Like Cadillac of late, Lincoln looks set to successfully reinvent its brand. Everything I’ve driven of late has exceeded my (admittedly low) expectations, most especially the MKT crossover. It shares much of its hardware with Ford’s Flex—which is excellent as well—though you’d never know it form outside or in.

Flamboyant, swoopy sheetmetal that looks better in 3D than photos gives way to a sumptuous three-row cockpit of surprising quality. Highlights include instruments that are terrific updates of classic American themes and easy-to-use yet cutting edge tech, such as the Sync phone system, keyless go, remote start, next-gen navigation, and active park assist that actually works. The 3rd row folds flat into the floor, which is good, as the MKT’s sloping rear window limits headroom. And the second row bench (heated and cooled buckets are an available option) has no folding center row armrest; a cost-cutting measure thankfully absent elsewhere.

The model I was impressed by was motivated by the terrific twin-turbo EcoBoost V6, channeling its 355 horses through the same impressively uprated 6-speed automatic as the Flex. Though there’s a normally-aspirated model, this is the one you’ll want: effortless passing power, and just-off-idle, arm-twisting torque in massive quantity. Lincoln’s right to claim V8-muscle with V6-fuel economy; the MKT will slaughter most European and Asian crossovers at the lights, with 0-60 in just over 6 seconds, while not needing to stop at the pumps any more frequently, with EPA numbers of 16mpg city and 22mpg highway.

The ride quality is terrific; most everything is smothered away, and great gobs of insulation mean all three rows are nigh on silent. Yet chassis composure is fine, and as the Lincoln weighs roughly three quarters of a ton less than many other seven-seaters, it could almost be called ecologically sound.

But that’s probably not why anyone would consider it; in reality this Lincoln will be a terrific replacement for an old school body-on-frame extravagance like a Navigator or Escalade. In most every area the MKT surpasses such, and is a compelling alterative to luxury crossovers from across the oceans as well.

Price as tested: $49,995

For what Lincoln has to say, go here.

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