By Mauricio Lezcano / carsNtravel.com
The all new Lincoln MKS It is the first Lincoln created by a dedicated team in its new Lincoln Design Studio, with a sweeping profile, MKZ incorporates one of the world’s widest opening retractable glass roofs.
The new MKZ offers Lincoln Drive Control as standard. Lincoln Drive Control is an automatic system that delivers an ideal balance of a smooth ride with confident handling as it intuitively responds to driver commands and the road.
Always on, Lincoln Drive Control orchestrates the performance of the Continuously Controlled Damping adjustable suspension, electric power assisted steering, engine, transmission, Active Noise Control, traction control and stability control systems.
The result is an unsurpassed combination of refined ride and engaging driving dynamics. CCD offers three modes, Sport, Normal and Comfort that are accessible using MyLincoln Touch. Selecting Sport on the Push Button Shift gear selector enables a decidedly more sporty driving experience.
Lincoln MKZ offers three distinct powertrains. The standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost delivers the performance of a traditional V6 along with outstanding fuel economy. This engine delivers a projected 20-percent increase in highway fuel economy versus the 2012 MKZ.
Emphasizing performance and efficiency, the optional 3.7-liter V6 produces significantly more power than the previous MKZ V6 while improving fuel economy approximately 5 percent.
Maximizing fuel efficiency, the optional 2.0-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain delivers more miles per gallon than any luxury vehicle in America at 45 mpg city, highway and combined. Non-hybrid models utilize a six-speed automatic transmission. Standard paddle shifters mounted behind the steering wheel add to the performance driving experience of the MKZ.
The Retractable Panoramic Roof is a new signature feature for Lincoln. The 15.2-square foot glass panel offers one of the largest openings available on any current sedan. The design maintains the structural strength of a steel roof vehicle.
A sweeping roofline defines the new luxury sedan’s profile. The steeply raked windshield and lengthened backlight make for a sleeker and more flowing appearance that is 10 percent more aerodynamic than the model it replaces. Rearview mirrors stand on door mounted, sculpted pedestals. This fitment enables the front door glass to extend farther forward to improve visibility and to allow even more light into the interior.
The crafted headlamp assemblies include bright, energy efficient LED lighting. The front headlights turn in sync with the steering wheel, providing enhanced visibility. At the rear, LED technology enabled a thin, distinctive full width tail lamp graphic.
Innovation and technology abound inside the new MKZ. Replacing the traditional mechanical transmission shift lever is a contemporary five-button interface. The individual buttons of Push Button Shift engage Park, Neutral, Reverse, and forward gears in two modes, Drive and Sport. Push Button Shift gave designers freedom to create a sculptural multi-level center console with more functional storage areas.
Positioned ahead of the driver, the full-color 10.1-inch LCD instrument cluster operates with the latest version of SYNC with MyLincoln Touch. The all-new design combines dimensional indicator rings framing a brilliant and reconfigurable Thin Film Transistor LCD. An equally critical component of MyLincoln Touch is the nearly flush-mounted center 8-inch LCD touch screen that displays information clearly in easy to reference color keyed quadrants.
Standard luxury amenities include an 11-speaker audiophile entertainment system and cabin air filtration, plus heated front seats with the driver’s featuring 10-way power controls, remote start capabilities and Active Noise Control.
The available THX II Certified Car Audio System is a Lincoln exclusive that features 700 watts, 14 channels and 14 speakers. THX audio engineers spent more than 200 hours custom tuning the THX-certified equipment to the new MKZ’s interior. The result delivers home-theater surround sound to the road.
Lincoln MKZ offers the Lane Keeping System, a suite of advanced driving aids that helps drivers avoid drifting from their lane due to distraction or fatigue. Consisting of Lane Keeping Aid, Lane Keeping Alert and Driver Assist, the Lane Keeping System utilizes a mono-vision camera integrated into the rearview mirror to read the lane markers ahead.
Available radar-based driving aids further enhance the driving experience. Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning with Brake Support each use a long-range radar system that scans in front of the vehicle automatically adjusting to traffic speed and providing a visual and audible alert when a potential front-end collision is detected.
The new MKZ is the only sedan in its class to offer inflatable second-row outboard seat belts. Rear-seat passengers often children or mature passengers can be more vulnerable to head, chest and neck injuries. The available inflatable second-row, outboard seat belts spread impact forces across more than five times the area of conventional belts, reducing pressure on the chest while helping to control head and neck motion and helping reduce the risk of injuries.
The gasoline drivetrain offers superior efficiency and performance for a mid-size luxury sedan, with an EPA rated 21 mpg combined, 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway when equipped with the 3.7L V6 TIVCT engine. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price starts at $37,815.00, the one I drove included the Preferred Equipment Group 103A, 3.7L V6 TIVCT Engine, Panoramic Roof and Technology Package, and it came in at $51,205.00 including destination charge.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com
