Words: Stephen Spyropoulos

Photography: Stephen Spyropoulos

Published: May 29, 2017

 

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Click here for the Chinese (中文) review.

 

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You may not know this, but Lincoln’s mid-size MKZ luxury sedan is actually based on the Ford Fusion. To some this may sound like a humble beginning, but the MKZ leverages this platform’s built-in goodness, striking a welcoming balance of ride comfort, cabin pin-drop-quietness, and interior luxury. But the sleek and radical styling compromises visibility and access, the rear seat isn’t particularly roomy for its class, and sheer amount of fuel that the optional 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 sips is something worth considering.

 

For 2017, the MKZ receives a few revisions. Most apparent is the new front-end – Lincoln has done away with that awful beaky look. Now there’s a distinctive “Jaguar-ish” grille and new headlights to round off the front fascia. This new look makes the MKZ look eerily similar to the Continental when viewed from the front angle.

 

 

The changes went more than skin deep—handling remains sound and surefooted but is less crisp than the previous model; that earlier version drove like a domestic-branded Audi. Crucially, the frustrating last-generation MyLincoln Touch controls have been replaced with the fantastic Sync 3 infotainment system, which is more intuitive and responsive to use.

Most MKZs will have the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder motor. However, if buyers opt to go all-out, they can get the new 3.0-litre 400-hp V6. All-wheel-drive is standard with the V6 and optional on the four-cylinder.

 

 

We tested the 400-hp V6 with AWD.

 

Slamming on the gas pedal initially gives way to a lot of turbo lag but once they come knocking, the MKZ flies from 0-100 km/h in a heartbeat. This car would be great for situations that require some quick getaways whilst the car is already moving. From a standstill you may find the V6 lacking.

 

Driving the MKZ proves to be a luxurious experience. Period. (To loosely quote Sean Spicer, if you say period at the end of your sentence, then it must be valid.) Ride comfort is excellent, cushy, and composed, filtering out bumpy roads with ease. Road imperfections are muted and body motions are well controlled. The car stays surefooted and inspires confidence in corners but it’s not sporty. Steering effort is well balanced.

 

 

Drivers can choose Normal, Sport or Comfort settings for the suspension, although I found only slight differences between them. Fuel economy wise, I only managed to squeeze out 13.9 L/100km, which isn’t too terrible for a 400-horsepower beast, although it is supposed to be rated for 11.8 combined.

 

The cabin is hushed and quiet. Electronic noise cancellation and a well tuned suspension help to isolate the MKZ into one of the quietest cars in its class. Some engine noise is noticeable when you really step on the accelerator, though. Dual-paned side windows also assist with the noise cancellation.

 

 

The MKZ has comfortable and supportive seats but rear-seat room and access are limited. Easy to use controls are a plus, highlighted by the straightforward and comprehensive touch-screen infotainment system, but some fonts in the instruments are overly small.

 

The two seats up front are heated, cooled, multi-power adjustable, and feature massage capability. Unfortunately those in the rear only have the heated seat luxury. The center point of the plush interior is a sweeping dual-level console, lending the cabin a sleek and sophisticated look. 

 

 

Interior materials are luxurious, befitting a car in this price range. The dashboard and door panels are fully padded from top-to-bottom, the carpet is quality stuff, and the perforated leather seats are well finished with lots of decorative stitching.

 

This particular version had a super-swanky interior, adorned with a panoramic sunroof that retracts so far back it begins to block your already compromised rearward view. The cabin is finished off with quilted-look leather seats and synthetic suede.

 

I am personally not a fan of the push-button shifter that is on the dash. It’s odd to use. At least it has comprehensive safeguards to protect against the parked car from rolling away. If you leave the car in gear or in neutral and shut it off, the car will automatically put itself into park.

 

 

In spite of a generous telescoping steering wheel and fore-aft seat adjustment, the MKZ's driving position feels more confining than you'd expect from an upscale sedan. There's plenty of head, leg, and shoulder room, but the tall center console wraps around and strongly defines the driver and passenger's individual spaces. A bit more left foot room was carved out in the 2017 update, but the footrest remains a bit too close and inboard for spread-out comfort. All but the base Premiere trim has a power-adjustable steering wheel.

 

 

Starting at $50,800 this MKZ is competitively priced, but with a plethora of options that were featured on this tester, you can easily see the price swell up to just over $65,000. For that price, you can begin to cross-shop with other luxury options like the Audi A4, the Mercedes-Benz C Class, and the Jaguar XE; cars that can still give Lincoln a run for its money when put up side by side.

 

Overall, the MKZ is a great choice for those seeking luxury in a modest footprint and appreciate ride comfort and noise isolation.

 

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Photo Gallery:

Specifications:

型号 Model: 2017 Lincoln MKZ AWD 3.0T

顏色 Paint Type: Midnight Sapphire Blue
廠方建議售價 Base Price: $50,800

試車售價 Price as Tested: $65,100
軸距 Wheelbase(mm): 2,850
長闊 Length/Width/Height (mm): 4,925 / 1,864 / 1,476

車重 Curb weight (kg): 1,901
引擎 Engine: 3.0L twin-turbo GTDI V6
最大馬力 Horsepower: 400 hp @ 5,500 rpm
最高扭力 Torque: 400 lb-ft @ 2,750 rpm
波箱 Transmission: 6-speed automatic
擺佈 Engine & Drive Configuration: Front engine, AWD

油耗 Fuel Consumption ( City / Highway / Combined ) L/100km: 14.0 / 9.2 / 11.8
油耗 Observed Fuel Consumption (L/100km): 13.9

輪胎尺碼 Tires: 245/40R19XL

 

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