The Lincoln MKS is a full-sized sedan that shares a platform with the Ford Taurus. It has a very roomy interior and tons of technology that is new for Lincoln, such as keyless entry and adaptive cruise control. The EcoBoost engine achieves the impressive feat of improving both performance--by 75 hp--and fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.
Three variants of the Lincoln MKS are available for 2012: the 3.7L V6 with front-wheel or all-wheel drive and the 3.5L turbocharged EcoBoost engine with all-wheel drive only. The smaller engine produces 350 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque, as compared to 273 hp and 270 ft-lbs of torque from the 3.7L. All models get a 6-speed automatic transmission that can be upgraded to use steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
Affordable, mid-priced luxury; distinctive design; efficient EcoBoost engine available; all-wheel drive available
The Lincoln MKS uses a MacPherson strut in the front and independent rear suspension for luxury-level ride comfort, plus 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, tire-pressure monitoring, traction control, reverse sensing system and electronic stability control. A rearview camera and adaptive cruise control are available. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard, but 19- and 20-inchers are available as options.
The interior is nicely appointed, with genuine wood trim throughout. Front seats are heated and cooled and adjustable 12 ways and include lumbar support--even the rear seats are heated. Microsoft's standard SYNC system offers turn-by-turn directions and real-time traffic conditions. The standard 6-speaker stereo has an in-dash 6-disc changer and MP3 capability, plus Sirius satellite radio, but it can be upgraded to a 14-speaker system, which includes two subwoofers.
The EcoBoost option also brings with it exclusive luxury seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, 20-inch chrome wheels and a slightly different grille, rear spoiler and rear fascia.
A host of high-tech safety features are available, including Ford's AdvanceTrac electronic stability control, a collision warning system which warns of obstacles while priming the brakes, dual-stage front airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners, a post-crash alert system and Safety Canopy, which deploys side curtain airbags in the event of a side collision or rollover. Other high-tech features include Pull-Drift Compensation, which helps automatically adjust the steering when confronted with uneven road surfaces or high winds. Adaptive cruise control, adaptive HID headlamps, rain-sensing wipers and a rear-view camera system are also available.