2014 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid Road Test

The 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid sedan is expected to debut with the highest EPA mileage ratings of any luxury brand vehicle available in the United States.

Expected at Lincoln dealerships by late September 2010, the MKZ Hybrid will share its gasoline-electric powertrain and most of its mechanical components with the current Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrid models. The five-passenger, midsize MKZ Hybrid will be distinguished from its corporate siblings by unique Lincoln styling, richer luxury appointments and a lot more standard features.

MKZ Hybrid is expected to rate an EPA-estimated 41 mpg City/36 mpg Highway. Though larger and slightly more powerful, the MKZ Hybrid beats its most obvious competitor, the Lexus HS 250h, by 6 mpg City and 2 mpg Highway, based on EPA ratings.

The front-drive MKZ Hybrid is about the same size as the rear-drive Mercedes-Benz E-Class or Lexus GS sedans, and a bit larger the Lexus HS 250h hybrid. It has seating for five, as opposed to four in the Prius-based HS 250h, with quite a bit more interior volume.

The MKZ Hybrid is powered by a 2.5 liter four-cylinder gasoline engine generating 156 horsepower and a 40-hp electric motor, matched to an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission, or CVT. Its engine operates on what engineers call the Atkinson Cycle, which typically sacrifices a bit of power for improved fuel economy. Together, the MKZ's engine and motor can deliver a combined peak of 191 hp.

As it is with many hybrid vehicles, the MKZ's gas engine will provide most of the brute acceleration and sustain travel at freeway speeds. The electric motor supplements the engine under hard acceleration and powers the car on its own at lower, low-load speeds, drawing power from the on-board battery pack. Yet the MKZ Hybrid will be able to operate on just the electric motor at speeds up to 47 mph, according to Lincoln engineers. Other current hybrids can't operate on just electricity past 25-28 mph.

Inside, the MKZ Hybrid seats four adults comfortably, five in a pitch. It's trimmed in either walnut or Olive Ash wood and its seats are upholstered with Bridge of Weir leather, supplied by a tannery in Scotland that hand rubs the hides and mills them for extended periods without using chromium.

The MKZ will feature more noise and vibration countermeasures than the Ford Fusion Hybrid, and it should be smoother and quieter on the road. Those anti-noise measures include an acoustic laminated windshield, which sandwiches a layer of sound-absorbent vinyl between two sheets of safety glass. All MKZ Hybrids will come with heated and cooled front seats and an advanced version of Ford's MyKey proximity key. It allows parents to limit top speed and audio level before handing the car key to teen drivers. Other standard features will include 10-way power front seats with memory, a back-up warning system, cap-less fuel filler neck and the latest version of Ford's Sync voice-operation system. The new Sync includes audible text read-back, vehicle diagnostic reports and concierge and emergency services.

A special gauge package called SmartGauge with EcoGuide provides real-time information to help maximize fuel efficiency, and coaches drivers on how to optimize hybrid performance. In the MKZ, it includes flower icons that grow as a driver improves fuel efficiency skills.

The 2011 MKZ Hybrid should be available nationally early in the fall of 2010. Expect a base price a tick under $40,000, with a full load of options such as navigation, audio and wheel upgrades adding $5,000-$6,000.