[mmoretti]

So we've been bantering about some of the quality control issues of some of our cars lately. I'm curious about the black labels. Expresso I can't wait until you get yours. I believe there is only one other person on here with a BL (tru blu you there?). I know a lot on this forum do not have "access" to a black label.

I'm a person big on the interior of my car, the biggest reason I spend money on a "luxury" vehicle. Hyundai actually makes pretty decent cars with a lot of tech features too believe it or not..but it's the "cheap" plastic uncomfortable interior that I could never do. Not to sound snobbish, most normal people view their car as transportation and don't think all that much about those things, I'm not normal LOL. I used to "live" in my cars. A lot driving every where for business and pleasure so every aspect of the interior and features are extremely important.

Back to BL and quality. The BL interiors are SO much nicer IMO, more in line with the big boys. I wonder if they are built differently and go through different QC? The leather seats have custom stiching and beautiful accents. The interior panels and dash are a smooth leather rather than the bumpy vinyl. It's more expensive too of course. But very nice, I would have to have it (wasn't out when I bought my vehicle). They better be making sure those things are PERFECT.

So I wonder about any quality issues with them and their building process...
Tru blu what do you think? Any QC issues or is your BL top notch as it should be? Any lurkers on here with a black label? Would love to hear some opinions on your BLs.

Expresso we'll be looking for your reviews, need a detailed report like Rayo's LOL
Can't wait to see yours, you must be dying waiting. maybe you should fly Rayo out to inspect the car for you before you take delivery!

 

[espressomac]

Black Label quality control challenge -- a bit long

Yeah, we can't wait to get my wife's MKC Black Label either. In the last email I got from Crest Lincoln, they told me their system still doesn't show an update for our order, but probably will on Wednesday. Will let you know.

I certainly hope Lincoln QC rises to meet the challenge they have set up with their Black Label line. And their quality promise has to deliver on three fronts: the car/interior, service and lifestyle (that last one is my term, not theirs).

In terms of their interiors, I do agree that the BL interiors are much nicer than the standard MKC. I'm not knocking the standard interior—before we saw a Black Label, we already felt the standard interior was very nice. In all fairness, it wasn't as nice as my wife's Audi Q5, but she has their special Milano leather so the bar was pretty high. However, the minute she sat in the Black Label with the Venetian leather, she noticed it felt even nicer than her Q5 (glad I'm not on an Audi forum...). She's all about the touch and feel of the interior, and she just loved it. It really is a very, very nice feeling to the leather.

If you haven't seen the video "Artisans of Lincoln: The Leather of Black Label", it does a good job of explaining what goes into the selection of the leather they use. Supposedly only 1% of leather makes the grade—more QC I suppose. Whether it's 1% or whatever, it certainly has a special feel to it.

And not only is the leather nicer, there's more of it—dashboard & door panels. Other trim features are supposedly nicer as well, like the chrome-trimmed power seat controls and other smaller panels. So Lincoln's QC people better make sure all that leather and trimming look superb. I'll certainly be inspecting it.

But the QC won't end there. Their service promise is pretty comprehensive. For example, when your BL needs service, they will send a loaner to your house and pick up your car as they drop off the loaner. How cool is that? You get free car washes whenever you want and an annual complete detailing of your BL car. Their warranty covers regular replacement of non-usual items like shocks, belts and hoses, brake pads, wiper blades, and spark plugs. Yes, spark plugs. Again, if they install crappy pads and plugs, then their credibility is going to take a hit.

And finally, their lifestyle component promises things like special experiences at 'curated' restaurants all around the country. We plan to try out their Detroit option when we pick it up. Again, if those restaurant experiences are terrible, their Black Label credibility will suffer.

I'm cautiously optimistic.

 

[mmoretti]

Unfortunately the black labels came out a few months after I bought mine, and at that time I would not have been able to order one and wait. I needed a new car ASAP and bought off the lot.

But when I did see it first online then one in person I was a little like "hey Lincoln why were you holding out on me" LOL. BL is the real stuff! Now I feel mine is not so nice :-( a little. Like you said the upgraded materials really make the interior. The feel/ touch incomparable. Don't get me wrong, I don't mean to disparage the regular line for everyone. But when you actually see and feel the difference.... It's hard not to now want and expect that. I loved it. It's also nice you get to pick some exclusive colors on your exterior and now the 2016s have the black grilles to stand out too.

And when you think of what you do get for that extra 5-6K I find it very reasonable. The upgraded materials and added service and perks I think are worth that cost. As far as service, I think they will give you the same parts as any other lincolns that come into service and pay. I doubt they would "stock" different grades. I don't fully understand the restaurant experience thing though. I see a one time complimentary dinner, but what is beyond that when they describe it as "on-going"? Can you elaborate any more on that, how did the dealer describe it? You mention "events" and a Detroit option? We live close to NYC but rarely get to go out to dinner like that anymore since my son was born. We joked we would rather have VIP tickets to our favorite music festivals instead for our black label LOL.

