• The Lincoln MKX Concept, unveiled at Auto China 2014, previews an elegant update to Lincoln’s midsize premium utility vehicle
• Well-balanced proportions highlighted by widened shoulders, a sloping roofline and 21-inch wheels create a gracefully athletic presence
• Full LED headlamps with strips of dynamic LED signature lighting – which light sequentially as part of Lincoln’s updated approach detection – float among a reimagined Lincoln split-wing grille
• Projections call for continued growth of the premium midsize utility segment worldwide through 2018
• The Lincoln Motor Company today unveiled the MKX Concept at Auto China in Beijing. The MKX Concept hints at a global sport utility vehicle that will become the third of four all-new Lincoln vehicles due by 2016. It is designed to capture the attention of consumers worldwide.

This reveal in Beijing marks the first time Lincoln has stepped beyond North American borders to reveal a concept vehicle.

Drawing design inspiration from airplanes and motorbikes, the MKX Concept evokes a feeling of power and agility, offering a glimpse of the North American luxury brand’s future as it enters the rapidly growing Chinese market.

“Great emphasis was put on the proportions of this concept vehicle,” said Andrea Di Buduo, exterior design manager of the MKX Concept. “It’s a very emotional, athletic design. Its horizontal lines and defined undercuts are gracefully integrated and very sophisticated, yet convey a powerful and dynamic presence.”

Defined by an aerodynamic, sloping teardrop roofline, the MKX Concept’s aircraft-inspired modern silhouette lends to its sporty personality. Attention to details, such as the brushed aluminum side mirrors and floating aluminum body-side rocker molding engraved with the Lincoln logo, contributes to the vehicle’s contemporary design.

The roof over the rear was lowered to give the vehicle a sleeker shape. Highlighted by a panoramic glass surface that lets natural light fill the cabin, it features integrated roof racks and a sculpted, floating rear spoiler that houses a hidden antenna.

The vehicle’s wide shoulders flank its recessed rear windows to heighten the motorbike-inspired design. Dynamic side undercuts, a high beltline and 21-inch, machined aluminum wheels further the well-proportioned design.

At the rear, the MKX Concept offers a new interpretation of Lincoln’s signature full-width taillamps.

“Concept vehicles are defined by every design detail,” said David Woodhouse, Lincoln design director, “and this MKX Concept proudly shows how Lincoln’s thoughtful design philosophy continues to evolve. The Lincoln brand was built on vehicles with stunning designs, and the MKX Concept is the latest example.”

Lincoln’s aggressive signature split-wing grille accentuates the front end. The artistic interpretation of the grille features horizontal grille lines that continue as strips of LED accent lights below each headlamp. These strips of light glow sequentially as part of Lincoln’s updated approach detection feature, one element of the Lincoln Experiences package.

Lincoln Experiences, a technology-driven suite of features introduced on the all-new 2015 Lincoln MKC small utility vehicle, is designed to create a warmer, more personal luxury car-owning experience. By anticipating and responding to a driver’s needs and preferences, Lincoln Experiences offers a warm embrace that begins as a driver approaches the vehicle and continues upon entry and vehicle start-up.

“The transformation of The Lincoln Motor Company began with the all-new MKZ sedan and continued with the soon-to-arrive MKC,” said Jim Farley, executive vice president, global Ford marketing, sales and service and Lincoln. “That momentum continues with this MKX Concept. It demonstrates the design direction for the third all-new vehicle, one that will capture the true essence of Lincoln – warm and inviting, beautifully styled, and with the promise of engaging technologies that appeal to a younger global luxury consumer.”

Lincoln will enter the Chinese market later this year when MKZ and MKC go on sale. An MKX production model would compete in the fast-growing midsize premium utility segment. With 245,000 sales in 2013, the segment has grown 9,650 per cent in the US in the past five years. Premium midsize utility vehicles – which represent 17 per cent of the luxury market and 45 per cent of the luxury utility market in China – are projected to grow an additional 84 per cent to more than 450,000 units by 2018.*

In Canada, the segment grew from 31,844 units in 2008 to 47,734 units in 2013.Globally, the midsize premium utility segment accounted for 839,000 sales in 2013, and is projected to eclipse 1.2 million sales by 2018.**

*Sales and segmentation data provided by IHS; **Sales and segmentation data provided by manufacturer