2009 Lincoln MKS - Lincoln's New Trademark Sedan

The Lincoln MKS is all new for 2009, and it is a perfect representation of the new direction Lincoln is taking; the MKS is a luxury full-size sedan with its sights set on the younger market.  That is, at least by Lincoln's standards.  The MKS is simply grand; it combines elegance, Lincoln's rich history of luxury, and new and modern technology.   The MKS offers a muscular, long body and is trimmed with gleaming chrome highlights, giving it the flash of a thoroughbred American sedan.  Its cabin is just as good, this sedan has class-leading roominess in the rear compartment. The styling and materials throughout are of quality such as elegant standard-equipment leather upholstery. The 2009 MKS offers unprecedented real-time, real-world onboard communications. Lincoln's Next-Generation Navigation System with Sirius Travel Link allows the switched-on owner to control vast audio programming resources, follow threatening regional weather patterns in real-time, stay informed about traffic jams ahead, keep up on the latest sports scores and find movie listings and start times. The main downside to the MKS is that is does have some cheap controls, and it does not come with rear-wheel drive.  On the other hand, the 2009 sedan is lower price compared to other midsize luxury sedans, it's got a lot of standard features, and its technology is useful and easily useable.  The EPA fuel economy for the Lincoln MKS is 16 - 17mpg for the city and 23 - 24 mpg on the highway.  It has a starting MSRP of $38,490 - $40,380.

MKS Power

The MKS only powertrain is a 3.7-liter V-6 makes 273 hp and 270 pounds-feet of torque. It works with a six-speed automatic transmission.  Later this year the MKS should be available with an optional turbocharged, direct-injection V-6 that promises V-8-like power.

Driving the 2009 MKS 

The MKS excels on the highway, but it feels heavy and not so smooth in tight city conditions. Its moderately high steering effort inspires confidence on the highway, but rewards the driver with little information when driving in the backcountry.  Its four-valve 3.7-liter V6 produces an ample 273 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, more than enough to deliver long, effortless service life at highway speeds. Accelerating from a standing start, the package is above average.  Given the MKS's stand-up character, the choice of engine and performance seems just right. For a daily commuter who has a lot of highway travel, the MKS is perfect.

Lincoln Design

On the outside the MKS makes generous use of chrome highlighting, supported by understated side sculpting in profile view.  The MKS is available in a new paint finish called Tuxedo Black Metallic. This black is similar to a metallic finish, except that in place of metallic flecks in the paint, it features brilliant, tiny flecks of glass. It's difficult to tell the MKS is related to the Taurus, as Lincoln has done quite a bit to differentiate its version. Styling elements include Lincoln's new waterfall grille, cut by a vertical strip with Lincoln's crossbar logo. The thin, horizontal headlights look a lot like the ones on an Acura TL.  The MKS, with its overall length of 204.1 inches and dignified height of 61.6 inches, is a fully sized luxury sedan.

Inside the 2009 MKS

The MKS gives second-row riders excellent space; in fact there is as much legroom in the rear as there is in the front.  The rear-seat cushions, while soft and comfortable, are not terribly supportive, but the rear seatbacks more than make up for this.  Big buttons on the center stack made operating the HVAC (heating/air conditioning) and audio systems easy. Inside, the MKS' interior comes with lots of leather; it covers the seats, door panels and dashboard. The center controls flow seamlessly toward a center tunnel that supports the gearshift and two independently adjustable armrests. Lincoln etches its name below the climate controls. The front seat cushion and particularly the backrest provide steadying lateral support. Long-range driving comfort is good and the fit and quality of the leather is excellent. Visibility is similarly excellent from the driving position.

Lineup Features

The Lincoln MKS ($38,465) is available in only one model. All-wheel drive ($1890) is optional. Four option packages are available:

The Navigation Package ($2995) adds voice-activated DVD navigation system, THX II w.5.1 premium surround-sound audio, and a rearview camera. The Technology Package ($1115) upgrades with adaptive headlamps with auto high beam, rain-sensing wipers, forward sensing parking-aid system, rear-window power sunshade, and intelligent access with push-button start. The Ultimate Package ($5715) includes the Technology package, Navigation package, dual-panel moonroof, 19-inch premium painted wheels, Ultimate seating trim with seat color-keyed suede strip in the center of the seatbacks and an embroidered Lincoln Star logo on the front headrests. The Aluminum Applique Package ($195) features aluminum instrument panel applique, leather shift knob, leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Summary

Lincoln's new flagship sedan will compete with other luxury sedans such as the Acura RL, Infiniti M and Cadillac STS. To read more about how the MKS performs, read a Lincoln MKS First Drive.  One of the MKS's biggest benefits is its cabin roominess. It is also loaded with features and has a lower starting price than direct competition.  Safety features include dual-stage front airbags plus seat-mounted side airbags for head and torso protection, as well as safety-belt pretensioners and load-limiting retractors. Active safety features include anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control, standard.  The Lincoln MKS is best at a highway cruiser and excels in this department. To see the unveiling of this Lincoln model, view the Lincoln MKS at the Detroit Auto Show.