In developing the all-new 2015 MKC small premium utility, The Lincoln Motor Company strived to create a vehicle that displayed the company’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship.

The luxury automaker achieved that by turning to an old friend to create an all-new seating surface that is unique to Lincoln.

The 2015 Lincoln MKC introduces Deepsoft leather, an update to one of the brand’s most storied luxury-car features – Bridge of Weir^® Fine Scottish Leather seating surfaces. The all-natural seat covering was introduced this summer in the MKC and will appear in other Lincoln vehicles moving forward. 

Lincoln’s relationship with Bridge of Weir dates back to the 1950s, and it was renewed about six years ago with the introduction of the Lincoln MKS full-size sedan. Longtime Bridge of Weir products appear in nearly every vehicle in the Lincoln stable.

“Feel is a very important part of the luxury car experience, and Deepsoft leather gives our customers a luxury feel that they can only get in the MKC,” said Jenny Kubinec, Lincoln color and material designer.

With the MKC, the Lincoln design team wanted not only to continue the Bridge of Weir offering, they wanted to further it. They wanted something softer to heighten the customer experience. To get it, they consulted Bridge of Weir’s leather experts, emphasizing a desire to offer leather seating surfaces that would improve on the already-luxurious Bridge of Weir product line.

Bridge of Weir, a wholly owned subsidiary of Scottish Leather Group, Ltd., defines Deepsoft leather as semi-aniline, which means it is treated with only a partial protectant to maintain its soft touch. And while many leathers are embossed to give seating surfaces a uniform appearance, Deepsoft leather is chromium-free, non-embossed and naturally milled. The natural grain of each piece remains visible.

While many automotive leathers are dried in two hours, Deepsoft leather is dried for 16 hours, with the slow process helping to create its soft, buttery feel.

“Deepsoft leather is unique from any product we’ve ever made, truly a luxury cue exclusive to Lincoln,” said Ray Torrance, Lincoln account manager for Bridge of Weir in Troy, Michigan. “We’re thrilled to be so closely associated with an exciting new product like the Lincoln MKC.”

Scottish Leather Group also adheres to animal welfare principles that are important to Lincoln. The leather supplier adopted the Five Freedoms set of principles, drawn up by the Farm Animal Welfare Council, to encourage farmers to maintain practices that provide lifestyles that take into account the animals’ needs and natural behaviors.  

The appearance of Deepsoft leather is one of numerous quality and craftsmanship cues that were emphasized during the development of the MKC. Lincoln’s newest vehicle also offers the new Lincoln steering wheel, French stitching on the instrument panel and seats, and authentic, open-pore wood trim to accentuate the vehicle’s elegant interior.