Lincoln MKS

PREVIEW

SPECIFICATIONS

1. The new MKS gets more power and better fuel economy than the 2012 model with the 3.7L V6 making 304-hp and delivering 18/27 mpg (FWD) or 18/26 mpg (AWD). 2. Exterior updates include LED taillights, new 19- and 20-inch wheels and an all-new front grille. 3. Inside the MKS replaces conventional knobs and buttons with a new MyLincoln Touch screen and redesigned center stack. 4. Added tech features include a redesigned center stack with MyLincoln Touch, as well as the optional Lane Keeping Aid that will warn the driver and even add torque to the steering to pull the car back into its lane. 5. The Lincoln Drive Control allows for adjustment from Comfort to Sport of the car’s throttle response, steering feel, shift points and even suspension firmness.

Known primarily for their luxuriously soft ride and excellent comfort, design and power are two qualities that have not been at the forefront of what goes into a Lincoln vehicle for some time. However, things are changing in the world of this high-class American car manufacturer.

Stepping out of the shadow of Lincoln's classic Town Car, the newly released MKS is refreshed for 2013 with improved horsepower, better fuel economy, larger brakes, upgraded technology and cabin features along with updated styling.

EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR

If the grille comes as a shock outside, the impact-piece inside the 2013 MKS is an all-new instrument panel with the ultra modern MyLincoln Touch system. Improved since its launch it still requires a significant amount of practice and focused attention. Although the screen fonts are larger and bolder, it's not enough and the system can still overwhelm the driver with options and icons, making the search for rudimentary items like climate adjustment and audio tuning a tedious process.Distinguished yet accessible the new MKS is conservatively styled, apart from the new front grille. Aimed at making a statement, it achieves the goal of getting Lincoln noticed, though perhaps not in the right way. Along with that new design piece, the 2013 MKS gets a new hood and front fenders, as well as HID headlights, LED taillights, redesigned exhaust tips and 19- or available 20-inch wheels. The rear decklid has also been redesigned, as has access to the trunk, making it easier to get objects into the cavernous 19.2 fu-ft space.

On the plus side, the MKS can become a Wi-Fi hot spot when linked-up to a data-enabled smartphone. Passengers can get online on either their tablets or laptops courtesy of the Wi-Fi provided. However, what might seem like a helpful feature can instantly escalate the data usage, not to mention a sizeable monthly bill.

The dash is further updated with a single speedometer cluster with neighboring LCD panels displaying information such as rpm output, fuel economy, audio controls and navigation directions. For Lincoln’s parent company Ford, technology is as important as safety, comfort and performance. 

Helping keep the cabin luxuriously quiet are additional noise barriers and absorbers located in the front wheel wells, under the hood and in the trunk. Redesigned exterior rearview mirrors also reduce wind noise. 

Inside the cabin is tailored to be more cozy than engaging, though it’s hard to complain about the leather seating surfaces from Bridge of Weir, known for luxurious trims found in jets and yachts.

Seating in the new MKS is adaptive with standard climate controlled 12-way adjustable heated cooled bucket front seats, adjustable foot pedals and a heated power tilt/telescoping steering wheel. Designed to be a bonus to the front seats is a massage setting that is unfortunately distracting while driving and not really user-friendly to operate.

                                 

UNDER THE HOOD

Under the hood, the MKS engine options are either a 3.7-liter V6 or a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6. Drivers already pleased with the car’s horsepower delivery will enjoy the newly increased 304 horsepower at 6500 rpm versus the previous 274 horsepower in the standard 3.7L V6. The updated EcoBoost V6 produces 10 units more than the previous model making 365 horsepower at 5500 rpm and delivering 350 lb-ft of torque. Accompanying improved horsepower is better fuel economy bringing the MKS’s new EPA-estimated numbers to 18-mpg in the city and 27-mpg on the highway for the FWD V6, 18/26 for the AWD V6 and 17/25 for the turbocharged AWD V6.

Helping improve overall driving feel and move away from the steer-it-with-your-finger Lincolns of old is an updated electric steering system with a quick gear ratio to speed up response by 25 percent. While a comfort oriented ride, the MKS can surprise thanks to a Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD) system that monitors and adjusts the suspension settings up to 500 times per second delivering an even more engaging drive.

The CCD setup is integrated into Lincoln's Drive Control feature that allows the car to easily adapt to your driving mood. Gear selector options like 'Drive' and 'Sport' change-up the firmness, as well as shift points, throttle sensitivity, steering response and even the level of interference by the traction and stability control systems.