Considering the MKC Black Label

5809 Views 17 Replies 8 Participants Last post by midnite cruiser, Jun 13, 2016

Eric5273

Discussion Starter · May 31, 2016

Hi all, I've been lurking here for a few days and just registered today.

The lease on my BMW X1 is expiring in a few months and I'm shopping for a new vehicle. I'm looking for something more upscale and prepared to buy something in the $50k range. I've been a BMW customer over most of the past decade, but they haven't updated the X3 in years, and I'm not crazy about the new X1.

I also looked at the Audi Q3 & Q5, and same issue there -- they are dated vehicles.

I'm considering the following vehicles:

Jaguar F-Pace - very nice car, but I would have to get a lower trim level and it would not have that many options.

Range Rover Evoque - I can get this nicely equipped, but not loaded

MKC Black Label - I'm leaning towards the MKC since I can get it fully loaded with all the options. I test drove one at the dealership, and the interior is absolutely beautiful with everything wrapped in either leather or suede.

I would be getting a 2017 model.

So I have a couple of questions:

How is the reliability? I see some complaints about things like the modem and such, but in general are there lots of issues with this vehicle, or only a few small issues that are getting sorted out? I've never owned a Ford or Lincoln vehicle before, so not sure how reliable they are.

The white leather interior offered in the Black Label is beautiful, but I'm worried about it getting dirty. Is there some kind of protectant that you can put on light colored leather so it doesn't become permanently stained? I'm also considering the dark brown interior. The car I test drove had the black suede seats with the red stitching, and while it was nice, I think it was a case of a luxury vehicle trying to look sporty. I think something more lavish and less sporty would suit the MKC better.

1 - 18 of 18 Posts

kwas4

· #2 · May 31, 2016

Hi Eric,

Just FYI, the X3 is getting updated for 2017 model runs. I had priced one out at the dealer for order, it's based on a new platform and has a new I4 engine.

blankster

· #3 · May 31, 2016

Our 2016 Reserve 2.3 has been bullet-proof so far and we really enjoy it! Regarding the white seats, they are not available on the 2017 MKC anymore and is replaced by Cappuccino which is darker. That may carry into the Black Label line also. Nice thing about the MKC is the ability to run regular fuel or premium as opposed to the European vehicles that require premium. Where I live premium runs about $1.00 more per gallon than regular.

kmccart

· #4 · May 31, 2016 (Edited)

Actually, blankster, Black Label Lincolns have unique interiors not shared with the regular models. The interiors all have a "theme" name. Not all themes are available on all models (MKC, MKZ, MKX) but the "Modern Heritage" theme does have white leather with black dash and doorsills and red stitching. It's quite striking. Cappuccino replaces White Sands in the regular MKC models, which was actually more of a Creme color than "White"...

blankster

· #5 · May 31, 2016

kmccart said:
Actually, blankster, Black Label Lincolns have unique interiors not shared with the regular models. The interiors all have a "theme" name. Not all themes are available on all models (MKC, MKZ, MKX) but the "Modern Heritage" theme does have white leather with black dash and doorsills and red stitching. It's quite striking. Cappuccino replaces White Sands in the regular MKC models, which was actually more of a Creme color than "White"...

I know that that there are differences with the Black Label models. I went to the Lincoln site to try and configure a 2017 Black Label but it reverts to the 2016 version where I do see white is available. I was speculating a bit that it might change for '17 MY.

kmccart

· #6 · May 31, 2016

True, but Cappuccino wouldn't replace them, even if they charge themes for 2017. Cappuccino is only used in regular models...that was the point I was trying to make.

espressomac

· #7 · Jun 1, 2016

We got a 2.3 Black Label Notorious with the Indulgence theme and are very, very happy with it. It replaced a 3.2 Q5 that had the upgraded Milano leather interior of Audi's Luxury package, and I have to say the Black Label's leather feels better, as well as the very nice standard MKC Leather of Weir. We thought that was good!

I'm enjoying taking the Black Label to the dealer for free car washes. Not only do they do a great job, but I get a bit of me time waiting in their nice Black Label lounge. The first scheduled service is coming up and true to their word, they will pick up the car when they drop off a loaner.

As Black Label owners, Lincoln has sent us free tickets to a local wine and food festival, a really nice book on the history of the Lincoln brand, and some other goodies. They have a special dedicated 800 number which has been very helpful answering any questions. I think Lincoln is doing a great job of making the Black Label experience rather amazing. Certainly better than Audi, and I thought Audi was good.

Haven't had our chef culinary experience at the restaurant in Miami Beach yet, but I'm looking forward to it. Couldn't be happier with our MKC.

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5.0 Candy REDCS

· #8 · Jun 1, 2016

espressomac said:
We got a 2.3 Black Label Notorious with the Indulgence theme and are very, very happy with it. It replaced a 3.2 Q5 that had the upgraded Milano leather interior of Audi's Luxury package, and I have to say the Black Label's leather feels better, as well as the very nice standard MKC Leather of Weir. We thought that was good!

I'm enjoying taking the Black Label to the dealer for free car washes. Not only do they do a great job, but I get a bit of me time waiting in their nice Black Label lounge. The first scheduled service is coming up and true to their word, they will pick up the car when they drop off a loaner.

As Black Label owners, Lincoln has sent us free tickets to a local wine and food festival, a really nice book on the history of the Lincoln brand, and some other goodies. They have a special dedicated 800 number which has been very helpful answering any questions. I think Lincoln is doing a great job of making the Black Label experience rather amazing. Certainly better than Audi, and I thought Audi was good.

