(June 5, 2014) The all-new 2015 Lincoln MKC crossover, is now reaching dealer showrooms in small numbers.

Priced from $33,995 — the lowest entry price in the compact crossover luxury segment — the Lincoln MKC offers customers "the ultimate no-compromise small premium utility vehicle." It is the second of four all-new Lincoln vehicles due by 2016, and will go on sale in China, along with the MKZ sedan, when the Lincoln brand debuts there later this year.   

“The Lincoln MKC was designed to capture the attention of a worldwide audience,” said Matt Van Dyke, director, Global Lincoln. “Spirited, stylish and smart, it truly is one of the most exciting new products from Lincoln in years.”

Lincoln says that with  a powerful, fuel-efficient all-EcoBoost engine lineup, complemented by an array of premium amenities and technologies that prioritize comfort and convenience, MKC targets a growing audience of luxury consumers who want a vehicle that meets their unique needs.

As the first vehicle designed from the ground up in a dedicated Lincoln Design Studio, the Lincoln MKC strikes a sporty yet elegant pose. Its sleek, sculpted body, high beltline and low shoulders create a sturdy, athletic presence, enhanced by a low center of gravity for responsive handling and cornering stability.



The pedestal sideview mirrors improve visibility and an available panoramic Vista Roof lets natural light fill the cabin, creating a feeling of openness.

At the rear, a distinctive wraparound liftgate combines form with function in a fluid design. Created by a hydroforming process, the result is a clean appearance, free of typical lines and joints, with a wide opening for easy access to the cargo area.

An optional hands-free feature opens the liftgate with a kicking motion below the rear bumper. 

To complement full-width LED taillamps, longer-lasting and energy-efficient HID headlamps are integrated within the Lincoln signature split-wing grille to give the front end a distinctive look.

Luxury materials and fine craftsmanship shape the interior

The evolution of Lincoln design carries through to the interior, where craftsmanship, luxury materials and a high-tech environment offer a warm, inviting space.

The MKC features an all-EcoBoost engine lineup, including the available 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine. A combination of turbocharging, direct injection and twin independent variable camshaft timing delivers performance and refinement that rival bigger engines but with the fuel-economy benefits of downsizing.                                                                                           

Tested with 93-octane fuel, the 2.3-liter EcoBoost achieves 285 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 305 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,750 rpm, the most horsepower per liter in its class.

“It was important the performance of the Lincoln MKC delivered the on-road sportiness expressed in the vehicle’s exterior design,” said John Jraiche, Lincoln MKC chief engineer.  ”The all-new 2.3-liter EcoBoost certainly achieves that and more.”

The newest engine in the EcoBoost lineup was specifically engineered for higher performance and tuned for a luxury application. Engineers optimized the calibration, changed the final drive and added a new torque convertor. Its unique features include a twin-scroll, low-inertia turbocharger, piston cooling jets for fuel economy and durability, polished valve-train tappets, and a 9.5:1 compression ratio.

The twin-scroll turbocharger and a three-port integrated exhaust manifold cylinder head are two factors pivotal to the engine’s success. Turbo lag is virtually eliminated, giving the driver more power for passing while maintaining excellent fuel efficiency. Aided by class-exclusive Active Grille Shutters, the 2.3-liter EcoBoost has an EPA-estimated rating of 18 mpg city/26 mpg highway/21 mpg combined that is competitive with segment leaders.

The integrated exhaust manifold enhances exhaust flow for improved efficiency and durability, and reduces vehicle weight.

The standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost turbocharged engine delivers a competitive 240 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 270 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,000 rpm, the most torque per liter in its class. The front-wheel-drive, 2.0-liter EcoBoost-equipped MKC has an EPA-estimated rating of 20 mpg city/29 mpg highway/23 mpg combined, while the 2.0-liter with Intelligent All-Wheel Drive has an EPA-estimated rating of 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway/22 mpg combined.

Available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive evaluates road conditions in milliseconds, compensating for and transferring power between the wheels to provide a confident grip and solid response on varying surfaces through differing weather conditions. It modulates the torque to manage understeer and oversteer situations and provides a dynamic and sporty feel that more closely resembles a rear-wheel-drive experience.

Torque Vectoring Control, standard across all models, increases the fun-to-drive factor, balancing the distribution of engine torque to the front wheels for greater stability in cornering situations.

Both powertrains are mated to a smooth-shifting, six-speed SelectShift® automatic transmission with paddle shifters on the steering wheel.