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. The MKS comes with a choice of V-6 engines and front- or all-wheel drive.
New for 2011
The optional navigation system adds HD radio, and the standard Sync system now integrates directions and traffic information with the voice-controlled nav system.
Exterior
It’s difficult to tell the MKS is related to the Taurus, as Lincoln has done much 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, doorsills and outlines on the lower air dam. The MKS with the optional EcoBoost engine features a unique grille, side rocker panels and a rear spoiler. Exterior features include:
- 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. Interior features include:
- 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’ base 3.7-liter V-6 is a unique engine, not found on the Ford Taurus. It works with a six-speed automatic transmission and is available with front- or all-wheel drive. For 2010, the MKS added the twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine with direct injection. At 355 horsepower, the EcoBoost has the power output of a 4.6-liter V-8, but with V-6 fuel economy (17/25 mpg city/highway). The EcoBoost V-6 comes standard with all-wheel drive. Mechanical features include:
- 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. Safety features include:
- Side curtain airbags
- Traction control
- Antilock brakes
- Electronic stability system
- Reverse-sensing system
- Optional rearview camera