I certainly wish you luck with it and can't wait to see some pictures. I'm so jealous of your trip that I'm thinking next car I buy I'm going to get from somewhere cool and far away so I can drive it back home just for the fun if it! What a great way to be taking your first drives in your car. Have fun!

 

[espressomac]

Oh and on the Black Label let's not forget the black "C" on MKC.

I've heard/read a couple of things about that whole culinary experience thing, including the complimentary dinner as well as access to 'in-kitchen' dinners in curated restaurants as a guest of the chef. You know, when they set up a table just for you and your guest in the kitchen and get pampered by the chef. Not holding my breath on that one. What I do believe it that their 'lifestyle' offering is a work in progress, but Lincoln seems to get it in the sense that understand customers who buy premium products don't mind feeling like part of a special club.

As they were launching the Black Label line, Lincoln’s director of global marketing, Matt VanDyke, was estimating that "6 percent to 10 percent of Lincoln buyers to opt for the Black Label features". So it's not like it's going to be a ton of people out there making lines outside these restaurants.

As for the trip down from Detroit to Miami, yes, it should be a total blast! My wife has a goal of eventually visiting all the National Parks so we're going to see two on the way down, Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio and Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky. One of the things that inspired me to do this is Volvo's "pick your car up in Europe and we'll fly you there" promotion. Once you see this alternative as a bit of a fun adventure, then all the dealers across the country become potential places to buy your car. BTW, the dealers did not seem to think it was odd that someone out of state was contacting them to buy a car.

 

[mmoretti]

Hmm, you'll have to keep us posted on how that "access" to the other dinners/chefs pan out. They should think about expanding the black label amenities to include more assorted "arts" including music and art related performances perhaps. I can see how selecting dinners/eating primarily is a best choice as we all eat but they should think of adding other "perks" for other interests and lifestyles to enhance the "experience".

Killing me, would love to go explore the caves! Going to have start planning where I'm going to buy my car based on best drive/trip/attractions now LOL.

 

[espressomac]

Will certainly keep you posted on all the lifestyle stuff -- although I'm not holding my breath on that just yet. Maybe I get an update on my car tomorrow...

 

[TRU_BLU]

Hey mmoretti. Sorry I have not checked the forums in awhile.


I do not know if the BL cars go through a different quality check than the standard lineups. I remember watching a video that the Lincoln vehicles go through a "Luxury Quality Inspection" at the end of the assembly line.


I agree with that the interiors are VERY nice. Plus the BL had my Blue! Notorious Blue is much more attractive than that sapphire blue.
The leather is very soft and top notch as expressomac stated. I heard that this is the same leather used for Ferraris. Plus the leather designs on the seat and doors and exotic wood trims really set BL apart from the standards.


Also, very much love the Alcantera suede on the headliners. I was at the big car shows at Pebble Beach this summer and all the top dollar high end brands have these.


One additional little thing such as the Black 'C' that I like is the SYNC screen in the middle says 'Black Label' when start and turn off the engine.


As far as issues with my car since I bought in May 2015, I have not had very many major issues. I had the Sirius antennae issue fixed and no issues since. I wish the seats cooled better but this might be the standard. I will have them look at it when I have my first schedule maintenance.
The biggest I had occurred last week when I was leaving work. Sometimes when I plug in my iPhone into the USB port to charge it would not charge or would connect and disconnect to charge every 1 second repeatedly. That happened and I kept unplugging the cord to the phone to try to get it to stay connected and charge. My SYNC system and screen then froze. It would not even switch the screen to the rear camera when I reversed. Good thing my dealership is literally 2 minutes from my work. So when I started to drive there the SYNC system went black. The dealership had to reset SYNC by unplugging the battery and it has worked since.
Other than those few things I am happy *fingers crossed* no other issues have came up.


As expressmac pointed out all the perks of BL ownership, I plan to use the pick up and drop off of service for my first scheduled maintenance. I plan to have it detailed for free sometime this fall.


There is a dedicated service rep just for BLs. So it is nice to get that special and personalized attention. I try to go once a month for the free car washes. I get complement from the Lincoln reps on how nice my car is. They get my car in and out fast.


I have yet to use the lifestyle/culinary experience. I plan to do that within the next month or two. Expressmac, can you confirm if this just a once and done deal? Do you know the limitation details?
I do agree that I wish they would expand these lifestyle perks more.


I think there was one other person on here who just got her BL "Precious". Let me know if you any other questions

 

[espressomac]

I wish I could confirm anything, but I don't even have my Black Label yet! My understanding is that the Black Label "Culinary Collection" is basically special access to 17 select restaurants around the country. Here in Miami it's OLA, a very good Latin fusion restaurant in Miami Beach. That 'special access' includes one complimentary dinner at any of those restaurants and after that you're supposed to get special, "at your service", exclusive dining experiences when you go. Time will tell.

