By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(March 29, 2017) For several years, Ford Motor Company has been touting the “rebirth” of Lincoln and the American luxury brand. But the difficulty is that what’s in Lincoln showrooms is largely tarted-up Ford mainstream products. The Lincoln MKC compact crossover utility vehicle is the lone exception.

The MKZ first arrived on the scene for the 2006 model year, when it was known as the Lincoln Zephyr — a rebadged version of the Ford Fusion. It was renamed MKZ in 2007 and remained relatively unchanged until 2013.

Ford wants you to think of Lincoln as a premium luxury brand that’s meant to compete with German brands and exceptional Japanese cars like Infiniti, Acura and Lexus. And even though the MKZ rolls down the same assembly line as the Ford Fusion and shares significant components, the vehicles are different — and that’s a good thing.



The 2017 Lincoln MKZ mid-sized sedan tested here is the updated and refreshed version of the 2013 design. The most noticeable changes are the redesigned front grille and headlamps that adopt Lincoln’s design language, found on the new flagship Continental sedan.

Other new features for 2017 include a 400-horsepower 3.0-liter V-6 turbo, replacing the old 3.7-liter V-6. It’s only available with all-wheel drive models, however a 350-horsepower version can be had with the standard front-wheel drive.

Lincoln has also improved the interior, with soft materials where your knees, arms, elbows and hands come in contact. Vehicle controls are new and have been lifted from the Continental — an improvement from the last generation MKZ. All materials are premium and give it a luxury feel, particularly on the Black Label versions with swanky perforated leather seats and suede trim.

Front seats are comfortable, but the wide center console limits side-to-side legroom. Add the sharply angled windshield, narrow side windows, and sloping rear window, we were left feeling cramped and hemmed in. Passengers will find rear head and legroom a challenge, and room for only two passengers. The high rear window limits rearward visibility, but a standard rear backup camera helps.

Advanced safety features like forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking is optional on upper trim levels as part of $2395 technology package, but isn’t even available on the base trim level. Surprising since those features are rapidly becoming standard on many vehicles costing less than $20,000.

Our test MKZ was the all-wheel drive Reserve trim level powered by the standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine. Even with just 245-horsepower, we never felt the need for more, as the vehicle easily got up to speed entering the interstate or when passing on the highway. But don’t expect the kind of performance or sporting driving you’ll experience from 2.0-liter German sedans.

The cabin is exceptionally quiet, body motions well controlled, and with a softer ride for 2017, MKZ felt upscale and comfortable.

The MKZ — $35,170 - $47,830 depending upon trim level — does have an alluring price. Interestingly, whether you choose a gas-powered only or gas-electric hybrid, the price is the same. Most options are grouped into packages with a few stand-alone choices like panoramic roof, upgraded wheels and premium sound systems.

Lincoln also offers Black Label trim options in Chalet (cream), Vineyard (dark red) and Thoroughbred (saddle) with premium leather upholstery, French stitching and genuine wood trim.

Bottom line, the MKZ is certainly a sleekly stylish, solid good-looking sedan with many standard features that cost extra on competitors, and the hybrid models are available at no extra cost. But it isn’t as sexy as a Jaguar, as refined as a Lexus, nor does it have the terrific driving dynamics or sporty appeal of an Audi, BMW or Mercedes-Benz.

Vital Stats
Price: $35,170 - $47,830
Price as Tested: $53,405
Engine: 2.0-liter EcoBoost 4-cylinder
Horsepower: 245-hp
Fuel Economy: 20-mpg City – 28-mpg Highway
Crash Test Safety Rating: Top Safety Pick – Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

Competes With:
Audi A6
BMW 5-Series
Cadillac CTS
Genesis G80
Infiniti Q50
Jaguar XF
Lexus ES
Mercedes-Benz C Class

Fab Features:
No extra charge for hybrid
Extremely quiet
Attractive updated styling