Lincoln Motor Company->ke48 has just announced its launch a full product lineup in China, including five new vehicles. One of those – a midsize luxury SUV->ke145 – accompanies the news in this teaser video above. Though Lincoln hasn’t given away much info on the new vehicle, the video does reveal some interesting aspects.

From the few glimpses visible, the SUV appears to be a highly sculpted crossover->ke288 with plenty of LED trickery and accent lighting. Most eye-catching are the massive turn signals that surround the headlight fixtures and continue to the side mirrors. A strong belt line runs just under the windows with a large rear haunch laying above the rear tire. If things stay true to the artist’s drawings seen here, the front will feature some fairly stunning sculpted lines with plenty of drama.

This SUV will join a lineup of four other cars including the MKZ, the MKC,->ke4599 a new full-size luxury sedan->ke142, and the refreshed Navigator – all of which will be built inside the United States. What’s more, Lincoln is taking an entirely new approach to selling cars, one based relationships and an inviting dealer environment.

Lincoln’s goal is a network of 60 dealers in 50 cities across China by 2016, with the first eight opening this fall. The dealers will run under the ideology of “The Lincoln Way,” a much more personal, relationship-biased approach to selling cars. “It completely shifts luxury automotive ownership from a sales and service transaction model to an experience model,” says Jim Farley, Ford’s->ke31 executive vice president of global marketing.

The dealers will feature a more home-like atmosphere with a tea room and other amenities like the Personalization Studio where customers can customize and order their particular vehicle. The new dealership style will concentrate its focus on providing good relationships and quality treatment than having a large, uninviting room packed with products. It’ll be interesting to see how this business model works for China and if it could work within the U.S.

Updated 04/21/2014: Lincoln pulled the covers off its MKX Concept at the Beijing Auto Show and release these detailed images. Sadly, there isn’t much news about the interior or engine options at this time. Click past the jump to see the new shots and read the updated press release.

Click past the jump to read more about the Lincoln MKX Concept Crossover.

2014 Lincoln MKX Concept Crossover

Specifications
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  • Model: 2014 Lincoln MKX Concept Crossover
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Exterior

Lincoln is certainly headed in the right direction with its exterior styling and design language. It’s just futuristic and modern to compete with Cadillac’s ‘Art and Science’ theme while still looking completely original and distinctly Lincoln. The new MKX is slated to become a world-player, including the U.S., so we should see the new Lincoln here for the 2016 model year.

Overall, the design is elegant and tasteful. The new corporate grille is packed with intricate details and shapes, not to mention headlights comprised of LEDs. The lower front fascia carries the theme, complementing the upper grille and looking like a snarling, angry mouth.

According to Lincoln, the Chinese market is looking for a crossover with sporty handling and off-road ability. To help with the latter, the MKX has decent ground clearance, relatively good approach and departure angles, and outlined fender wells in black trim. It’s pure speculation, but don’t be surprised if the MKX comes powered with an EcoBoost engine and AWD.

Around back, a large taillight fixture adorns the rear finders and trunk lid. It’s reminiscent of Dodge’s ‘racetrack’ taillights, but its different enough to not be a copy. Integrated tailpipes in the lower fascia are surrounded by chrome rings match the huge, 21-inch wheels wrapped in Pirelli rubber.

Keep posted to TopSpeed for any breaking information on the new Lincoln. We’ll be bringing it as it happens.

Teaser Video

Competitors

Cadillac SRX

Though it’s due for a major refresh, Cadillac’s SRX crossover is a solid competitor for Lincoln. The two American brands have long been rivals, though with Cadillac’s resurgence in the past few years, Lincoln has been left to struggle. A new luxury crossover from the blue oval would certainly be welcomed by luxury buyers.

The current SRX saw a major interior refresh for 2014. The updated digs more closely resemble those of the classy ATS and CTS sedans and includes Caddy’s CUE infotainment system.

Power comes from the familiar 3.6-liter V-6 making 308 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. Mated to a 6-speed automatic, the SRX will hit 60 mph in just over 7 seconds on its way to a limited 117 mph. Offered in FWD and AWD setups, the SRX is a versatile crossover with plenty of luxurious pizzazz and swank.

Starting price for the SRX begins at $38,225 and grows to over $51,000 with AWD and all the extras.

Lexus RX 350

Like the Cadillac and Lincoln, the Lexus RX 350 compete for the same customers who look for a small to midsized crossover with plenty of room, technology, and top-notch quality throughout. Lexus might not have Lincoln’s long and storied history, but the American automaker could certainly learn a lesson or two about how to (re)break into the tough luxury market.

Powering the RX 350 is a 3.5-liter V-6 making 270 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. It is underpowered when compared to its rivals, but the Lexus does have a certain smoothness to its power delivery to it. Zero to 60 mph comes in at 7.7 seconds with a limited top speed of 112 mph.

Pricing for the RX 350 begins at $41,705 for the FWD model and $43,105 for the AWD version.