The traditional full-size Lincoln lives on in the MKS, a luxury sedan that places comfort and convenience above all-out performance. Park the MKS next to any comparably priced car, and there's no denying you get a lot of substance for your money. Buyers who measure a car's worth in features and inches will be suitably impressed.
What's New for 2016
The MKS is essentially unchanged.
Choosing Your Lincoln MKS
The front-drive MKS starts out with a 3.7-liter V6 that produces 305 horsepower and a six-speed automatic transmission. The available twin-turbo 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 achieves 365 horsepower and takes the MKS from zero to 60 mph in just 5.8 seconds. All-wheel drive comes standard with the Ecoboost and is available with the base V6. It's worth noting that the MKS offers more trunk space than just about any other luxury sedan.
Every MKS benefits from a healthy load of standard equipment, even for this class. All examples carry an adaptive suspension system, remote start, a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, a leather interior with heated and ventilated front seats, Bluetooth phone and audio, a built-in WiFi hotspot, and a 10-speaker sound system with satellite radio. You also get the MyLincoln Touch infotainment interface and adaptive xenon headlamps with automatic high beam control.
Trim levels vary in mechanical aspects only:
- 3.7 FWD: Carries the 3.7-liter V6, front-wheel drive, and 19-inch alloy wheels.
- 3.7 AWD: Adds all-wheel drive to the above.
- EcoBoost AWD: Gets the more powerful EcoBoost engine, standard all-wheel drive, and 20-inch wheels.
All versions can get the Elite package, which includes multicontour massaging front seats, a navigation system, power adjustable pedals, a power rear sunshade, extended wood interior trim, and a 16-speaker surround-sound system with HD radio. In terms of safety, you get blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
Models so equipped are eligible for a Cold Weather package, which adds a heated steering wheel and heated rear seats. You can also spring for a Technology package with adaptive cruise control, frontal collision warning, lane keeping assist, and an automated parking system.
Individual options are limited to a dual-panel sunroof and 20-inch wheels for non-EcoBoost models.
The MKS is priced like a compact luxury sedan despite its full size. However, selecting the EcoBoost AWD adds a hefty $7,000 to the base price. Unless performance is a prime consideration, we'd stick with the 3.7-liter to preserve the MKS's value proposition.