FEATURES | 10 out of 10
Ford’s commitment to cutting-edge technology inside its cars is evident in the 2009 Lincoln MKS.
Automobile sums up the impressive equipment list on the 2009 Lincoln MKS: "Every modern telematics feature is either standard or optional, including a state-of-the-art navigation system with traffic reports supplied by Sirius Satellite Radio.”
They also note the “push-button-entry feature that debuted years ago on Lincolns? It returns here…heat-sensitive, backlit numerals integrated into the B-pillar, and they become visible only after you run your hand over them."
Also on the standard-feature list for the Lincoln MKS are HID headlamps, power-adjustable heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, and leather upholstery. Car and Driver observes that “this is the most advanced and easy-to-use information-technology package on the market, at least for now.”
Automobile, however, accurately points out that "The optional, 600-watt, sixteen-speaker THX II 5.1 surround sound stereo is absolutely superb, and the interface for controlling it through the high-resolution navigation screen is top-notch. Ford's SYNC system, which allows you to control an iPod or any other MP3 music player and a Bluetooth cell phone through voice activation, is standard. The Sirius Travel Link system can also provide nearby gas-station prices, movie listings, sports scores, and other real-time information through the navigation screen, which is the virtual command center of the vehicle."
Motor Trend believes "the optional nav system may be the best on the market. It places an 8-inch, VGA quality, high res screen high on the center stack, where it is easily seen and accessed. It packs four times the res of current Ford nav screens."
According to Autoblog, even the windshield wipers are smart: "I set the intermittent wipers on their lowest setting to try out the Rain-Sense system. Sure enough, as the volume of rain picked up, so too did the interval shorten and they eventually went into normal continuous mode. As the rain stopped, so did the wipers. No more dry wipers dragging across the windshield."
Conclusion
The 2009 Lincoln MKS may have the best technology features available today, but opting for all of them will cost you more than $46,000.
