2010 Lincoln MKS: What's New

Vehicle Overview
The Lincoln MKS luxury sedan competes with the Acura RL, Infiniti M and Cadillac STS. Lincoln has at least one advantage going in: The MKS is based on the Ford Taurus, a car whose full-size dimensions mean more interior room than most of the midsize offerings in the luxury-sedan segment.

New for 2010
The Lincoln MKS gets Ford’s newest V-6 engine: a twin-turbocharged, direct-injected V-6. Other updates include an updated Sync system, available adaptive cruise control and a self-parking system.

Exterior
It’s difficult to tell the MKS is related to the Taurus, as Lincoln has done quite a bit to differentiate its version. Styling elements include Lincoln’s familiar waterfall grille, cut by a vertical strip with Lincoln’s crossbar logo. The thin, horizontal headlights look a lot like the ones on an Acura TL.

Around back, the taillights flow toward a high bumper. There are chrome elements on the window frames, door sills and outlines on the lower air dam. The EcoBoost MKS features a unique grille, side rocker panels and a rear spoiler.

• Available 18-, 19- or 20-inch alloy wheels
• Keyless-entry keypad
• Capless refueling system
• Fog lamps
• Automatic high-intensity-discharge headlamps
• Dual chrome exhaust
• Optional dual-panel sunroof
• Optional adaptive headlights

Interior
Inside, the MKS’ interior comes with lots of leather; it covers the seats, door panels and dashboard. The center controls flow seamlessly toward a center tunnel that supports the gearshift and two independently adjustable armrests. For 2010, an updated Sync system provides real-time traffic, turn-by-turn navigation, and news and sports updates.

The MKS’ passenger volume totals 105.9 cubic feet. That beats the Cadillac STS (102.9), Acura RL (99.1) and Infiniti M (105.2). The difference is most noticeable in the backseat.

• Leather seating surfaces, shifter and steering wheel
• Powered tilt/telescoping steering wheel
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Ford Sync system
• Heated front and rear seats
• Ventilated/cooled front seats
• Optional voice-activated navigation
• Optional THX 14-speaker surround-sound stereo
• Optional adaptive cruise control and self-parking system

Under the Hood
The MKS’ 3.7-liter V-6 is a unique engine, not found on the Ford Taurus. It works with a six-speed automatic transmission. For 2010, the MKS gets a new EcoBoost, twin-turbocharged, direct-injected V-6 powertrain. The engine has the power output of a 4.6-liter V-8, but with V-6 fuel economy. According to Ford, the EcoBoost V-6 will achieve 16/25 mpg city/highway. The EcoBoost powertrain comes standard with all-wheel drive.

• 273-horsepower, 3.7-liter V-6 with 270 pounds-feet of torque
• 355-hp, twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 with 350 pounds-feet of torque
• Six-speed automatic transmission
• Available front- or all-wheel drive

Safety
Ford’s Sync system also features a 911-assist feature that connects the vehicle’s occupants to an emergency operator when an airbag deploys.

• Side curtain airbags
• Traction control
• Antilock brakes
• Electronic stability system
• Reverse-sensing system
• Optional rearview camera