Reveal: 2017 Lincoln MKZ

Written by: Don Cheng

Photography by: Don Cheng

Check out our full review of the 2017 Lincoln MKZ here!

Over the course of the last decade, Lincoln has been hard at work changing public perception of their vehicles and their brand as a whole. All of this effort has cumulated to today when Lincoln unveiled the all-new 2017 MKZ.

Lincoln has done their research to maximize appeal for younger buyers with a combination of effortless performance and distinctive design. The redesigned MKZ features a striking new grille and adaptive LED jewel headlights. We think it looks spectacular, incorporating a bit of Jaguar-esque body styling with Audi A4-ish headlights.

Inside the car is punctuated by a floating center console and push-button gearshift. Powering the new MKZ is an all-new and Lincoln-exclusive 3.0L V6 GTDI expected to pump out a staggering 400 hp, and 400 lb-ft of torque. All of that power will be sent to all four wheels. The new MKZ will also feature Dynamic Torque Vectoring to help keep the car glued to the road through the corners. For those that don’t require all that extra horsepower, there is also a hybrid and 2.0L GTDI four cylinder motor option available.

While the company has certainly highlighted the performance chops of the MKZ, they haven’t forgotten the luxury underpinnings of the brand. For the new MKZ, the brand has incorporated a 14 or 20 speaker Revel audio system. Active Noise Control is present to keep cabin noise to a minimum. New convenience features like adaptive cruise control with stop-go technology will keep drivers safe even in stop and go traffic. Advanced park assist with park-in and park-out features for both parallel and perpendicular parking scenarios help even the best drivers in and out of tight jams.

The 2017 Lincoln MKZ is expected to go on sale summer of 2016.

Photo Gallery:

Press Release:

Quiet Luxury: Intuitive Technology, Effortless Performance and Distinctive Design Drive New Lincoln MKZ

Suite of cutting-edge intuitive technologies including auto hold and available adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection and enhanced park assist help ease the new Lincoln MKZ driving experience

Effortless performance enabled by available new Lincoln-exclusive 3.0-liter GTDI V6 engine, which creates a quiet, powerful ride, or popular hybrid option

Distinctively redesigned from the inside out, including two available Revel® audio systems delivering the height of Lincoln luxury

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 18, 2015 – Discover your new favorite space. The new Lincoln MKZ combines intuitive technology, effortless performance and distinctive design to deliver an enhanced driving experience Lincoln calls quiet luxury.

Lincoln reveals a newly designed MKZ today, focusing on areas most desired by today’s luxury midsize sedan customer – quality, performance and style.

“Our customers are looking for three attributes in a luxury midsize sedan – technologies that ease their everyday experience, a beautiful design that is crafted with attention to detail, and a vehicle with impressive power that makes it a pleasure to drive,” said Kumar Galhotra, president of Lincoln. “The new Lincoln MKZ elevates all of these attributes – and many more – to create a compelling entry in this large and highly competitive portion of the luxury market.”

The new Lincoln MKZ is designed to appeal to those who are looking for something different in the luxury market. From the placement of technology features such as the push-button gear shift to reimagined interior spaces including the floating center console, drivers can relish in discovering an unexpected experience based on intelligent function and beautiful form that offers, above all, an enjoyable drive.

The Lincoln Experience is brought to life through the available Lincoln-exclusive 3.0-liter GTDI V6 engine, as well as intangible elements like the quiet cabin provided by the Active Noise Control system.

Features that make the new Lincoln MKZ a haven of refined comfort include curated spaces for storage, fully retractable panoramic glass roof, and concert-quality Revel® audio with specially designed doors for optimal positioning of the speakers.

Intuitive technology

The new Lincoln MKZ is designed to make the drive ride easier and more enjoyable. Available adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality automatically can slow the car, resuming higher speeds when traffic clears. The system activates the brakes automatically to bring the car to a complete stop if the driver fails to apply brakes in time.

An auto hold feature keeps the car at a complete stop without the driver having to press and hold the brake pedal – making stop-and-go driving more relaxing for MKZ owners.

Available enhanced park assist uses ultrasonic sensors to help Lincoln MKZ seamlessly steer itself into a parallel or perpendicular parking spot. The car can assist with park-out as needed.

Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection is an available technology that can help avoid some frontal crashes, or lessen the severity of such events.

Lincoln-exclusive engine provides effortless performance

An all-new, Lincoln-exclusive 3.0-liter GTDI V6 leads available engine choices for the new Lincoln MKZ. Paired with an intelligent all-wheel-drive system, the twin-turbocharged engine produces 400 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque for effortless performance and refinement.

Dynamic Torque Vectoring, part of an available Driver’s Package for MKZ with the 3.0-liter engine, enhances cornering agility without compromising ride comfort, helping drivers enjoy a smooth, seamless experience.

The new Lincoln MKZ provides a hybrid alternative as well; and a 2.0-liter GTDI, 245-horsepower four-cylinder engine.

Lincoln Drive Control allows drivers to adjust among three drive ride modes – comfort, normal and sport. The system includes continuously controlled damping, and electric power-assisted steering to provide comfortable, confident handling.

The Driver’s Package for Lincoln MKZ with 3.0-liter V6 also includes, dynamic torque vectoring, 19-inch wheels, Ebony-painted calipers, light Magnetic-painted grille, Ebony interior with carbon fiber appliqués, customizable multi-contour seats and aluminum pedal covers. In addition, the package features retuned continuously controlled damping and suspension for enhanced driving dynamics.

Distinctive design

The new face of Lincoln is highlighted by available adaptive LED headlamps that help deliver cleaner, clearer lighting for drivers, complemented by the all-new one-piece Lincoln signature grille.

Inside, engineers paid particular attention to the sound and feel of new switches and dials that replace slider adjustments for easier control of ventilation and audio functions for new Lincoln MKZ customers. Commonly used buttons and USB ports are now even easier to access.

Lincoln MKZ’s available fully retractable panoramic glass roof offers the largest open-air roof among sedans.

The new Lincoln MKZ goes on sale next summer.