But that's not all, of course. The windshield wipers automatically activate and adjust to rain/snow density thanks to an infrared device. Meanwhile, the Intelligent Access system with push-button start allows the owner to unlock the doors and start the engine without a key -- a first at Lincoln.
New engine
The 2009 Lincoln MKS also gets a new 3.7L Duratec V6. Derived from the Ford Taurus' 3.5L unit, it produces 273 horsepower and 270 pounds-feet of torque. My brief road test resulted in an average fuel economy of about 11 liters per 100 kilometers.
Power is sent to the front (or optionally, four) wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift. To this date, only the Lincoln LS (dismissed in 2004) had offered an autobox with a manual mode.
This time around, Ford came up with a variant of the Taurus' platform (which itself is a variant of the Volvo XC90's), including a new rear suspension offering improved damping ratios. The front suspension is also upgraded.
Lexus-like comfort
The interior quietness of the MKS almost elevates the car to the ranks of Lexus. The automaker used thick, laminated glass for the windshield and side windows, as well as sound-deadening materials in the floor and roof. With such a serene environment, occupants are able to fully enjoy the sound quality of the 16-speaker, THX-II Certified surround audio system.
The driving position is excellent and easy to find thanks to the 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat. The latter is also prominently bolstered for great support in corners. Both front seats are heated and cooled, which makes the MKS a true all-season car. The rear bench seat is also heated, something not too many competitors can brag about. It's a shame, though, that rear-seat access is made harder by the high step and swooping C-pillars.
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| The 2009 Lincoln MKS gets a new 3.7L Duratec V6, which is derived from the Ford Taurus' 3.5L unit. |
New engine
The 2009 Lincoln MKS also gets a new 3.7L Duratec V6. Derived from the Ford Taurus' 3.5L unit, it produces 273 horsepower and 270 pounds-feet of torque. My brief road test resulted in an average fuel economy of about 11 liters per 100 kilometers.
Power is sent to the front (or optionally, four) wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift. To this date, only the Lincoln LS (dismissed in 2004) had offered an autobox with a manual mode.
This time around, Ford came up with a variant of the Taurus' platform (which itself is a variant of the Volvo XC90's), including a new rear suspension offering improved damping ratios. The front suspension is also upgraded.
Lexus-like comfort
The interior quietness of the MKS almost elevates the car to the ranks of Lexus. The automaker used thick, laminated glass for the windshield and side windows, as well as sound-deadening materials in the floor and roof. With such a serene environment, occupants are able to fully enjoy the sound quality of the 16-speaker, THX-II Certified surround audio system.
The driving position is excellent and easy to find thanks to the 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat. The latter is also prominently bolstered for great support in corners. Both front seats are heated and cooled, which makes the MKS a true all-season car. The rear bench seat is also heated, something not too many competitors can brag about. It's a shame, though, that rear-seat access is made harder by the high step and swooping C-pillars.
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| The interior stands out thanks to a combination of rich materials: leather, highly textured plastics, chrome/aluminum trim pieces as well as ebony or olive ash wood appliqués. |