Lincoln MKS History
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The Lincoln MKS is the newest full-size four-door from Ford's luxury brand. Smaller and less traditional than the outdated Town Car, the MKS is a front- or all-wheel-drive sedan that competes most closely with the Infiniti M, the Acura RL, the Volvo S80 and the Lexus GS.
Lincoln hinted at the MKS first with a concept vehicle shown at the 2006 Detroit auto show. The production version emerged at the 2007 Los Angeles auto show before sales began in 2008.
For its first model year, the 2009 Lincoln MKS featured a sole drivetrain, a 3.7-liter V-6 with 252 horsepower, coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission. The underpinnings included an independent suspension derived from a family of vehicles that include the Volvo XC90, the Ford Taurus and the Ford Flex. While reviewers appreciated its large cabin--particularly the roomy back seat--and the nicely detailed cabin, the MKS didn't quite earn the plaudits of the German sedans in the class, the BMW 5-Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Handling leaned more toward plush, and straight-line performance was quick, if not blazing.
The handsome MKS gained more traction with the addition of a turbocharged model for the 2010 model year. The MKS with Ford's twin-turbo "EcoBoost" V-6 hauls in 355 horsepower in all, mated to the same six-speed automatic--fitted with paddle shift controls, in this case, and with slightly firmer suspension tuning. The new edition hits 60 mph in an estimated 6.5 seconds, and a top speed of 135 mph, while maintaining fuel economy of at least 16/22 mpg (it's 17/25 mpg in non-turbo versions).
Behind its broad twin grille and Lexus-like roofline, the MKS gives passengers ample space and comfortable, high-rent accommodations. The dash wears wood and metallic trim highlighted by soft white lighting--it's a subtle, rich environment that would suit a Lexus. The front seats are exceptionally comfortable, save for the forward press of the active headrests. And in back, full-size adults have ample head and leg room.
The MKS is among the safest vehicles on the road today. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) hasn't yet updated its scores under its new test regime but in the past, the MKS scored five stars for front-impact protection. The insurance-industry-funded IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) names it a Top Safety Pick. The MKS has standard dual front, side, and curtain airbags, along with anti-lock brakes, plus traction and stability control. A rearview camera and front parking sensors also are standard, while adaptive cruise control and active park assist are options. Active park assist uses sensors to determine steering angle and "parks" the car for drivers, who operate only the gas and brake while the MKS with EcoBoost (and its electric power steering) turns the wheel for perfect parking. New for 2012 is a blind-spot monitor system.
The base front-drive MKS has a long list of features including satellite radio, Ford's SYNC voice-activation and Bluetooth controls, and ventilated front seats. The EcoBoost edition fits 19-inch wheels, push-button start, active park assist and a "MyKey" system that allows owners to program speed limits, radio volumes and other limits for younger drivers. Options include a dual-pane sunroof, wood trim, an EcoBoost appearance package, adaptive cruise control, DVD navigation, THX-certified audio, and 20-inch wheels.
The Lincoln MKS is built at Ford's Chicago Assembly plant in Chicago, Illinois. A revamp adding Ford's MyLincoln Touch system is expected for the 2013 model year.
