During the 2008 Chicago Auto Show, Lincoln Marketing representative Mark Shirmer shared thoughts with area journalists on the show floor concerning the new 2009 Lincoln flagship. "Those who enjoy a touch of technology with their luxury sedan will want to give MKS a peek," Shirmer stated. In fact, entering and starting the vehicle is accomplished without ever taking a key or key fob out of a pocket or purse.
At one time, Lincoln utilized a mechanical pad near the exterior driver's door handle to punch in a unique numerical code to unlock the door sans a key. The MKS replaces the mechanical pad with a flat, electronic SecuriCode Keyless entry touch pad on the driver's side exterior B pillar. With the fob in a pocket or purse, just a touch of the heat-sensitive flush-mounted numerals along the B-Pillar region, unlocks the driver's door. Once behind the wheel, the driver simply engages the foot brake and pushes a dashboard 'start' button to rumble the V-6 to life.
Exteriorwise, MKS lacks the chiseled look of a Cadillac CTS sedan. The new Lincoln flagship instead opts for more flowing exterior nuances. The understated sedan features a double wing grille which is inspired by a 1941 Lincoln Continental. A large rear window and narrow rear "C" pillars help minimize driver blind spots.
Built with ultra high strength steel, the small, raised rear deck lid compliments a long, sculpted hood. Chrome accents surround the door frames. Long, wide doors swing open wide enough, making entering and exiting a breeze, especially in back, where the extended leg room comes into play. Remember, MKS has the largest rear-door opening in its class. Strap-like door handles retain the body color.
On the inside, MKS scores points, especially with tech-savvy shoppers. SYNC, a voice-activated hands-free communication system developed in tandem between Ford and computer software giant Microsoft, fully integrates most Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones and digital media players into MKS. Simply put, iPod music-like devices and portable phones can be plugged into the MKS and activated by speaking. SIRIUS Travel Link is also available, providing up-to-the-minute information including weather and gasoline prices at nearby stations through the touch navigation screen.
Soft yet supportive leather surfaces come standard with perforated patterns on inserts assisting to heat and ventilate the seats on command. The leather-wrapped steering wheel with real wood trim along the top quarter incorporates all cruise control functions and secondary audio controls.
A foot-operated parking brake opens up room between the front bucket seats for dual beverage holders with a sliding cover. Ventilation functions include two small dials to monitor the dual zone climate controls and small push buttons for fan speed. Ventilation controls may also be regulated through the all-purpose 8-inch navigation touch screen. A padded dashboard adds to the elegance and the flat instrument panel features two large analog gauges with two smaller ones atop along with a rectangular digital message window along the bottom. Door map pockets and the glove box are rather diminutive. The trunk release button is conveniently found on the dashboard, left of the power tilt and telescoping steering column. Open the trunk, and a cavernous 18.7 cubic feet of room awaits. It's one of the largest trunks in the segment with shock-absorber-style hinges conveniently located outside the cargo area.
Three adults fit nicely in the ample-spaced back bench seat with spacious leg room and decent head room. A center arm rest folds down revealing two more cup holders. Behind the arm rest is a pass-through window for toting skis or other long items.
Front dual airbags, side curtain airbags, traction control, antilock brakes, electronic stability control adaptive collapsible steering column and front side-mounted air bags come standard. Options include a dual-pane sunroof, rain-sensing windshield wipers, backup camera with feed through the navigation screen and laser-guided adaptive cruise control.
Expect a floaty ride with precise steering. The comfy interior includes an array of sound-deadening technologies including a six-millimeter-thick laminated windshield, laminated side glass, sound-absorbing carpet and acoustic headliner. Lincoln continues closing the gap with industry leader Lexus (Toyota's luxury division) as far as interior quietness is concerned, but sill has a little ways to go. |