Automotive
Lincoln was on the verge of reinventing itself as a brand, and after launching the second generation of the MKZ sedan, it continued its transformation with a new compact luxury crossover built on the Ford Kuga platform. Recognizing the booming demand for luxury compact crossovers, Lincoln knew it needed a strong contender in this segment to recover financially from earlier missteps, including the Mark LT luxury pickup truck.
The MKC debuted as a concept car at the 2013 North American International Auto Show, where public reception was positive enough for Ford to approve full production. By summer 2014, the MKC was available at dealerships across the U.S., thanks in part to its shared Ford Global C platform with the Kuga and Escape, which simplified development. The real challenge for Lincoln’s design team was crafting a vehicle luxurious enough to proudly wear the Lincoln badge.
At the front, the 2015 MKC introduced Lincoln’s then-new twin-wing grille design language, first seen on the 2013 MKZ. The grille’s ascending chrome slats flowed seamlessly into swept-back headlights with corner-mounted turn signals, while the lower bumper featured a center air intake flanked by side scoops housing LED daytime running lights. To add a touch of ruggedness, the team included an aluminum skid-plate-like trim beneath the bumper, giving the crossover a more adventurous look.
For the 2018 model year, Lincoln updated the MKC with a refreshed exterior, an upgraded infotainment system, and enhanced safety features designed to assist distracted drivers, keeping the vehicle competitive in an increasingly crowded market.
In 2019, four years after its launch, the MKC received a facelift unveiled in summer 2018. Although still built on the Ford Global C platform, the MKC did not share any body panels with the Kuga, reinforcing its unique identity. The cabin remained a standout feature, rich with high-quality wood and luxurious leather that appealed to discerning customers. Alongside exterior updates, Lincoln reorganized the trim lineup - MKC, MKC Select, and MKC Reserve - and introduced the Black Label series with three distinct themes to elevate personalization and offer additional perks.
The most noticeable exterior change was the front fascia, which adopted Lincoln’s new design language introduced by the 2015 MKS Concept. The traditional twin-wing grille gave way to a reversed trapezoidal grille adorned with a chrome chain-link pattern, lending the vehicle a fresh and sophisticated face. The headlights were upgraded with LED daytime running lights, emphasizing a modern, premium look. Though the wrapped-around plastic bumper was redesigned, its overall shape remained nearly identical to the previous version, maintaining the MKC’s recognizable silhouette.
For owners of the Lincoln MKC, maintaining the vehicle’s security and access is crucial. SherlockLock provides specialized locksmith services tailored to the MKC’s advanced locking systems, key fob programming, and remote entry technologies. Whether you need emergency lockout assistance or a key replacement, SherlockLock’s certified technicians ensure that your luxury crossover’s sophisticated security features are handled with expert care - reflecting the same attention to detail Lincoln applied to the MKC itself.
