2009 Lincoln MKS Review

PROS  Roomy interior, Lots of available features, Large trunk

CONS  Coarse engine, Faux aluminum trim

Perhaps you've noticed that Lincoln has been acting a lot more like a luxury automaker lately. Ford's premium brand has switched over to alpha monikers, focused on building premium vehicles rather than upscale Fords, and, for the first time in a nearly a decade, has a flagship sedan.

Introduced this past summer, the MKS is a front- or all-wheel drive four-door sedan that has got its sights set squarely at vehicles like the Acura, RL, BMW 5-Series, Cadillac STS, Infiniti M, Jaguar XF, Lexus GS, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. MKS rides on a heavily modified Ford Taurus platform, but carries unique features, expressively different styling, and uses a larger and more powerful engine.

A single model is offered. It's powered by a 3.7-liter V6 that makes 275 horsepower when using premium-grade fuel and 273 horsepower on regular-grade gas. Sole transmission is a six-speed automatic that comes with a separate shift gate for manual manipulation of the gears.

Standard safety features include antilock four-wheel disc brakes with brake assist, traction and stability control, tire-pressure monitor, rear-obstacle-detection system, and dual-front front-side, and curtain-side airbags. A rear-view camera is included with the available navigation system.

MKS lists for $37,665 and includes dual-zone automatic climate control, power tilt-telescope wood and leather-wrapped steering wheel with radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, heated/cooled 12-way power front bucket seats with lumbar adjustment, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, steering wheel), center console, heated rear seat, trunk pass-through, wood and aluminum interior trim, heated power mirrors with driver-side automatic day/night, power windows, power door locks, keyless entry, keypad entry, AM/FM radio with in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, satellite radio, iPod adapter, voice recognition, Bluetooth cell-phone link, automatic day/night rearview mirror, illuminated visor mirrors, rear defogger, automatic headlights, floormats, theft-deterrent system, HID headlights, fog lights, 235/55TR18 tires, and alloy wheels. All wheel drive adds $1890.

Options include front-obstacle detection, keyless access and starting, rain-sensing wipers, steering-linked headlights, sunroof, leather and alacantara upholstery, THX-certified sound system, adaptive cruise control, remote engine start, and navigation system. The navigation system includes voice recognition, real-time traffic information, and live local information on weather, sports, and gas prices.

The MKS is built in Ford's Torrance Avenue assembly facility in Chicago, Illinois. All models carry an $800 destination charge.

Get Up and Go  Thanks to aggressive throttle tuning and a healthy dose of torque, the MKS moves out smartly despite its portly 4200-pound curb weight. Mash the go-pedal to the floor from a standstill and 60 mph comes up in about 7.5 seconds. That's not bad compared to other V6 models in the class, but falls short of the acceleration provided in V8 competitors.

Passing response is good--especially in the 30-50 mph range. Drivers have the option of selecting a sport mode that forces the transmission to hold gears longer and raise shift points. It doesn't help acceleration any, but does make the engine feel more lively.

The six-speed automatic transmission works hard to balance the demands of acceleration versus the quest for economy. It hunts a bit between the gears when cruising at low speeds but shifts smoothly enough. There is a separate shift gate for manual gear operation if the driver so chooses.

All-wheel-drive versions of the MKS are EPA rated at 16 mpg city and 23 mpg highway. Those numbers are on par with most competitors, and, while Lincoln recommends premium-grade gasoline, the manufacturer says owners can run regular-grade in a pinch.

Routine urban driving is likely to yield between 18 and 20 mpg. If your commute includes lots of highway driving, you might be able to average as high as 22 mpg.

On the Road  MKS strikes a fine balance between Euro firm and American soft. The suspension does an excellent job of absorbing large impacts and virtually eliminating smaller ones. There's a hint of float and bob on wavy roads, but certainly not enough to become annoying.

While most competitors lean toward midsize car proportions, MKS is truly full-size. The sheer difference in size is enough to limit sporting pretensions. Body lean is modest, steering is accurate, and the brakes are easy to modulate. However, when compared to smaller and lighter midsize sports sedans, MKS feels ponderous and overweight. Overall, the MKS holds the road with confidence but shows little signs of athleticism. Opting for the available 20-inch wheels does sharpen reflexes somewhat, but at the expense of ride comfort.

Lincoln engineers have done an excellent job of reducing unwanted cabin noise. The MKS isn't as quiet as class leaders like the Lexus GS or Mercedes E-Class, but noise levels are considerably lower than in competing sport sedans. Sadly, the engine groans coarsely in hard acceleration. Thankfully it quiets nicely when cruising.

Behind the Wheel  Successfully blending traditional Lincoln elegance with modern style, the MKS interior is a model of form following function. Most materials are top notch with more than a few leather-stitched surfaces. About the only disappointment is the faux aluminum trim on the dash. You have to wonder how much money Lincoln saved by opting for plastic rather than the real thing.

Gauges are wide set but easy to read. Audio and climate controls are arranged in an orderly fashion on the center console but could use better identification. Other buttons and knobs are conveniently placed and illuminated at night.

The navigation system absorbs many audio functions but is thankfully simple to program. Opting for the Navi brings Sirius Travel Link, a handy feature that delivers real time traffic information, local gas prices and movie listings, and sports scores through the navigation screen--a nice touch that sets the MKS apart in the class.

Lincoln's available SYNC system works to integrate cell phones and navigation and audio systems. It takes some getting used to, but does reduce driver distraction. Before you buy, check to make sure your phone or MP3 player is compatible, otherwise you might be disappointed.

Front-seat passengers are treated to ample head and leg room. Kudos to Lincoln for crafting seats that are soft and comfortable as well as being supportive in aggressive driving. Drivers should have no trouble getting relaxed behind the standard power tilt and telescope steering wheel. Thanks to a low beltline and large rear window, outward visibility is excellent.

The rear seats are nicely bolstered and comfortable. Head and leg room are adequate; knee space can be a problem for large adults if the front seats are pushed all the way back--otherwise it is class leading. The available rear sunroof and heated rear seats are a nice plus.

With 18.7 cubic feet of cargo space, the MKS offers more trunk space than any midsize competitor and most full-size competitors. Sadly, the opening isn't very large. That makes loading and unloading difficult. The rear seats don't fold but there is a narrow pass-through between the seats. Interior storage is mediocre. Door map pockets are large, but MKS could use a few more open bins in the center console and perhaps a larger glove box.

Bottom Line  You've surely seen Lincoln's "Starships don't need keys" commercials. They portray MKS as something new and different in the luxury class. Truth be told, it's not. It is a huge leap forward for Lincoln and gives them a credible player at a time when the competition couldn't be tougher.

MKS is a truly American luxury car with enough Euro polish and Asian technology to be a world car. It garners points for offering true five-adult capacity in a class where most competitors are trying to squeeze in four. Price is also a strong selling point as it lists for thousands less than most competitors.

If you're looking for something different in a luxury car, something that has the latest technology, is long on comfort, and isn't a bore to drive, MKS might just be the perfect choice.