Next Generation Lincoln MKZ Hopes to Get By on Style and Luxury

Lincoln thinks that it has found its new niche. In the late 90s, Lincoln was nearly there. It was positioned as Ford's mid-tier luxury brand - nicer than a Ford but not as high-end as a Jaguar. The LS exemplified this strategy with its highest trim using the Jaguar AJ V8. This period in Lincoln's existence was extremely brief. As soon as it had gotten its feet under itself, Ford sold Jaguar, and Lincoln's brand confusion returned. Since then, Lincoln has been little more than an expensive trim package on Ford models. Buyers might get some leather and a better stereo, but under the skin, it was still just a Ford. 

Finally, Ford has realized the error in its ways, and the new Lincoln MKZ that will debut at the New York Auto Show will be the first that shows the brand's new pillars of style and luxury. Think of this car as the automotive equivalent of Mad Men. It is looking back to the 60s in a thoroughly modern way. 

“The new Lincoln MKZ represents the future of Lincoln in both style and substance. It is proof of our commitment to deliver a new breed of Lincolns for a new generation of Lincoln clients – motor cars that are distinctive, elegant, full of technology and a delight to own,” said Jim Farley, Ford Group Vice President for Sales and Service. 

The new MKZ is being marketed as a car that emphasizes technology, style and luxury. Lincoln claims that it is the first car to be designed by a dedicated team at the Lincoln design studio. Looking at the state of the Lincoln brand, maybe it should have tried that a while ago. It is offering technology that has not been available in past Lincolns like lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, park assist and blind spot monitor. Sync with My Lincoln Touch is standard and incorporates navigation, radio controls and voice recognition. One of the new MKZ's biggest party pieces is its optional panoramic, retractable sunroof. Measuring 15.2ft². It is among the largest of any car available today. 

It is calling the styling of the MKZ “elegant simplicity.” It has a relatively unadorned front end with a grill inspired by the Lincoln Zephyr. It offers a long, sweeping roof with large windshield and rear glass with a very short trunk. The headlights and tail lights are all LED-powered.

Inside, things are equally simple and high-end. The gear selection is moved to a series of buttons on the dashboard, and there are no other buttons on the center stack, just places to touch

Lincoln will offer buyers the choice of three engines in the MKZ. There is a 2.0l Ecoboost, four-cylinder engine with 240hp and 270lb-ft rated at 22mpg city and 33mpg highway; a 3.7l V6 with 300hp and 277lb-ft of torque that is rated at 18mpg city and 26mpg highway; and a 2.0l hybrid four-cylinder engine with a total combined power of 188hp, which Ford has not yet revealed total torque figures or fuel economy for. The Ecoboost and V6 engines get a six-speed automatic transmission and are available with either front- or all-wheel drive, and the hybrid uses a CVT and is only available with front-wheel drive. 

For a smoother ride, the MKZ comes standard with active dampening and Active Noise Control

The MKZ will be on sale later this year. Lincoln has not yet announced a price.