Some might consider the 2011 Lincoln MKX the “MyLincoln Touch” edition, as it will be the first Ford product to offer the new driver interface technology. MyLincoln Touch is essentially the latest version of Sync packaged with extra features and controlled by a slick, iPhone-style touchscreen. A bit gimmicky maybe, but high-end crossover buyers love that kind of stuff; at least that’s what Lincoln is counting on.

If the ability to tag songs on the radio isn’t enough, however, the Lincoln MKX also features more traditional upgrades like a larger-displacement V6, a retuned suspension and additional safety features.

The slightly bigger 3.7-liter V6 produces 305 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, yet still returns 25 mpg, Lincoln says. More aggressive 18-inch tires and revised shocks and springs are said to provide better cornering performance without making you pay the price with added interior noise. Upgraded brakes are also part of the revisions for 2011.

But forget about all that hardware stuff for a minute, as this MKX also boasts a long list of new electronic safety gadgets. There’s an adaptive cruise control and collision warning system that not only maintains your speed in varying degrees of traffic but also readies the brakes if it senses an impending collision.

Then there’s the blind-spot information system, which not surprisingly alerts drivers to the presence of cars in the blind spot. It’s coupled with a cross-traffic alert system that also warns of cars moving in from the side when you’re backing out of a parking spot. Finally, there’s My Key, which basically allows you to preset things like top speed and maximum stereo volume when you hand the car over to your kid.

Visual changes to the MKX include a split-wing grille, new two-piece LED taillamps, revised wheel designs and 4-inch oval exhaust tips. So nothing dramatic, really, just a tidying up of what was already a fairly clean design.

Same goes for the interior, where Lincoln designers basically just went through and upgraded all the materials instead of making any wholesale design changes. It’s the usual boasting of higher-grade textures, more visible leather stitching, additional aluminum trim and improved seat comfort.