2010 Lincoln MKS - Styling Review

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Though the 2010 Lincoln MKS shares some running gear with its distant Ford company cousin, the Volvo S80, its sheetmetal and cabin are completely distinct-and distinctive, giving the MKS a classically handsome shape with heritage cues inside and out. Autoblog observes, "On the road, the new MKS has far more presence than any production Lincoln in years," while Jalopnik admits "it does look pretty damn cool."

Edmunds admires its "clean, uncluttered flanks and horizontal, full-width taillamps," though it's unconvinced that the MKS has "real beauty." Automobile reports the double-wing grille "was inspired by the 1941 Lincoln Continental," and says it's "something you will definitely see in future Lincolns." The twin grille up front is its most recognizable touch, though the wide band of chrome around its tail has been a brand hallmark for decades. Lincoln avoids a styling cliché, Automobile adds, by avoiding vents on the fenders, opting for a simple badge. There are passing resemblances to the Lexus GS and the Volvo S80-Popular Mechanics comments, "In the metal, the MKS appears handsome, with cohesive themes," and even remarks it "vaguely reminds us of the Maserati Quattroporte"-but especially in dark colors, the MKS snares an identity all its own, a triumph for Ford's upscale brand. For 2010, EcoBoost models add "some tasteful upgrades to the already handsome exterior," Jalopnik asserts, "with a subtle lip spoiler at the back, smoked headlights, a chin spoiler and nice wheels."

The interior of the MKS refines a linear, spare theme that Lincoln has been evolving all decade, with a wide dash and delicate metallic trim harking back to the Lincolns of the Sixties. Electroluminescent gauges give the MKS a soft glow at night, and leather and wood details bring it ever close to Lexus levels of quality. "With its clean instrumentation and impressive attention to detail, the MKS's interior gets high marks for its luxurious livability," Popular Mechanics reports. "This is a place we'd say is entirely habitable for many long hours on the road," they add. Edmunds sticks with the minority opinion on the sheetmetal, but admires the interior: "It's too bad Lincoln can't turn the MKS inside-out," they comment. "The interior is the car's greatest strength."