Lincoln has needed the 2007 MKX for a long time. Aimed right at the Lexus RX 330, this new crossover utility vehicle (CUV) debuted at the 2006 North American International Auto Show, and is based on the 2007 Ford Edge that was also unveiled in Detroit. Lincoln has needed the MKX because it’s the first fresh product the company has rolled into showrooms since it tackled the luxury sports sedan segment in 2000 with the rear-wheel-drive LS. But like the LS, the MKX is a me-too kind of vehicle – Lexus has played in this sandbox since 1999. Let’s just hope that, unlike with the LS, Lincoln doesn’t send the MKX to market and let it fend for itself for half a decade with no real investment in improvement to keep it competitive.