Lincoln updated its flagship MKS for 2013, redesigning the interior and installing a host of mechanical changes. The cabin gets a new touch-screen multimedia system, while the V-6 has more power. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is available. Though the MKS competes with midrange luxury cars like the BMW 5 Series and Acura TL, it has full-size dimensions.
Exterior Lincoln retailored the nose, fenders and tail, with a grille that comes closer to those on the MKT and MKX crossovers. Lincoln officials describe the effort to visually lower and widen the front end. Everything forward of the A-pillar is new, albeit still recognizable as an MKS. The tail gets revisions to the taillamps, tailpipes and lower bumper.
Nineteen-inch alloy wheels are standard, with 20-inchers optional.
Interior Inside, the instruments and steering wheel are new, and physical center controls have been replaced by Ford’s touch-sensitive MyLincoln Touch panel. The MKS will get the latest version of MyLincoln Touch and Sync that has usability and processing improvements over earlier renditions. LCD screens now flank an analog speedometer; they can be configured via steering-wheel directional buttons to show everything from navigation and vehicle menus to a virtual tachometer.
New luxury options include massaging multicontour seats and a heated steering wheel.
Under the Hood The front-drive MKS boasts a 3.7-liter V-6 with 300 horsepower, up from last year’s 274-hp V-6; gas mileage improves to 19/28 mpg city/highway from 17/25 mpg last year. All-wheel drive is optional with the 3.7-liter. Optional on all-wheel-drive models is a twin-turbo 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 that puts out 355 hp and 350 pounds-feet of torque. Both engines get a six-speed automatic transmission.
An adaptive suspension is now standard. It can be adjusted to three modes. The MKS also gets more sound insulation and larger brakes.
Safety Six airbags, antilock brakes and an electronic stability system are standard. Safety options include lane departure warning and mitigation systems, drowsy driver detection and a blind spot warning system.