Since my wife and I will be picking up our MKC in Detroit, we're thinking of taking our complimentary dinner at the chosen restaurant there, Bacco. The menu and place look very nice as seen on the Black Label Culinary Collection site. Anyone here been there? BTW, you have to enjoy your complimentary dinner within a year of purchase.

I'm wondering if it's dinner for two, three or four...

In a local magazine today, I read that Lincoln is sponsoring the Coral Gables (where we live) Food, Wine & Spirits Festival in November. I suppose they are trying to tie in the brand to high end culinary experiences -- the tickets aren't cheap.

I also seem to recall reading somewhere that Lincoln hopes to continue expanding the Black Label 'membership' experience as time goes by.

One good thing is that the benefits are transferrable if you sell your Black Label, as long as it's still covered by the 4-year, 50,000 mile warranty. Smart move.

BTW, tru_blu, you chose an awesome color. Notorious is what we got too. I agree with what you said when you posted your photos, the blue's vibrancy doesn't really show in iPhone photos. What restaurant will you be checking out?

 

[mmoretti]

Hey mmoretti. Sorry I have not checked the forums in awhile.


I do not know if the BL cars go through a different quality check than the standard lineups. I remember watching a video that the Lincoln vehicles go through a "Luxury Quality Inspection" at the end of the assembly line.


I agree with that the interiors are VERY nice. Plus the BL had my Blue! Notorious Blue is much more attractive than that sapphire blue.
The leather is very soft and top notch as expressomac stated. I heard that this is the same leather used for Ferraris. Plus the leather designs on the seat and doors and exotic wood trims really set BL apart from the standards.


Also, very much love the Alcantera suede on the headliners. I was at the big car shows at Pebble Beach this summer and all the top dollar high end brands have these.


One additional little thing such as the Black 'C' that I like is the SYNC screen in the middle says 'Black Label' when start and turn off the engine.


As far as issues with my car since I bought in May 2015, I have not had very many major issues. I had the Sirius antennae issue fixed and no issues since. I wish the seats cooled better but this might be the standard. I will have them look at it when I have my first schedule maintenance.
The biggest I had occurred last week when I was leaving work. Sometimes when I plug in my iPhone into the USB port to charge it would not charge or would connect and disconnect to charge every 1 second repeatedly. That happened and I kept unplugging the cord to the phone to try to get it to stay connected and charge. My SYNC system and screen then froze. It would not even switch the screen to the rear camera when I reversed. Good thing my dealership is literally 2 minutes from my work. So when I started to drive there the SYNC system went black. The dealership had to reset SYNC by unplugging the battery and it has worked since.
Other than those few things I am happy *fingers crossed* no other issues have came up.


As expressmac pointed out all the perks of BL ownership, I plan to use the pick up and drop off of service for my first scheduled maintenance. I plan to have it detailed for free sometime this fall.


There is a dedicated service rep just for BLs. So it is nice to get that special and personalized attention. I try to go once a month for the free car washes. I get complement from the Lincoln reps on how nice my car is. They get my car in and out fast.


I have yet to use the lifestyle/culinary experience. I plan to do that within the next month or two. Expressmac, can you confirm if this just a once and done deal? Do you know the limitation details?
I do agree that I wish they would expand these lifestyle perks more.


I think there was one other person on here who just got her BL "Precious". Let me know if you any other questions

Thanks tru blu. I forgot all about the headliners, that's right. Yeah, I got to sit in them and feel the materials, so nice and love that leather and the patterned stitching, L for Lincoln

Wow, you are part of the lucky ones with very minimal issues with your car. A reset of sync although annoying is not a huge problem. Good for you.

My dealer washes my regular MKC for me when it goes in. They are lucky I did not buy a BL and live closer or I would be there every week in the winter to have my car washed dreading these winter months when I can't keep my car clean...

The pick up and drop off is nice but I already get a little crazy about anyone else driving my car, not even my husband LOL. I live an hour away from the nearest black label dealers here (we actually have three in under 60 miles from where I live-I know most people haven't gotten a chance to actually see and feel the materials) so that's a lot of miles someone else is cruising around in my MKC . I even hate when it has to go in for service knowing they're driving it LOL.

I assume the concierge sets up your dining experience? How does that work?

The other BL owner isn't really active on the forum. we haven't heard from her in awhile...she's out driving around in her BL!
Thanks for the info.

 

[mmoretti]

Oh forgot to add/ask tru blu...the black front grilles were not available for the 2015's. At first I was on the fence about a black grille but when it goes with the black label theme I think I do like it and would want it. Its another yet subtle distinction for the black label owners beyond different exterior colors and the black "c".

