2010 Lincoln MKS (802)

Overview:

This week we’re looking at the 2010 Lincoln MKS large sedan. Well I gotta tell you this was a neat car to drive. Like Batman you find yourself asking where do they get all these neat toys.

But when you use them you have to be amazed at the technology revolution. Everyone is designing something extraordinary and I’m reminded this is a Ford product and these guys are good, not just because they did it the old fashioned way – they earned it, but because they were responsible while other car companies needed a bail out. Ford had character and said NO. I’d like to think they said “Hell NO!”

I’m proud of you Ford guys. You’re making Henry proud.

The Lincoln Story

Lincoln has a long history of building luxury vehicles for the American marketplace. A division of the Ford Motor Co., Lincoln differentiates its vehicle lineup, which includes cars and SUVs, from their more pedestrian cousins with unique styling, luxurious interiors and more powerful engines. Henry Leland, the auto parts maker who founded Cadillac, produced the first Lincolns in 1920. Two years later, the company was purchased by Henry and Edsel Ford. In 1945 Lincoln-Mercury was established, and has been a staple in the American-made luxury segment ever since. According to the automaker, it has produced more than 7 million vehicles since 1920.

Handling & Performance:

This Lincoln combines Luxury with performance. Well, this is the first V-6 direct-injection twin-turbocharged engine produced in North America that is designed to deliver up to a 20 percent improvement in fuel economy without sacrificing performance. They say it is equivalent to a 4.6 liter normally aspirated V8 engine. I agree. And it does that with noticeably better fuel economy.

Styling:

This has got to be one of the best ever styles out of Lincoln. They have not always set themselves apart with Lincoln’s presence on the highway. But they are back with the newest lineup of product. I like it a lot.

Fit and Finish:

Very good.

Cost:

Hyundai, Chrysler, Toyota, Volvo and Lincoln came to play. They are the best of the rest as Greta says. Surely they are the most competitive and I’ve driven them all and this Lincoln is a top contender. . . and I’m not particularly a Ford guy.

Conveniences and comfort:

This is a big comfortable riding car and it isn’t surprising I found myself going much too fast at times. That’s where technology can help I slowed it down the “Smart Cruise” way. The radar sensing cruise control is better than ever. It is so transparent you begin to rely on it to do the watching you simply can’t do when driving . No one is perfect and you can take your eyes off the road for a split second and bam.

But the real show stopper is the automatic Parallel Parking feature. This is simply very very cool mostly because it works so very very well. And you can’t even use it on your driving test. Why? Because they don’t require you to parallel park to pass the test any longer. Say what?

Finally I also enjoy the simplicity of the “Hands Free” Cell phone blue tooth feature that is built in. It works flawlessly. And the “Capless” fuel filler is a simple thing but all I can say is thanks Ford. Nice.

Consumer Recommendation:

See Cost above and start there is price is a consideration.

Recognized Competition:

Lincoln MKS $41-48,000, Acura RL $47-54,000, Acura TL $35-43,000, Audi A6 $45-59,000, BMW 5 Series $46-61,000, Cadillac DTS $46-59,000, Cadillac STS $47-70,000, Chrysler 300 $27-45,000, Hyundai GenesisCoupe $22-32,000, Hyundai Genesis $33-40,000, Infiniti M $46-55,000, Jaguar XF Series $51-79,000, Lexus GS $46-54,000, Lexus GS 450h $57,450, Mercedes CLS Class $72-98,000, Mercedes-Benz E-Class $48-86,000, Toyota Avalon $28-35,000, Volvo S60 $33-36,000 Volvo S80 $39-51,000.

Good News:

Neat toys (features), well priced luxury in look and feel and comfort and good fuel economy for a large car.

Bad News:

Naturally you get a little paranoid when there is all this press about Toyota, Nissan and even some Ford products with electrical problems. You wonder when the hammer will fall on another automaker. Well, it didn’t happen on this Lincoln but there were a couple of times the Cruise cut out and displayed a message that it required “Driver Intervention”. In other words the computer didn’t like something and said you got it. Well it was simply an inconvenience and it kept running fine.

Standard Equipment:

3.5 liter ECO boost 355 hp V6 engine, 5-speed manual trans, electronic stability control, front & side airbags, post crash alert system, tire pressure monitor, remote keyless entry & anti-theft, LATCH child safety system, power windows, locks and mirrors, leather seating and leather wrapped tilt steering wheel, cruise control, power driver 6-way seat, manual 2-way front passenger seat, air conditioning, Shaker 500 audio system with in-dash 6-CD/MP3 player, SYNC voice activated system, auto headlights, fog lights, stainless steel dual exhaust, rear window defroster, rear deck lid spoiler, power cloth convertible top, easy fuel cap-less filler.

Gas Stats:

$2.97/ Gal avg. March 9 ‘10

www.fueleconomy.gov

for more information.

17 City and 25 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $47,760.