We had our first look at the all-new Lincoln MKS at a press preview in Phoenix; courtesy of Ford Motor Company earlier this year. We liked what we saw then and enjoyed the attention we got this week test driving it around Moon Valley. If you liked the Town Car but it was too limo for you, go test drive the MKS.
Cathy: The first thing you’ll notice about the MKS is its size; a full-size sedan but with a distinct departure from typical Lincoln sedan styling cues. It’s much more up to date with a long low front end and a high deck that reminds me just a bit of the Mark VII, which I thought was a nice looking car. The MKS has a 4 year 50,000 mile warranty and will deliver 24mpg on the highway.
Bill: The MKS is FWD but does offer an AWD version which is what we drove. The 273 horsepower, 270 lb-ft of torque 3.7 liter V6 with a 6-speed automatic transmission, is ample enough to move the 2-ton plus machine adequately to cruising speed. While I never climb in a Lincoln thinking about 0-60 performance, being able to get on freeways and pass traffic when necessary without having to have the pedal to the metal is important.
Cathy: Inside the MKS you’ll find a rather symmetrical instrument panel that flows nicely to a center module that is fresh and clean as well as user friendly. The seats are plush and comfortable with 12-way power seats that are heated and cooled, dual-zone heat and A/C for the cabin and of course the Sync Voice Activation System.
Bill: This 2009 Lincoln comes with a full compliment of safety features including the s.o.s post crash alert system in the event of an accident. Our test car came with the Technology Package that included a Nav System, 19-inch aluminum wheels, adaptive headlights, dual panel moonroof, rear-view camera and the THX 5.1 surround sound system making cruising in the MKS very nice indeed.
Cathy: Let’s just say Lincoln has made some great changes in the last few years, one being their MKX crossover, which is my favorite, and now for under $40,000 a sedan with a bit of an edge. It’s not your father’s Town Car.
For more of Bill Z. and Cathy D. listen to them every Saturday night on KKNT 960 AM from 7-9 PM or listen online by going to the Two for the Road Radio Show page
