2015 Lincoln MKC crossover revealed

The Range Rover Evoque started off a trend that’s left every other luxury carmaker scrambling to jump on the swoopy-compact crossover bandwagon. The latest entrant in the field is the Lincoln MKC, part of the brand’s comeback line-up.

The new Lincoln MKC, which we’ve seen up close at the Dubai Motor Show in concept form, is based on the Ford Escape platform, but is completely rebodied and shares nothing inside the cabin except for the touchscreen. Having spoken to Susan Lampinen, one of the interior designers, we are to understand that a lot of thought went into choosing premium trim materials for the seats and doors, in keeping with the MKC’s luxury aspirations.

Power will come from a choice of EcoBoost engines, one a 240 hp 2.0-litre turbo-4 that Ford also supplies to Range Rover for the Evoque, but there’s also a new 275 hp 2.3-litre turbo-4 option. It comes standard with front-wheel-drive, while all-wheel drive with a new adaptive suspension system is optional. Other features include an approach-detection system that lights the car up and projects a Lincoln “welcome mat” on the pavement when you get close to the car, and a button-operated gear selection system as seen in the MKZ.

The new MKC follows the launch of the MKZ sedan as the second in a continuing revamp of their product portfolio aimed at revitalizing the Lincoln brand. All the new models, including the MKC, will be available in the GCC, so expect the new crossover to hit UAE showrooms by early 2015.

Keep track of updates in the Lincoln buyer guide.