Press Release
Exterior / Interior
Distinctive DNA: Mountaineer builds on Mercury's design identity
The 2006 Mountaineer, the vehicle that launched the design rejuvenation of the Mercury brand in 2002, brings a new level of refinement to its signature-sophisticated style.Mountaineer's design is enhanced from all sides for the 2006 model year with a new grille, front fascia, headlamps, foglamps and air dam, updated profile detailing, new extruded rail roof, new rear fascia, taillamps and liftgate.
Mountaineer's purposeful, chiseled design, satin-aluminum-finished trim, bold waterfall grille, and vertically stacked front-end elements have shaped the design direction of a spate of new products the brand has introduced since the 2002 model debuted. The design DNA carried through to Mercury's first full-size premium minivan, Monterey; its first small sport-utility vehicle, Mariner; and the brand's newest full-size sedan, Montego. The design is further evolved this year with the launch of the 2006 Mountaineer and the all-new 2006 Mercury Milan sedan.
"Our approach on the 2006 Mountaineer was to refine the design with attention to detail everywhere we looked," says Chelsia Lau, Mountaineer chief designer.
Front End: Evolution of sophistication
The 2006 Mountaineer sports a restyled front-end design that flows smoothly into new bodyside cladding to enhance its form-follows-function exterior shape. The cornerstone of the design is a new interpretation to the signature satin-aluminum-finished Mercury waterfall grille and badge. The grille is further accentuated by a satin-aluminum-finished bumper center appliqué. The new fascia highlights rectangular foglamps nested below the distinct trapezoidal headlamps.
Side View: A profile in distinction
Mountaineer stands out in an arena full of traditional two-box sport-utility designs from all angles. The profile is set off by a distinct leading edge fenderline with a crisp radius that emphasizes engineering sophistication. The fenders include integrated amber turn-signal indicators or "repeaters," a design detail usually seen on European sport sedans.The rear taillamps wrap around the corners and feature clear lenses for a more contemporary look. Larger, re-engineered side mirrors have a unique aero-design that also provides an interesting shape and reduction in wind noise. New 18-inch machined-aluminum wheels filling the wheel wells are available as an option – a Mountaineer first. The wheel graphic uses more substantial aluminum surface area than typical wheels, which include more space between spokes. The look adds architectural interest to the profile of the vehicle.
Along the top, available satin-aluminum-finished roof rails provide a distinct elegance to the Mountaineer Premier. The roof itself features stamped ribs in the sheetmetal that provide for improved NVH by reducing interior "boom" characteristics over rough surfaces.
Mountaineer's new design emphasizes its cleaner philosophy free of busy cladding, instead relying on clean sheet metal surfaces and crisp accent lines. The available power-deployable running boards define that philosophy by cleaning up the rocker panel area and adding a fine design detail when retracted.
Segment Exclusive: Power running boards retract for integrated appearance
Lincoln was the first to market with power-deployable running boards in the luxurious full-size Navigator sport-utility vehicle. Mercury now brings this luxury feature to the mid-size segment and has raised the bar by making the retracted running boards a fine design element.The running boards are retracted when the doors are closed and the vehicle is parked or in motion. When retracted, only the edge of the board – with its satin-aluminum-finished strip – is exposed, which adds to the design. When the doors are opened, the full-feature power-deployable running boards extend outward to offer the driver and passengers a leg up into Mountaineer's comfortable interior. Power-deployable running boards are optional on Convenience trim levels, standard on Luxury and Premier trim levels.
Rear View: Brings a new finish
The rear of the 2006 Mountaineer sports a fresh new look, including contemporary, clear lens taillamps with updated Mercury taillamp grilles in satin aluminum finish. The two-piece rear liftgate is new, with a new flip-glass-mounted rear wiper and easier closure efforts for improved usability. The liftglass shutline is integrated into the liftgate and is higher than the previous model, accentuating the new rear end's upright "lift." The rear fascia includes a horizontal satin-aluminum-finished strip with debossed Mercury script and elegant inset rectangular reflectors.
New Standard: Mountaineer interior raises the bar for comfort, flexibility, style
Designers gave Mercury's mid-size sport-utility vehicle a complete interior makeover for 2006, delivering a dramatic design statement from the first row to the third. Mountaineer offers improved comfort, improved and unparalleled seating flexibility and a new level of sophisticated style.Attention to detail has been paid to improved interior ergonomics – especially the accessibility of controls in the redesigned instrument panel and the ease of operation in all three rows of seating. The team concentrated on improving seating in every row as an emphasis for enhanced customer satisfaction. In the first row seats, comfort and access to the controls were paramount. New seat styles with six- and 10-way power-adjustment capabilities, including adjustable lumbar supports, are available. The optional heated-seat switches were moved from the sides of the seats to the center stack for ease of use. In the second row, retaining comfort while facilitating ease of folding and articulation was the focus. In the third row, the emphasis was on raising the H-point for improved comfort and outward visibility for passengers, while facilitating a totally flat-folding mechanism and adding the cargo flexibility of a split bench.
