Lincoln’s new MKX will come standard with Ford’s new MyLincoln Touch, technology which allows the driver to interact with vehicle controls as well as portable media such as cell phones and iPods. System controls can be accessed via an 8-inch color touch screen in the center stack, multiple switches on the steering wheel or by voice commands.

The system also includes two smaller LCD screens in front of the driver which display traditional vehicle instrumentation as well as the MyLincoln information. The driver can scroll through displays via the steering wheel controls. Ford has eliminated traditional buttons and knobs in the center stack and replaced them with controls on the touch screen and other touch-sensitive buttons. Console bins provide storage areas for mobile devices and includes two USB 2.0 ports, video input jacks and an SD card reader.

Ford intends to eventually incorporate the new technology in most of its models.

--M.D.