Mauricio Lezcano /carsntravel.com / Photos The Lincoln Motor Company
For 2017 the new Lincoln MKZ combines intuitive technology, effortless performance and distinctive design to deliver an enhanced driving experience Lincoln calls quiet luxury, focusing on areas most desired by today’s luxury midsize sedan customer, quality, performance and style.
Overview
The new Lincoln MKZ is designed to appeal to those who are looking for something different in the luxury market. From the placement of technology features such as the push-button gear shift to reimagined interior spaces including the floating center console, drivers can relish in discovering an unexpected experience based on intelligent function and beautiful form that offers, above all, an enjoyable drive.
The Lincoln Experience is brought to life through the available Lincoln-exclusive 3.0-liter GTDI V6 engine, as well as intangible elements like the quiet cabin provided by the Active Noise Control system.
Features that make the new Lincoln MKZ a haven of refined comfort include curated spaces for storage, the availability of three Lincoln Black Label interior packages with exclusive, personal in-home design consultation, available fully retractable panoramic glass roof, and concert-quality Revel audio with specially designed doors for optimal positioning of the speakers.
Intuitive Technology
The new Lincoln MKZ is designed to make the drive easier and more enjoyable. Available adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality automatically can slow the car, resuming higher speeds when traffic clears. The system activates the brakes automatically to bring the car to a complete stop if the driver fails to apply brakes in time.
An auto hold feature keeps the car at a complete stop without the driver having to press and hold the brake pedal making stop-and-go driving more relaxing for MKZ owners; the available enhanced park assist uses ultrasonic sensors to help Lincoln MKZ seamlessly steer itself into a parallel or perpendicular parking spot. The car can assist with park-out as needed.
Lincoln Exclusive Engine Provides Effortless Performance
An all-new, Lincoln-exclusive 3.0-liter GTDI V6 leads available engine choices for the new Lincoln MKZ. When paired with an intelligent all-wheel-drive system, the twin-turbocharged engine produces 400 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque for effortless performance and refinement.
Dynamic Torque Vectoring, part of an available Driver’s Package for MKZ with the 3.0-liter engine, enhances cornering agility without compromising ride comfort, helping drivers enjoy a smooth, seamless experience.
The new Lincoln MKZ provides a hybrid alternative as well; and a 2.0-liter GTDI, 245-horsepower four-cylinder engine with front-wheel drive; available Lincoln Drive Control allows drivers to adjust among three drive modes: comfort, normal and sport. The system includes continuously controlled damping, and electric power-assisted steering to provide comfortable, confident handling.
The Driver’s Package for Lincoln MKZ with 3.0-liter V6 also includes 19-inch wheels, Ebony-painted calipers, light Magnetic-painted grille, Ebony interior with carbon fiber appliqués, customizable multi-contour seats and aluminum pedal covers. In addition, the package features retuned continuously controlled damping and suspension for enhanced driving dynamics.
Distinctive Design
The new face of Lincoln is highlighted by available adaptive LED headlamps that help deliver cleaner, clearer lighting for drivers, complemented by the all-new one-piece Lincoln signature grille.
Inside, engineers paid attention to the sound and feel of new switches and dials that replace slider adjustments for easier control of ventilation and audio functions for new Lincoln MKZ customers. Commonly used buttons and USB ports are now even easier to access.
Two all-new Lincoln Black Label themes, Chalet and Vineyard, as well as Thoroughbred, deliver desired uniqueness and options paired with luxurious materials. Lincoln MKZ’s available fully retractable panoramic glass roof offers the largest open-air roof among sedans.
Summary
Lincoln MKZ customers are looking for three attributes in a luxury midsize sedan, technologies that ease their everyday experience, a beautiful design that is crafted with attention to detail, and a vehicle with impressive power that makes it a pleasure to drive, the new Lincoln MKZ elevates these attributes and many more to create a compelling entry in this large and highly competitive portion of the luxury market.
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price starts at $41,400.00, the one I drove 2017 Lincoln MKZ Reserve AWD included the Panoramic Roof ($2,995.00), Technology Package ($2,395.00), Luxury Package ($4,400.00), Climate Package ($195.00), Inflatable Rear Outboard Safety Belts ($195.00) and Floor Mats with Trunk Mats ($175.00), and it came in at $53,180.00 including destination & delivery charges ($925.00). The EPA fuel economy estimates 20 MPG City and 28 MPG Highway with the 2.0L GTDI I-4 Engine.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com