Haven't had our chef culinary experience at the restaurant in Miami Beach yet, but I'm looking forward to it. Couldn't be happier with our MKC.

Amen to the above....
Black label was not available to us in Canada I believe....I went with a fully loaded Reserve and could not be more happy with this ride...quite refined, incredible interior and as far as the mechanicals are concerned, I have had ZERO issues!
My lift gate needed reprogramming which was done by Lincoln and was fine after that service, one of my wiper blades was not making full glass contact, so they replaced all 3 wiper blades ( including the rear) with new at no extra charge and everything's been fine.
A member on here seem to have had some issues with their modem, mine works perfectly from the get go... NO ISSUES, early 2015/2016's MIGHT have had some issues with them, seems the ones that did have problematic modems had them replaced by dealer and all seem fine (other than the one member)....
Mine's a 2016 fully loaded reserve,and my modem have worked flawlessly from the get go!
Am I happy with my MKC? very much so...:smile
As much as I would like white or light cream seats, I tend to steer clear of such delicate colours....even something as simple as blue jeans might ( will ) impart dyes into such light coloured leather, been there, done that, and found it to be quite sensitive to everyday use....I chose the black on black interior which I am very happy about, and a triple plus for ease of maintenance...
Congrats on your new purchase!

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Eric5273

Discussion Starter · #9 · Jun 1, 2016

Thanks for all of the info.

I'm thinking the Indulgence theme may be the best of the interior themes. The car I test drove was the Center Stage theme, and while it was nice, I feel like a theme like that is better suited for a sports car. I think the other themes provide a more luxurious feel, and Indulgence should wear better because of the darker color. As for exterior colors, I'd probably just go with something simple like silver or white.

kmccart

· #10 · Jun 1, 2016

I was at my dealer today and there was a (non-Black Label) 2017 MKZ on the showroom floor. Burgundy Velvet with the Cappuccino interior. It seemed to be "whiter" than either the White Sands interior on the MKC or the Light Dune interior that used to be on the MKZ and which Cappuccino replaced. It was complemented by a charcoal dash, carpeting, steering wheel and door sills and greyish wood trim. It looked quite nice. Sometimes I think crème or tan colored interiors look too yellow, but this looked rather elegant. I would buy it.

5.0 Candy REDCS

· #11 · Jun 3, 2016

I kinda like the idea of stuffing a V8 427 rat into my MKC,chuck the push button junk and do a direct manual trans mount to it,just for laughs and giggles, add a centre force race clutch and leterRIP! LOL......picturing a burn out with all four wheels lighting up hehehehehe! Oh Yeah!~~

Reactions: 1

espressomac

· #12 · Jun 4, 2016

They really need to put out a performance version of the MKC. Audi, BMW, and MB all do it. And now with that amazing Lincoln-exclusive 400-hp twin turbo V6 they're putting in the MKZ you've got to wonder what are they waiting for to put it in the MKC, along with some new colors and themes that come only with that engine. I can only hope they do it by the time our lease is up...

Reactions: 1

5.0 Candy REDCS

· #13 · Jun 5, 2016

espressomac said:
They really need to put out a performance version of the MKC. Audi, BMW, and MB all do it. And now with that amazing Lincoln-exclusive 400-hp twin turbo V6 they're putting in the MKZ you've got to wonder what are they waiting for to put it in the MKC, along with some new colors and themes that come only with that engine. I can only hope they do it by the time our lease is up...

I can almost guarantee you it's down the pipeline...400+ ponies and 380 ft pounds torque sure would hit the nail on the head.....if you feel particularly brave, throw in a stand alone CPU and run C12 or better yet, C16....now we're talking FUN!...
If I ended up with a 490 HP power plant I can tell ya, I already know what custom plate I'll be buying...KLOK-DIZ hehehehehe :devil

psychoart

· #14 · Jun 10, 2016

espressomac said:
They really need to put out a performance version of the MKC. Audi, BMW, and MB all do it. And now with that amazing Lincoln-exclusive 400-hp twin turbo V6 they're putting in the MKZ you've got to wonder what are they waiting for to put it in the MKC, along with some new colors and themes that come only with that engine. I can only hope they do it by the time our lease is up...

I see Ford is now using the 2.7L V6 in the Fusion now.
I wonder what the MKC will get in the future... :grin

blankster

· #15 · Jun 10, 2016

psychoart said:
I see Ford is now using the 2.7L V6 in the Fusion now.
I wonder what the MKC will get in the future... :grin

the 2.3L in the Focus RS puts out 350 HP.. No need for the 2.7L

5.0 Candy REDCS

· #16 · Jun 11, 2016

I think that same displacement engine is also being used in the 2015 Mustang.....it's putting out 350 hp I believe...

blankster

· #17 · Jun 11, 2016

5.0 Candy REDCS said:
I think that same displacement engine is also being used in the 2015 Mustang.....it's putting out 350 hp I believe...

Focus RS is 350 HP premium only while the mustang 2.3 is 310 and can run on regular. I suspect the current 2.3 in the MKC is probably pushing the limit of the drivetrain since it's based off of the Escape. Maybe the next generation MKC???

midnite cruiser

· #18 · Jun 13, 2016

Shoving over 340 hp in the MKC would surely blow through a 20% safety factor in the transmission and drivetrain engineering.
So, lets configure the rest of the dream rig-
How about-
- a true sequential dual clutch manual with better paddle shifting (of course with full automatic capability)
- Brembo or Baer brake upgrade
- Track setting on Drive Control
- Recaro seats
this would make a nice run at the F Pace and the Macan, yes?

Reactions: 1

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