Included in the many safety enhancements are standard side air bags, safety belts that are anchored to the seat itself for increased comfort and ease of use, plus articulating head restraints that provide the driver with enhanced rearward visibility when passenger seats are not occupied. While many vehicles require removal of the head restraints for folding the seats, the Mountaineer's articulating head restraints include a stowage position that facilitates an absolutely flat folded position with the head restraints in place.
Contemporary Design: Redesgined instrument panel, seating, and trim
Mountaineer features a completely redesigned instrument panel that provides improved gauge placement and easier-to-read faces. The new center stack, which includes radio, climate control switchgear and available DVD navigation controls, flows artfully into the console. The integrated center console houses a sturdy, leather-wrapped gear selector, relocated from the steering column. An all-new color message center is now centrally located in the cluster for improved visibility, providing clear information to the driver."When you get in, the eyes tend to focus on the center of the IP and move out from there," says Chelsia Lau, chief designer. "We gave Mountaineer's center stack and console a strong, angular architectural theme, like a modern skyscraper."
Door release handles have been repositioned on the door panels for better accessibility, and window controls are changed from the rocker-switch type to a new, recessed push-pull design.
The instrument panel, center console and door panels are highlighted with satin aluminum finished trim pieces. The trim also is found on the rings as well as on door pulls and switch bezels. Luxury and Premier models include satin aluminum finished trim on the steering wheel.
Not only do the front seats offer improved cushion comfort, but seat track travel also has been increased. Adjustable lumbar supports are standard on all models. A six-way power driver's seat is standard on the Convenience model; a 10-way power driver's seat is offered in Luxury and Premier models; and heated seats are optional with leather trim and standard on the Premier model.
New standard cloth and optional leather trim choices add to the upscale design theme on all models. A two-cloth combination and two optional kinds of leather also allow owners to personalize their Mountaineer. Black or camel Imola leather seats, with perforated seat inserts, are standard on Luxury. Standard on Premier is a new Preferred Suede® embossed insert in Sand, available with both black or camel leather bolsters. This two-tone theme is carried throughout the cabin for a distinctive and upscale statement.
More Choices: Three second-row seat configurations
For 2006, Mountaineer offers three different second-row seat choices. Owners can tailor their Mountaineer according to their taste and needs, whether needing the most flexibility available to carry people, more versatility for frequent cargo carrying, or the maximum comfort and convenience for six.Mountaineer comes standard with a 60/40-split second-row bench seat. Luxury and second-row bucket seats with a center console are available on Premier. All second-row bench seats fold flat for a thoroughly usable cargo load floor and maximum space. Plus, safety belt accessibility and ergonomics have been improved for all three second-row seating positions.
Power Play: Split-bench third-row fold flat, with power-fold option
With all the bragging of "fold-flat" seat convenience in minivans, Mercury engineers felt it was only logical to expand this advantage to the mid-size sport-utility vehicle segment. Mountaineer customers have indicated a desire for a third-row seat that folds truly flat into the floor – and designers listened."Our customer research told us that Mountaineer needed a flat cargo floor. With the seats folded down on the previous model, there was still a rake to the floor. Customers occasionally opened the cargo door to find golf balls rolling out onto the pavement. We feel we've addressed this with the 2006 Mountaineer and a load floor that is totally flat," says Judith Curran, Mountaineer chief engineer.
While easier and lower-effort manual-fold seat latch releases are standard, Mountaineer pampers owners by offering a third-row power-fold option – a first in this segment. For those who would rather depress a switch than reach across the rear cargo opening – great for days when your Mountaineer is salty, dirty or dusty – the power-fold option makes lowering or raising the third-row seat a snap.
Customer research extended beyond Mountaineer owners to include the littlest voices that often occupy the third-row seat, explains Lau, "Originally we designed the third-row seat to fit the 95th percentile male. Our consumers said to us that their kids spend the most time in this seat. Their kids complained that they're sitting too low, like in a bathtub. We addressed this by designing in theater-style seating, giving kids a better view out of the side and front glass while still accommodating adults."
With a 50/50-split-bench arrangement in the third row, overall seating and cargo capability is improved. Without the split bench, you'd have to fold the entire seatback forward and lose both seating positions – even if your cargo would fit in half that space. What's more, a new third-row-seat cargo-management system combines both cupholders and storage.
