2012 Lincoln MKS - Features Review

Only a few pricey sedans can rival the Lincoln MKS’ rack of high-end tech gear. It's not easy to find all this electronic gadgetry in sedans that double its $50,000 asking price--and that's even before the MKS adds on the voice-driven MyLincoln Touch system for the 2013 model year.

This year, it gets by with a mere battalion of transistors. Even in the base model, for about $42,000, the MKS comes with satellite and HD radio; ventilated front seats; heated front and rear seats; HID headlamps; automatic climate control; and SYNC, the Bluetooth-driven system that uses voice to control audio and phone functions. For a few thousand dollars, all-wheel drive sends some power to the rear wheels when traction slips up front.

Above the $50,000 price point, the turbocharge MKS piles on more equipment. There's MyKey, which lets owners set things like speed limiters, volume control and seatbelt reminders for other drivers (think teenagers). There's also pushbutton start; ambient lighting and automatic high beams; and active park assist, which uses sensors and the electric power steering to guide the MKS into a parallel parking spot, while the driver maintains control over the brakes and gas.

The MKS has a few options to tempt. There’s a big dual-pane sunroof; handsome wood trim; an EcoBoost appearance package; adaptive cruise control; a simple, easy-to-use SYNC or touchscreen DVD navigation system; awesome THX-certified audio; and snazzy 20-inch wheels. Last year SYNC added the ability to dispense turn-by-turn navigation with real-time traffic and personalized directions.

Next year's MyLincoln Touch is a discussion for another day, but with SYNC, you'll get a taste of what's coming. As it stands, SYNC works far better in some cases than the wonky roller-controller systems from BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz. Give us a touchscreen over any of these—and we’ll also take SYNC’s clear Bluetooth connections, though we recommend you test out your phone’s pairing with SYNC, just to make sure you’re able to connect to all its features.