MKT offers plenty of bells and whistles

The answer is the Lincoln MKT, the automaker’s new luxury crossover utility vehicle that was first introduced as a concept vehicle at the 2008 North American International Auto Show.

The 2010 model, which began to roll off assembly lines in July 2009, shares the same Scott Ott:39712322:39712322:Scott Ott’s Examiner Scrappleface platform as the Ford Flex. While the automaker said the similarities between the two vehicles ends there, I don’t think consumers will agree.

In fairness, I’m sure the engineers see these two vehicles as very different vehicles. After all, the Flex is one of those large haul-your-family-and-junk around vehicles that also boasts an elegant, flexible and even fuel-efficient ride. The MKT is more of an all-around luxury vehicle with plenty of high-end bells and whistles including an adjustable accelerator and comfy, could-be-in-my-living-room seats. You wouldn’t put a kid’s muddy bike inside this vehicle, though you could.

When the Ford Flex was first introduced in late 2008, its massive size — about 68 inches high and almost 89 inches wide with generous seating for up to seven passengers — made an indelible impression on the minds of many. Add to that a high-end ad campaign that underscored the vehicle’s smooth, sexy ride and you know why consumers will compare it with its classy cousin.

You can’t help but notice some family resemblance. Like the Flex, the Lincoln has an optional 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine that offers V-8 performance. Almost half of MKT buyers are opting for the EcoBoost engine over the standard 3.7-liter V-6 engine, according to the Detroit News.

About 90 percent of MKT buyers are paying $4,000 for a high-end package that includes navigation, high-end audio, a huge sunroof and blind-spot monitoring. About 75 percent of buyers are opting for $1,295 cruise control and almost 70 percent want the refrigerator/freezer in the second row (which the Flex also offers), according to the News.

Again, I think it’s safe to say the luxury of the MKT is not wasted on the consumer.

It will be interesting to see what market segment most applies to the MKT. After driving one with all of the options around Washington for a week, I must say I wouldn’t want one in the city. It offers terrific acceleration and braking but the size just makes it difficult to maneuver down city streets and through cramped parking garages. Its size — about 76 inches wide and almost 68 inches high — just feels massive in a way the Flex doesn’t.

The MKT’s extras — from the leather seats to the subdued lighting — are all charmingly elegant. The problem is that the emphasis seems to be more on cramming in trendy extras than on practical use.

Seating is a prime example. After riding about 20 miles in the car, I developed a backache I could only attribute to the overstuffed back. Two passengers had the same reaction.

Now you’re going to read reviews by many top auto critics who write that the Lincoln MKT is a jewel. They may well be right. The MKT does have a lot to offer, which is why it was one of the few concepts that made it into production.

The problem — for this winter driver in Washington — is that it’s too much luxury and not enough flexibility.