Lincoln introduced the MKC Concept, a small luxury utility vehicle, at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on Jan. 13 .

“We are reinventing Lincoln by focusing on the largest and fastest-growing segments of the luxury market, while offering clients something different,” said Jim Farley, executive vice president of global marketing, sales and service for Lincoln. “The just-introduced MKZ re-establishes Lincoln in the largest luxury segment, and the MKC Concept highlights a key opportunity in the fastest-growing part of the luxury market.”

(Read more here about Lincoln's rebranding.)

Exterior

The MKC Concept builds on the foundation of the Lincoln Design found in the new MKZ.

The rearview appearance is highlighted by full-width taillamps, made possible by a liftgate design with a side-view cutline — which is a first for Lincoln, the company said.  

Other exterior highlights include frameless windows and a split-wing grille. The exterior is augmented by a cream-based white metallic tri-coat paint, 20-inch premium wheels with polished chrome rims, and a large fixed panoramic roof that runs the length of the vehicle.

Interior

High-end bespoke design, materials and execution inspire the four-passenger interior, Lincoln said.

Like the MKZ, the MKC Concept features a push-button gear shift selector.

The headliner is wrapped with "high-end material," according to Lincoln, and the pillars are wrapped with leather. The seats also feature leather and include an embroidered Lincoln Star and crimson stitch accents.

The Lincoln Star lattice also is subtly placed on the MKC Concept’s floor mats to complement the lattice design in the speaker mesh, light fixtures and lug-nut covers.

Leather also wraps the door trim uppers, armrests, bolsters, console side rails, instrument panel and cargo area.

“There is a rich softness to the exterior and interior palette of the MKC Concept,” said Susan Lampinen, group chief designer, Color & Material Design. “The leather-wrapped architecture complements the open-pore and designer hand-dyed woods.”

Other refined details include finishes like appliqués cut from layers of reconstructed natural wood infused with a metallic flake for a glistening effect on the steering wheel, upper instrument panel and door panels.