Auto123.com - Helping you drive happy

2009 Lincoln MKS AWD Review

|
Obtain the best financial rate for your car loan at Automobile En DirectSpeedy
Justin Pritchard
Lincoln's new flagship big on luxury-car value
Lincoln's just set a new contender off into the luxury market to compete with the likes of BMW, Audi, Cadillac and Lexus for your posh-sedan dollar. Their latest is called the MKS- and it ousts the brands MKZ from top place in the Lincoln sedan lineup.

The tester featured automation or motorization of every feature imaginable.

Great new looks
Stand-out looks are created by an imposing stance, large alloy wheels and a fantastic looking fascia with a metal-blade grille treatment. The grille doesn't integrate into the hood at its top, but seeps out from underneath it- as though it's escaping from beneath the MKS's skin. Same idea for the fog-lamp surrounds. Very cool looking.

Xenon lighting, dual exhaust and a dual-pane sunroof complete the package, which rolls on a sporty-looking set of 19-inch alloys.

Laid back power and handling
At writing, it was available solely powered by a 3.7 litre V6, dispensing 270 horsepower to the front, or optionally all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. The gearbox has finally sprouted a manual-mode, too.

MKS can get thirsty when pushed, consuming as much as 15L / 100km during city driving- though the overall test average settled to about 12L / 100km.

The engine is mild-mannered and pleasant, delivering acceleration that's swift though not breathtaking while hustling around the MKS's huge body. Some may wish for a bit more off-the-line thrust, though a twin-turbo 'EcoBoost' V6 engine is on the way soon- seriously.

There's no manual transmission available, and the MKS uses a front-drive-based setup unlike its more nimble rear-drive-based competitors. It's thus no surprise that the Lincoln favors a laid back and luxurious driving experience in place of agile handling and razor sharp steering.

Ride and handling: comfort first
In corners, MKS doesn't try to break the laws of physics or put on a show like a 5-Series- though as a rolling lounge, it's got the ride nailed almost squarely on the head.

There's no manual transmission available, and the MKS uses a front-drive-based setup.
Justin Pritchard
Justin Pritchard
Automotive expert
None