Slated to go on sale in the late summer of 2010, the 2011 Lincoln MKX isn’t your father’s MKX, or even your older sister’s, for that matter. For the coming year, some significant upgrades will give this five-passenger midsize crossover a new look both inside and out, while a number of tweaks to the suspension and its 3.5-liter V6 are expected to improve handling characteristics and to boost horsepower and torque while retaining reasonable fuel efficiency. Additionally, the highly anticipated, touch-screen-heavy MyLincoln Touch center stack will incorporate nearly all the technological functions, including audio, navigation, and climate control into a single LCD screen, with sliding control surfaces replacing many of the old buttons and switches. Of course, the well-regarded SYNC system remains standard, as does the popular MyKey speed- and volume-limiting system.

The new MKX is scheduled to remain available in a single Base trim level, with front-wheel drive (FWD) standard and all-wheel drive (AWD) available. This luxury crossover is in direct competition with Lexus’ RX 350 and Cadillac’s SRX, both formidable vehicles, though the RX 350 will be considerably pricier than the MKX, while the Caddy seemingly lacks the added refinement of Lincoln’s redesigned crossover.

A new and improved, twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine powers the 2011 MKX, while it retains a silky-smooth six-speed auto-manual transmission. This combo bumps the power to 355 hp and ups torque to 350 lb-ft, enough oomph to tow 3,500 pounds of trailer when properly equipped. Mileage is expected to remain in the 21-22 mpg range on average, though grumbling has been heard that 2010’s MKX does not get quite the mileage advertised. Stay tuned!

Appearance features and creature comforts remain plentiful and futuristic for the 2011 MKX, with the SYNC and new MyLincoln Touch systems sharing the technological spotlight. Appearance-wise, 18-inch polished alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, and a trailer hitch and wiring are all standard, with 20-inch polished aluminum wheels also available for a more distinctive stance. Standard cabin features are expected to include, besides the power-opening Vista sunroof, leather upholstery, multi-level heated, power-adjustable front seats, split-folding rear seats (allowing some 69 cubic feet of total cargo space), remote power door locks with keypad entry, power windows and heated mirrors, telescoping tilt-wheel steering, keyless ignition, adaptive cruise control with steering-wheel-mounted controls, remote start, dual-zone climate control, and memory for driver’s settings, as well as wood, alloy, and leather cabin and dash trim.

Standard technological amenities should include a 390-watt Sony premium audio system, including a single-CD player with 10 speakers and Sirius satellite radio, along with SYNC/Bluetooth infotainment and communications technology and a hard-drive navigation system, each integrated into the state-of-the-art MyLincoln Touch video-screen control center. Expected options, meanwhile, are a heated steering wheel, 14-speaker THX audio upgrade, rear-view camera, ambient lighting, and heated rear seats available in three options packages, the Premier, Elite, and Limited Edition.

Considered by many to be one of the more safety-oriented crossovers available, the 2011 MKX is expected to retain such standard safety features as four-wheel ABS, traction and stability control, dual front side-mounted airbags, front and rear head airbags, blind-spot warning capability, a pre-collision safety system that includes emergency braking preparation, front and rear parking sensors, front fog/driving lights, daytime running lights, adaptive HID headlights, remote anti-theft alarm, and the SOS post-collision safety system. Additionally, the standard, teen-driver-oriented MyKey limiting system allows owners to control speed and audio volume when one of the kids borrows the car.

Though owners of the 2010 MKX by and large remain impressed with their vehicle, complaints of less-than-advertised mileage have been heard, while an overabundance of plastic is said to mar an otherwise well-wrought cabin. Tweaks to the 2011 version are anticipated to alleviate both glitches, but the jury’s still out until this top-shelf crossover goes on sale. Meanwhile, ride comfort, the ever-popular SYNC system, cabin room, and elegant styling, both inside and outside, and the 2010 MKX’s vaunted safety scores, praiseworthy as they are, can be expected to get even better for 2011.