2010 LINCOLN MKZ: Hot Rod

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 20/11/2009 (6029 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Back in the day, nothing said you’d made it like a new Cadillac or Lincoln in your driveway.

My, how things have changed.

Nowadays there are numerous luxury cars to choose from, so many in fact that a relatively new segment of posh rides has emerged, the entry-level luxury car.

In my eyes these beauties should be loaded with all the bells and whistles and convey a distinct image of prestige. They should also cost no more than $50,000. That may sound like a tall order but the reality is that in addition to Cadillac and Lincoln there are numerous offerings from the likes of Mercedes, BMW, Lexus, Infiniti, Acura, Volvo, Audi and even Hyundai that fit this bill.

It’s a competitive segment, and in a time when well appointed Toyotas, Chevrolets and Fords can cost more than $40,000, it’s amazing to me just how much more car you can get for another ten grand.

Case in point is the 2010 Lincoln MKZ.

To offer a bit of background, the 2010 MKZ is the spawn of the Lincoln Zephyr, released in 2006 and renamed MKZ in 2007. It shares underpinnings with the Ford Fusion. This all-new 2010 model received an extensive update with a revised interior and exterior and a bevy of new features.

The MKZ’s exterior was updated with an emphasis on the front and rear fascias. In the front, the MKZ’s headlights are new while its fascia and split-wing grille closely resembles the Lincoln MKS. In the rear, the taillights are now longer and thinner.

Other features new for 2010 include a reverse camera system, Sirius Travel Link, a DVD-based satellite navigation system updated to accept voice commands, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a cabin air filter and adaptive HID headlights.

Call me old-school, but I’m a lifelong Cadillac fan and the owner of a 2006 Cadillac CTS. Despite all those aforementioned luxury import offerings out there, I still continue to migrate to the North American models and was curious to see how the Lincoln half lives.

I was pleasantly surprised.

In addition to having a distinct curb appeal that really sets this car apart from most other rides on the road, the Lincoln MKZ is loaded with features that exemplify what a luxury car should be. The interior on my tester featured power seats for both the driver and the passenger that were covered in supple black leather with white racing stripes that reminded me of an old-school Adidas track suit. The front seats also offer cooling and heating, and were among the most comfortable I’ve ever parked my butt in.

Other nice features included an interior aluminium trim package, unique floor mats with MKZ badges and what is possibly the best car audio system I’ve ever heard. The available THX II certified audio system with 5.1 Surround Sound is one of the most advanced sound systems on the road. It features 600 watts of power channelled through 14 strategically placed speakers. It also has a 10 GB hard drive so you can store approximately 2,400 songs, browse your music with your fingertips on the touch screen or use voice activation to play back a track. Lincoln boasts that you can bring the concert experience to your car, and my ears agree.

Under the hood the MKZ features Ford’s 3.5 litre V-6 engine that produces a respectable 263 horsepower, and a torque rating of 249 lb.-ft. Take my word for it, this hotrod Lincoln can really roll. The six-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and if you want to pretend it’s a manual transmission you can opt to use the sport-shifter, no paddles on the steering wheel here, just a good old-fashioned stick shifter.

The exhaust note that emits from the dual pipes is pleasing but not offensive, and provides just enough rumble to eliminate the notion that a Lincoln is most appealing to the retired crowd.

Thanks to a sport-tuned suspension and 18" polished aluminium wheels this car handles great and the ride is firm but very quiet and very comfortable. The available all-wheel-drive system is also seamless and will surely make this car a treat to drive in winter. When slippage is anticipated or detected, power is automatically transferred to the wheels with the most traction, allowing the Lincoln MKZ to enhance its grip on the road improving traction and handling characteristics. When it comes to all-wheel drive, my opinion is that I shouldn’t even know it’s there and that’s exactly how this car feels.

The interior, handling and power were all superb but it took my eyes a bit of time to fully appreciate the MKZ’s distinctive profile. That said, after a week with the car the unique chrome grille with black bars, darkened headlamp cans, and body-coloured door handles really started to grow on me. The fact that more than a few other motorists could be seen checking the car out in traffic and a gentleman at the car wash claimed it was the coolest looking Lincoln in decades further helped to change my tune.

The Lincoln MKZ is a breath of fresh North American air that proves with stylish flair that Lincoln can build a modern luxury car.

THE SPECS

2010 Lincoln MKZ

Price as tested: $49,679

Trim level-AWD Price range: $37,899 – $41,699

Options as tested: Vision Package ($4,000) includes navigation system, blind spot monitor, rear camera; moonroof ($1600); Appearance Package ($1,500) includes 18-inch wheels, floor mats, aluminium trim interior; white platinum paint ($500); dual-zone A/C ($300), remote start ($80).

EnerGuide fuel economy ratings: 12.7 L/100km city, 8.3 L/100km hwy.

Warranty (basic): 4 years/ 80,000 km) Powertrain –6 years/ 110,000 km

Competitors: Acura TL, Audi A4, Cadillac CTS, Lexus ES, Volvo S60