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2011 Lincoln MKS EcoBoost AWD Review

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Michel Deslauriers
Powerfully anonymous
The EcoBoost AWD model doesn’t skimp on features – especially safety features. The $6,500 EcoBoost Vision Package includes adaptive cruise control, a forward collision warning system and active park assist, the latter being a neat feature that parallel parks the car all by itself (under your supervision, of course).

Two turbos make a V8
Ford’s idea of engine downsizing is replacing a good old V8 by a V6 with twin turbos. In this case, the 3.5L EcoBoost engine produces 355 horsepower and 350 lb.-ft of torque. It’s all managed by a 6-speed automatic that also features clumsy wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Zero to 100 km/h takes roughly 6.5 seconds.

The powerful MKS can run circles around any previous V8-powered Lincolns, but we wonder if customers might cringe at the fact that you can no longer get a V8-powered Lincoln. Then again, maybe not.

The twin-turbo V6 develops 355 horsepower and 350 lb.-ft of torque. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre/Auto123.com)

Fuel consumption is rated at 12.5L/100km around town and 8.1L/100km on the highway. Unless you’re riding highways all the time, don’t except a combined average of under 11L/100km.

The car’s platform which was, ahem, borrowed from Volvo during Ford’s ownership, underpins several other models in the company’s portfolio including the Taurus. That isn’t a bad thing, as the MKS is smooth, stable, confident at speed, and can handle itself nicely when the driver decides to put the pedal to the metal.

MKS or Taurus SHO?
Although they don’t look the same, mechanically, they’re pretty similar. Which one would you choose? The MKS EcoBoost AWD lists for $53,000, while the Taurus SHO carries a $48,199 sticker. Personally, I’d go for the Lincoln for its more subdued looks, its less massive instrument panel and centre console, as well as the fact that there are less of them on the road.

Yet at $63,000 as tested before taxes, freight and delivery charges, the MKS sets foot in a territory occupied by the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the Audi A6 and the BMW 5 Series. However, some people might prefer a lightly equipped, less-powerful German luxury sedan over a loaded, muscular American sedan.

The Lincoln MKS is all about power and luxury for the introverted, which isn’t a bad thing. However, we suspect most buyers in this car category have some showing off to do which can be challenging in this Lincoln, no matter how many horses are lurking under the hood.

2011 Lincoln MKS AWD EcoBoost
lincoln mks 2011
2011 Lincoln MKS AWD EcoBoost
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2011 Lincoln MKT AWD EcoBoost
lincoln mkt 2011
2011 Lincoln MKT AWD EcoBoost
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Michel Deslauriers
Michel Deslauriers
Automotive expert
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