For Lincoln, it’s three down with one more to go.

The Lincoln Motor Company has unveiled the MKX Concept, a mid-sized SUV that represents the third of four all new models the brand expects to roll out by 2016. The first two vehicles in the brand’s new lineup include the MKZ sedan and MKC small utility.

While the new MKX Concept is currently on the auto show circuit in North America making a stop at the LA Auto Show, there has been no word yet on the powertrains that might be available. If the brand’s past performance is any indication, it’s likely that the powerplant will be somewhat smaller for greater fuel efficiency, yet more powerful. It’s also probable that Lincoln will make use of parent Ford’s EcoBoost technology for the new MKX engine. A good candidate would be the 2.3-liter EcoBoost found in the new Explorer. A second engine choice could be the 3.7-liter V6 offered in the new Mustang, although Lincoln is keeping mum.

The real change in the MKX Concept is in its profile and design. Drawing inspiration from airplanes and motorbikes, the Lincoln MKX Concept’s design evokes feelings of power and agility, while offering a glimpse of the American luxury brand’s future. In creating the new design, several customer research clinics were held to gather feedback on the design to ensure the final execution would satisfy and delight luxury customers around the world.

“Great emphasis was put on the proportions of this concept vehicle,” said Andrea Di Buduo, exterior design manager of the Lincoln 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.”

According to one local dealer, all of Lincoln’s hard work paid off.

“The new MKX has a fantastic style like we haven't seen in Lincoln for years,” said Tom LaFrankie, president of Benson Lincoln in Baldwin. “This vehicle conveys the true look of the new Lincoln family.”

Intensive study of the luxury SUV consumer over the past few years revealed that a medium premium utility vehicle should express off-road capability and sportiness. Based on that, the Lincoln MKX Concept includes elements such as a separated front skid plate, heightened ground clearance and reinforced wheel arches. The floating aluminum body-side rocker molding is engraved with the Lincoln logo. The new MKX Concept design execution communicates adaptability to different road conditions, combined with crafted execution and attention to detail.

Defined by an aerodynamic, sloping teardrop roofline, the Lincoln MKX Concept’s modern silhouette lends to its sporty personality, which is highlighted by wide shoulders flanking its recessed rear windows to heighten the design. Dynamic side undercuts, a high beltline and 21-inch machined aluminum wheels further enhance its proportions.

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 and integrated roof racks, the floating rear spoiler houses the center high-mounted stop light and hides the antenna. The Lincoln MKX Concept also 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 shows how Lincoln’s thoughtful design philosophy continues to evolve. The Lincoln brand was built on vehicles with stunning design, 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 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 is a technology-driven suite of features introduced on the all-new 2015 Lincoln MKC small utility vehicle. It is designed to create a warmer, more personal luxury car-owning experience. 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.

“With the Lincoln MKX Concept, we’re delighted to share a glimpse of the continually evolving future of Lincoln,” said Kumar Galhotra, the new president of Lincoln, who has a strong design and engineering background. “The transformation of The Lincoln Motor Company is under way, with sales up 15 percent in the United States year over year, due largely to the first all-new products we introduced: The MKZ sedan and MKC utility.”

Benson Lincoln experienced an even greater sales growth.

“Our business was actually up way over 20 percent as the new Lincoln models, as well as all of the service features that come with Lincoln, hit the market,” said Mr. LaFrankie. “The fact that all Lincolns come with complimentary car washes, Lincoln loaner cars and two years of complimentary maintenance were all key to our success.”

The key to the MKX Concept’s success seems to be its innovative design and technologies.

“The MKX Concept demonstrates the design direction for the third all-new vehicle from Lincoln,” said Mr. Galhotra. “One that will capture the true essence of the brand – warm and inviting, beautifully styled, and with the promise of engaging technologies that appeal to a younger luxury consumer in a global market.”

When it hits Pittsburgh area showrooms later this year, a Lincoln MKX production model would compete in the growing, global midsize premium utility segment, a segment that represents 36 percent of the global luxury utility market and is set to rise to 44 percent by 2018.

First Published: January 15, 2015, 10:00 a.m.