Would you have preferred the black grille? If I were you and had one I would probably ask lincoln to put the black grille on my 2015. Its totally preference but I think it would look great with the Notorious Blue (husband has deep impact blue on his escape titanium - very similar -great color) like Expresso is getting. Can't wait to see his pictures.

 

[TRU_BLU]

I believe Rebecca was the other BL owner. I think she got a 2016?


Expressomac you had good taste! Which interior theme did you choose? Modern Heritage or the Chocolate?


As far as the grill goes, I actually like the standard chrome color. I think it goes well with color and pops. I have not checked out the blacked out grills yet. Maybe next time I get a wash or service. I thought I saw somewhere they are a metallic black color. I think this will actually hide the look of them more IMO. I'll just have to check them out. I am not sure it is possible for the dealership to change them out. I wish I could upgrade to sync 3 though....


There is a special number to call for the Culinary experience reservation. I remember the Sales guy trying to call them when I had questions about it but we were on hold too long....
I may try out a steakhouse here in the Dallas area called Knife. I've heard about it once in awhile on TV or through the grapevine. I'll probably use it on that by the end of the year.


I've recently got mail from some survey companies to call them to complete a survey about the BL car and buying experience. Even came with a Starbucks gift card. The mail said I'd be compensated which stated amount sounds attractive enough. Also, I'd be entered in a drawing for a nights stays and dinning in a high end hotel. I am a little skeptical but I probably should give them a call.


I can't wait to see your pics Expressmac when you get the car!!!

 

[TRU_BLU]

Also, a few things on my WISH list:


Tinted front row windows to match the back
Splash guards - muddy water shows way too much on the bottom black guards on the doors
Painted Calipers - red maybe?


What do you guys got?

 

[mmoretti]

Yes, its a tough call for the black grille. It would depend upon the color. I would have a hard time deciding. If I chose a black grille I would have to go with the "all blacked out" look I think, with black wheels and accents like Land Rover Evoque's Black Option package. Looking forward to seeing expresso's with the black grille to compare to yours. Any word yet on your car expresso?

I thought about doing my brake calipers too, when I look closely at them now they are starting to discolor..but am so on the fence about "modding" my MKC. I like very subtle things to stand out but not flashly/gaudy. I saw a blacked out car with bright green calipers that I actually loved but don't know if I want to go that crazy. Guess I can always repaint or strip if I don't like it.

 

[DeMarco]

I'd just black out the calipers, it also makes it easier to look clean since you won't see brake dust... it's black

 

[mmoretti]

But then there's red....this is why I'm not considering it for now...

 

[espressomac]

Tru_blu, we went with the Indulgence (chocolate) theme. The only other theme available with the Notorious color was Modern Heritage and we might have gone with that (no kids) if it weren't for the Black Stripe wood—just didn't like that. Besides, we both love chocolate.

mmoretti, last week we were told that our "MKC is scheduled to be pulled [last] week! What that means is that we will have a VIN number assigned [last] week, once the VIN number is assigned I'll have an actual invoice to your vehicle within a week or two. Once the invoice is generated I'll also have an ETA as to when production will be finalized!"

She seemed very excited.

And yes, I can't wait to see it either.

 

[mmoretti]

Ooh the indulgence is my favorite (partial to the hazelnut) but I honestly like them all for one reason or other. It would again depend upon my choice of the exterior color which would again be hard. I love the center stage with the red accents but have had so many black interiors, I want a change but it's tempting with a black or red car. I love notorious but my husband has that color, just not into matching color cars(although he will be getting a new car in 2 years). I really love the chroma colors too. Wish they had a metallic green color. I would love a dark red too but it would have to give enough contrast to the tail light bar in the back. That would be tricky. It would almost have to be black. Maybe a black cherry type color. Too many choices is bad for me, I have a hard time making up my mind, they're all nice!

The wait must be killing your wife(and you). It will be here before you know it. Plus you have your trip to look forward to as well! Keep us posted on the car's ETA.

 

[espressomac]

mmoretti, yes! I really, really wish American cars had more green color choices—it's our favorite color, like a forest or hunter green. Or, dare I say it, something like British Racing Green on the new F-Pace

along with the brown interior

May be an eventual replacement to the MKC...

Although I have to admit that the Thoroughbred theme on the new MKX is awesome!

And yes, we will keep you posted on progress on our MKC!

 

[TRU_BLU]

Yes, I agree that I wish Thoroughbred was an option for MKC! I would have probably went with the Centerstage theme too if it was an option for Notorious blue.

 

[mmoretti]

Ha! Was just looking at MKX thoroughbred theme again on the Lincoln site. The Muse is a great dark grey option too. I love them all!! I could never decide. The Evoque has a forest green option. It would be high on my list of colors.