The MKC is the newest vehicle to come from Lincoln->ke48 and the brand's first compact crossover. Launched at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show, the MKC->ke4599 shares the same platform with the Ford Escape and uses many of the styling cues introduced with the second-generation MKZ->ke456 sedan. Two engines were introduced at launch, both using EcoBoost technology and shared with other Ford->ke31 products. A 2.0-liter, four-pot generates 240 ponies, while the 2.3-liter also found in the 2015 Mustang delivers 275 horsepower. Both units mate to a six-speed automatic and available all-wheel-drive. As we move onto a new model year, the 2015 MKC has become one of the first two Lincoln models to receive the company's Black Label treatment.

Created to offer a new level of luxury for Lincoln products, the Black Label package brings high-grade leathers and refined materials to the crossover's->ke288 interior, as well as an exclusive color palette and wheel designs for the exterior. Additionally, it comes with a new dealer network trained to provide personalized service "for an enhanced shopping and service experience." Could Lincoln finally live up to its potential as a luxury->ke505 brand? Read on to find out more about that.

Click past the jump to read more about the Lincoln MKC Black Label.

Exterior

The MKC's exterior remains standard once customers opt for the Black Label treatment, with Lincoln explaining the crossover's appearance "is purposely understated" for this package. However, buyers will get to choose from a range of exclusive colors and wheels.

The Black Label palette includes six colors, which come at no additional cost. Black Tie, Confidential White and Crystal Silver are the core colors, while customers looking for lively hues can go with either the deep red called Chroma Flame, the rich brown dubbed Chroma Couture, or a vibrant blue that goes by the name Notorious.

Moving over to wheels, the MKC Black Label comes equipped with standard 19-inch, aluminum rollers. The options list includes 20-inch, polished, duo-tone aluminum wheels with chrome inserts. The exclusive wheels are distinguished by a unique Lincoln insignia on the center of the rim. Additionally, the "MKC" badging on the tailgate is finished in high-gloss black with a chrome "C" to further set the Black Label model apart from its regular sibling.

Interior

The interior of the MKC is where all the Black Label magic happens. Lincoln promises more premium materials and exquisite craftsmanship in four different themes inspired from various sources, including fashion, food, luxury travel and architecture.

The first interior theme is dubbed Indulgence and it's inspired by "the allure of rich, sumptuous chocolate." Highlights include a Truffle-colored Venetian leather for the seats, door panels and armrests and Ganache-colored Alcantara for the headliner and the pillars. For extra richness and depth, the leather has been put through an aging process. The seats are sewn together with black accent stitching and feature a linking-L perforation pattern. Ziricote wood trim -- an exotic wood from South America -- adds further elegance to the instrument panel and the doors.

Next up is Center Stage, a theme that draws inspiration from the "drama of theater arts and fashion." On this trim level, the cabin is wrapped in Jet Black leather with Foxfire Red stitching and Jet Black Alcantara on the headliner and pillars. The seats are swathed in Jet Black Venetian leather, while the Black Stripe wood trim rounds off the classy appearance.

Modern Heritage is the third theme Lincoln is offering through the Black Label program. It features Vianca White Venetian leather seats and center console, Jet Black upper door panels, Crimson Red accents and Black Argento wood trim on the instrument panel and doors. If black-and-white is a color theme you want in your car, Modern Heritage is the trim you need.

Lastly, there's the Oasis theme, inspired by the "warmth and serenity of a spa" with influences from the Far East. Much like the other Black Label themes, Oasis consists of a dual-tone including a soft color and a darker hue. They are called Oasis and Island, respectively. The former is found on the Venetian leather seats, while the latter covers the instrument panel and the center console. The headliner and the pillars are finished in Oasis-colored Alcantara. For this theme, customers will get American Walnut Burl wood trim inserts with a natural open-pore finish.

Drivetrain

Unlike the cabin, the engine compartment is as stock as it gets, meaning customers have two drivetrains to choose from. The standard unit is the 2.0-liter, four-cylinder EcoBoost that's found in the Ford Escape. Rated at 240 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque, the four-banger can be had with either front- or all-wheel-drive.

Should you select the optional four-pot, Lincoln will drop the 2.3-liter EcoBoost, also available with the 2015 Ford Mustang, between the front wheels. The mill generates 275 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque, and comes with the company's grille-shutter technology for improved aerodynamics and increased fuel economy. Front-wheel drive is again standard, while all-wheel drive requires a premium and a check mark on the options list.

Both engines mate to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Prices

The premium for ticking the "Black Label" box on the MKC is $5,995 on top of the model's base MSRP. For reference, the current range-topper, the MKC Reserve, retails from $40,930 while the entry-level MKC Premiere is priced from $33,995. With this fee, you also get a complementary loaner car if your MKC is in the shop, free pickup and delivery if you live within 30 miles of a Black Label dealer, once-a-year detailing, anytime car washes and a Culinary Collection membership.

Competition

Audi Q3

The Q3 may not have a Black Line of its own, but Audi is known for providing some of the most luxurious crossovers on the market. The compact crossover comes with an impressive list of interior amenities, including leather-wrapped and heated, 12-way power front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a state-of-the-art infotainment system, LED lighting for the interior and a premium audio system.

Two trim levels are available in the U.S. -- Premium Plus and Prestige -- both powered by the same engine. Audi's unit of choice for the U.S.-spec Q3 is the 2.0-liter TFSI, which generates 200 turbocharged horses and 207 pound-feet of torque. The four-banger mates to a six-speed Tiptronic transmission and an optional quattro all-wheel-drive system. Pricing starts from $33,425 for the Premium Plus trim and from $37,325 for the Prestige model. All-wheel-drive adds another $2,100 to each model.

BMW X1

The X1 is the leader of the luxury compact crossover market as far as sales go, and for good reason. Although it's far from being a pretty sight, the X1 is packed with the latest in terms of technology and it's equally luxurious when compared to its bigger brothers, the X3 and X5. The X1 sits in no less than three version in U.S. showrooms, with two engines to choose from. The sDrive28i is motivated by a turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-banger rated at 240 horsepower. The xDrive28i gets the same engine with the same amount of power, but, unlike the entry-level model, it comes with standard all-wheel drive.

At the top of the X1 range sits the xDrive35i, which sports a 3.0-liter, inline-six engine under its hood. The mill cranks out 300 horsepower, distributed to all four corners by BMW's intelligent all-wheel-drive system. Pricing starts from $30,900 for the entry-level model and from $38,800 for the more powerful xDrive35i.

Conclusion

Lincoln has been struggling to deliver a package strong enough to compete against the Germans and Cadillac for quite a few years now, and it seems Ford's luxury brand is finally taking its first step in that direction. On the other hand, while the Black Label might seem a big step forward compared to what Lincoln had to offer until now, it remains to be seen whether it will make a difference when compared to what other automakers have to offer or not. For now, Lincoln is slowly trying to bridge the huge gap that separates it from the likes of Cadillac. The next step would be to expand the Black Label to more models other than the MKC and the MKZ. And to develop brand-new models, of course.