Published: May 01. 2010 2:00AM

By Dan Byers
CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Luxury can be difficult to define. A luxury loved by one may be loathed by another. But in its simplest form, a luxury is something that makes life easier. The best luxury isn’t one you can live with — it’s one you can’t live without.

The luxury crossover market has exploded for its ability to do almost everything well. Today’s CUV blends the cargo hauling capacities of larger SUVs with the efficiencies, comfort and driving dynamics of a sedan.

If your idea of luxury is to have your cake and eat it to, take a look at one of these new luxury crossovers.

2011 Lincoln MKX

Despite the weak economy, the Ford Motor Co. has experienced a dramatic change of fortune. Buoyed by strong sales and several well-received new models, Ford has surged past GM to become the largest domestic U.S. automaker.

With the introduction of the redesigned 2011 Lincoln MKX, Lincoln is poised for a change of fortune as well. Sporting all new sheet metal on the outside and luxurious appointments on the inside, the new Lincoln strikes the perfect balance between comfort, style and practicality.

The free-flowing exterior design features Lincoln’s signature split-wing grille, optional 20-inch wheels, provocative body and indirect LED lighting. The MKX is powered by an efficient 3.7-liter Duratec V-6, rated at 305 horsepower and 280 ft-lbs. of torque and capable of 25 mpg on the highway.

Inside the cabin is where luxury comes to life. A choice of wood or aluminum accents highlights the refined interior, surrounding the driver and passengers in soft, hand-stitched materials. But the real highlight is the ground-breaking MyLincoln Touch experience.

Powered by Lincoln SYNC, MyLincoln Touch replaces traditional vehicle buttons, knobs and gauges with clear, crisp touch-sensitive LCD screens and two sets of five-way buttons on the wheel. True luxury is often found in simplicity, and the MyLincoln Touch system is visually stunning and delightfully easy to use.

The system is simple and intuitive. Climate and audio controls are adjusted by a simple swipe of a finger. Voice activated navigation, song search, and phone controls are fully integrated for a true hands-free experience. The MyLincoln Touch system is standard on the MKX.

2010 Cadillac SRX

In a time when many automakers are struggling to define their image and identity, Cadillac’s vision relies on distinctive design and uncompromised craftsmanship. The completely redesigned 2010 SRX crossover is a testimony to that thinking and is shaking up the segment with a daring new design.

“Cadillac is known for bold design. The 2010 SRX builds on that reputation,” said Clay Dean, Cadillac global design director. “As with the 2008 CTS, we advanced our art-and-science design to create a crossover for style-conscious customers. The exterior features a dramatic diving gesture on the body side to impart the feeling of movement, even at rest.”

Cadillac’s characteristic vertical headlamps are now offered with light pipe technology and adaptive lighting and blend seamlessly into a curvaceous, athletic body. The wide stance and available 20-inch wheels give the SRX a solid, sure-footed feel.

A new, fuel-efficient direct injected 3-liter V-6 that delivers 265 horsepower is now standard, but a 2.8-liter turbocharged V-6 rated at 300 horsepower will be available as an option. Both engines are available with a new advanced AWD system, which improves cornering and driving dynamics while increasing traction in slippery conditions like rain, snow or ice.

The interior of the SRX is one of the best in the segment, easily seating five in luxury. Hand-sewn coverings, highly crafted details and unique ambient lighting create a cockpit that’s soothing and comfortable. A “pop-up” navigation screen in the dashboard with three-dimensional imaging, integrated hard disc drive for audio storage and a dual-screen rear entertainment system provide the finishing touches of luxuries once thought of as extravagance.