IN FLEET: Aug. 12-26
AS-TESTED PRICE: $47,065
DRIVETRAIN: 3.7-liter V6; AWD, six-speed automatic
OUTPUT: 273 hp @ 6,250 rpm, 270 lb-ft @ 4,250 rpm
CURB WEIGHT: 4,276 lb
FUEL ECONOMY (EPA/AW): 19/18.6 mpg
SENIOR EDITOR BOB GRITZINGER: After leaving one Lincoln (an MKX) at the airport, it was a pleasure to return from a two-week family trip to find the MKS in the AutoWeek parking spot--until I tried to put suitcases in the trunk. This may be Lincoln’s new flagship, but it ain’t no Town Car.
From my perspective, luxury-sedan trunks ought to be big, gaping holds, with wide-mouth openings, capable of absorbing far more gear than you’d expect. But this new Lincoln seems to have sacrificed trunk-end utility on the altar of the god of almighty styling. That’d be OK if that rear bustle was such a work of art, but it’s really just a tall, wide look that adds road presence but could also be considered overweight.
As for the suitcases, our four were merely carry-on size, but it still required a lot of sideways wrestling to get them all into place. It’s safe to say you’ll never see the MKS joining the NYC or Vegas limo fleets.
Overall, the MKS is a quiet, luxurious machine with reasonable power from the V6 (and more on the way next spring when the car gets a 340-hp twin-turbo V6), but for anyone looking for the rightful heir to the Lincoln LS, this isn’t it. It’s more like a really nice Buick Lucerne than the luxury sports sedan it purports to be.
SENIOR WEB REPORTER GREG MIGLIORE: This car has potential. It’s the first Lincoln sedan in a while with the looks and power to compete with some of the big boys in the segment. Is it totally there? Maybe not. But it’s a smooth car that will appeal to a lot of people.
The front end is a head turner. Yes, some will say the large, shiny grille is a bit over the top, but others (me included) like that. It says “Lincoln.” This brand sorely needs some design language, and the front of this car is a good start. It’s also a bit of chest thumping for Ford’s luxury brand, evoking Lincoln’s storied history.
But history is for books, and on the road, I think the MKS will benefit from the upcoming 340-hp twin-turbo EcoBoost powerplant. The 273-hp unit in our tester still had some juice, and acceleration and passing were little trouble.
I gave this car the ultimate suspension test. There’s a stretch near my apartment where the road seems to disappear because the pavement is so uneven. In most cars, it’s like getting a rolling surgical procedure. For the Lincoln, it was no problem. We floated over it, hardly jostled.
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