Elites as they can get built.
Mark.
I got a good deal. Apparently there is a limited supply of the navigation component, so my dealer had to take three units that had the ultimate package plus vista roof.
I take delivery late next week.
I'm a Big Sister in Big Brother Big Sister organization and even my "Little" (10 yr. old boy) gave me a high five and said I did good. Quite an endorsement for sure.
We have both the Ultimate and Elite packages. It was all that was available since we wanted the Nav and sunroof. The upgraded stereo sounds great with the installed Sirius, but I am not sure if it is worth adding if you can find one without it.
My wife just hit 5000 miles on the truck and is so far extremely happy with her purchase.
Exterior Style & Design: we continue to collect positive comments. Yesterday it was a church friend who, as we pulled in the parking lot and got out, remarked "that's a very nice vehicle you are driving, it's gorgeous." I'm waiting on (hoping for!!) the out-of-the-blue question or comment while refueling.
Instrument Cluster: the cluster is the standard Ford two-large-gauge-and-two-small-gauge model, but the graphics and fonts are the best execution I've seen. It is very clean, non-fussy, and classy looking.
Chrome Clad Wheels: I am generally not a fan of chrome wheels, but since we have a Ultimate/Elite package model, we got them (if I would have ordered it special, I would have done the chrome wheel delete). I usually research vehicles extensively but I will admit I wasn't familiar with these new style wheels. They are best described as a chrome face fused to an alloy wheel--- search forum posts for a better explanation. It is kind of strange to be cleaning them and feeling the mating of the two surfaces. I guess I am in a wait-and-see mode right now.
Overall very pleased. More comments to follow if you are interested.
Thanks, brendaboo. Is that in town, highway, or both?
No glare at all from charcoal dash pad.
That said, I wish I could see a reason to buy one - the silly D-L transmission non-controller is a permanent turn off to me.
and I think the average speed is 38 mph.
On rare occasions I've hit the Winter mode in my Volvo to start out in a lower gear. Other than that I've never had to shift out of D, so maybe I don't make the best use of the transmission I have. I don't care if I can shift from D to something other than a generic L. If I want to shift for myself, I'll buy a true stick.
I do like the look of the MKX, front and back end, though I wish Lincoln had a common design theme. For the most part I like the interior - it's clean and doesn't have that Japanese boom box look of the Acuras. I like the step-in height, and the car offers everything I would like in our next vehicle, except for a cargo cover. The only reason I wouldn't add it to the list of potential cars now is the lack of one. Funny what's important to some people, huh.
Speaking of Acura, we generally liked the MDX but found it to be pricey, and it felt kind of like 'technology for technology's sake.' I had a hard time putting my finger on my thoughts about the interior-- maybe 'boom box' is a good descriptor (in other words, stylish to the point of being busy). Just my opinion.
But, y'all drop into the 50s every now and then, don't you? Heated rear seats would be nice even at that bone-chilling temp! :P
My LS doesn't have heated seats, and believe me, getting into the car on a winter morning after it's been sitting outside can be a shock. Heated seats are a must for the next car, and that's a huge plus for the MKX.
Why? It's still less expensive and drives better.