Vehicle: 2009 Lincoln MKS FWD with Interior Aluminum Applique Pkg and Vision Pkg
Price as tested: CDN$51999

Performance: During initial introduction, Lincoln only launched one powertrain for the MKS. This is an upgraded version of Ford’s Duratec DOHC 24-valve V6 family, a modified version of the proven 3.5 liter. In the MKS, its a 3.7 liter with upgraded internal components for an additional 200 liters of displacement. In this case, it has 273 horses and 270 lb/ft of torque at driver’s disposal. When it comes to engine refinement and smoothness, this application has to be the best I have driven among all the Duratecs over the years. Its quiet and smooth enough to wear Lincoln nameplate, its also smooth and refined enough to put MKS into Lexus territory. The isolation Lincoln engineered through the MKS is impressive, as it is as quiet as a church during idle. One would be mistaken the engine has turned off with the level of quietness. The other carmaker that is able to produce engine that is as dead quiet is Lexus, which is what this MKS is targeting right at the beginning. Performance wise, 273 hoses is capable enough to motivate MKS’s 4151lb curb weight. Although the upcoming twin-turbo version would make this ride happier especially if its mated with intelligent AWD, which weighting in at over 4300lb in this 3.7 liter guise. 270 lb/ft of torque is decent if not spectcular for this pig. If not because of the excellent 6-speed automatic’s low 1st gear ratio, MKS would be quite a sluggish launch. Thankfully, both 5 and 6th gears are tall enough for quiet, comfortable highway cruising. Manumatic shifting is also good enough to push this beast through paces better. If you are looking for pure performance aspect, the upcoming twin-turbo is worth the wait.

Handling: MKS is based on a modified version of Ford’s Taurus platform, which, on the other hand, is a modified version of Volvo’s large car platform sharing with S80 and V70. As we have talked trillion times in the past, the single biggest shortfall of this platform has to be its wide turn-radius. Its an non-issue if you live on countryside but spoken huge problem in downtown LA traffic. Otherwise, the chassis is sound and solid, which is exactly what a competitive Lincoln needs. Consider Lincoln’s attempt to put MKS as more of a comfortable luxury cruiser than a capable handler, its driving dynamic is a pleasant surprise. Yes, the steering is featherweight and feedback is artificial. But its good enough for MKS’s target audience and its immediate competition. The suspension is soft, however, it absorbs bumps with authority as it doesn’t feel as floaty as one expects. Thanks to this European-derived chassis, the ride control has a sense of suppleness and firmness never found in previous Lincolns. There remain lots of up and down motions but everything has been well composed, its not something we used to be associate with this brand. There are plenty of understeer when pushed and Lincoln’s AdvanceTrac stability control acts instrusively when driven crazily into a hairpin. But all those are forgiven as its ride and handling compromise are good enough to tackle Lexus ES350, which is what exactly the MKS is going for.

Brakes: With 4-wheel discs and standard ABS, MKS’s braking feel and modulation are another delightful surprise. The pedal doesn’t have Lincoln’s previous dead-on-the-metal feedback, its also good to modulated. ABS only kicks in at the right time.

Interior: The biggest disappointment with MKS’s interior is the lack of a proper fold-down rear seats. You only got a ski pass through. Lincoln claims it would sacifice chassis stiffness. If Volvo is able to afford a fold down rear seats from S80 to XC70 riding on the same chassis, why not Lincoln?

Otherwise, MKS’s interior is a very nice place to be. In the past, Lincoln interior is an ergonomic disaster with tiny buttons placed elsewhere. In the MKS, everything else is ergonomically placed. Everything else from an effective climate control to navigation system with back-up camera, which optional with our Vision Package, are easy to use. The use of plastic and leather materials are classy and elegance. We are very pleased with the use of the soft leather hides that matched well with MKS’s quiet interior. The use of wood trim and color coordination are another praise worth of mentioned. Instead of feeling drab and boring, MKS has a tasteful break between them.

The back seat is spacious and comfortable. Its also nice enough to have rear heated seats which is a welcome feature in cold weather.

Conclusion: Without a doubt, the MKS is the best Lincoln ever made. It has broken the Lincoln norm of being a boring landyatch, once associates with TownCar and Navigator, to being a sophiscated highway cruiser. Its packaging is attractive enough to pit it against Lexus, which is a company famous for making floaty highway cruiser with lots of kits. If you want more power, the upcoming twin-turbo version is worthy of waiting for.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2009 Lincoln MKS
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Performance: 3/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 2/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 2/5
Value-for-money: 3/5

Overall rating: 3/5